What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gum Disease and Children
• Gum Disease in Kids

What is Gum Disease in Children? (Definition/Background Information)

• Gum disease is a common oral condition that involves the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues of the mouth. The onset of this bacterial infection is typically due to the accumulation of plaque on teeth and gums, caused by poor dental hygiene
• The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, while the severe infectious form is called periodontitis. This condition is destructive and can even lead to bone involvement, tooth loss, and other systemic complications
• Children are generally not known to have severe gum diseases; but, early/mild forms of gum disease are frequently observed in both boys and girls. The commonly observed types of Gum Disease in Children include:
  • Chronic gingivitis: Recurrent (early) gum disease results in chronic gingivitis with symptoms that include swollen and bleeding gums
  • Aggressive periodontitis: These are mostly observed in children having no underlying health conditions (i.e., with healthy immune system) and are of two types - localized (seen in teens) and generalized (seen around puberty in young children). Both types can cause severe dental damage including tooth loss in the absence of early appropriate treatment
• In general, the predisposing factors for gum disease include certain underlying conditions, genetic susceptibility, reduced immunity, hormonal imbalances (such as during puberty), nutritional deficiencies, and diabetes
• Children with gum disease may exhibit symptoms such as swollen gums, bleeding while flossing/brushing, bad breath, and receding gums that expose the roots of teeth. The American Academy of Periodontology identifies these 4 symptoms in children as precursors (warning signs) to periodontal disease
• A dental professional may be able to diagnose the infection and weakened gums during an oral examination. Some imaging techniques may be used to ascertain the damage extent to teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue
• The treatment for Gum Disease in Children may range from routine oral cleaning to medication, and the application of dental sealants. With early and adequate treatment, the prognosis of the condition is mostly excellent. However, in children with aggressive periodontitis, the prognosis is difficult to predict

Who gets Gum Disease in Children? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Any child (boy or girl) may be affected by gum disease, since it is mainly caused by poor dental hygiene and care
• Localized aggressive periodontitis is seen in older children and teens (including young adults), while generalized aggressive periodontitis affects pubertal children (between ages 9 to 14 years)
• Currently, no studies report Gum Disease in Children to be more prevalent among a particular racial or ethnic group

What are the Risk Factors for Gum Disease in Children? (Predisposing Factors)

The common risk factors for Gum Disease in Children include:

• Poor oral habits: This facilitates bacterial growth in the mouth thereby increasing the risk for developing gum disease
• Early form of gum disease (or gingivitis), which is left untreated
• Children with diabetes (predominately type 1 diabetes)
• Conditions causing hormonal imbalance in the body including puberty and menstruation. Puberty causes elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen (sex hormones) in the body, leading to greater blood flow to the gums
• Certain diseases and disorders such as heart diseases and rheumatoid arthritis
• Individuals with cancer
• Use of certain medications including those that are prescribed for heart and neurological conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Genetic susceptibility: Some individuals have a higher risk for gum disease due to their genetic make-up
• HIV infection causing weak immune function makes one more at risk for gingivitis
• Obesity and excessive stress
• Bruxism: A condition in which individuals tend to grind their teeth
• Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco
• Use of illegal substances

Note: Aggressive periodontitis is typically seen in children with normal immunity and no underlying conditions are known to be associated with it.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Gum Disease in Children? (Etiology)

The main cause of Gum Disease in Children is infection of the gum, teeth, and surrounding tissue.

• This leads to plaque buildup on the affected teeth (or tooth). When this plaque is left on the teeth for extended periods of time, it hardens, and bacteria in the mouth start to release toxins that damage the gums
• Over time as the plaque builds up, pockets form between the teeth and gums that lead to deeper infection of the gums
• Eventually, this infection spreads to the ligaments and bone in the mouth causing degradation of these structures resulting in advanced form of gum disease (periodontitis)

Chronic gingivitis is the result of inadequate treatment of gum disease, or it develops when the initial symptoms of gingivitis are ignored. While, a set of diverse factors that include one’s genetic make-up, oral microbiology, and other host factors may be responsible for the formation of aggressive periodontitis.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease in Children?

The signs and symptoms associated with Gum Disease in Children include:

• Bleeding from the gums (especially during brushing and flossing)
• Inflammation of gums (redness and swelling)
• Receding gums
• Bad breath that stays even after brushing one’s teeth

Presence of the above four symptoms are said to be strong indicators of early Gum Disease in Children. Apart from these, the following may be present:

• Easy bleeding from gums
• Abnormal taste in the mouth
• Abnormal teeth with gaps in between them; having loose teeth
• Pus buildup between the teeth and gums
• Toothache
• Localized aggressive periodontitis, usually confined to the incisors and first molars, is found to show minor amounts of plaque formation
• While, generalized aggressive periodontitis affects the complete oral cavity region (entire mouth), and show significant buildup of dental plaque and tartar

How is Gum Disease in Children Diagnosed?

The diagnostic tests for Gum Disease in Children may involve the following:

• An oral specialist (dental professional) will examine the symptoms and perform a physical exam on the mouth
• The specialist will look for plaque and tartar buildup and check how tender and how easily the gums bleed
• A thorough analysis of the individual’s medical history is undertaken
• X-rays of the jaw, head, and neck area can be taken to detect the extent of teeth and bony involvement, which is caused by the inflammation
• An MRI scan or CT scan of the head and neck region can be used to detect the extent of damage to the jaw, head, and neck

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Gum Disease in Children?

The possible complications associated with Gum Disease in Children include:

• Loss of teeth
• Recurrence of gum disease
• Localized aggressive periodontitis may show extensive loss and destruction of bone structure supporting teeth (alveolar bone)

How is Gum Disease in Children Treated?

There are many treatment options available for Gum Disease in Children. The main goal of the treatment is to avoid further damage to the affected region. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of aggressive periodontitis to prevent permanent damage to oral cavity tissues and bones is necessary.

• In cases with mild symptoms, a simple oral cleansing treatment by the dentist and removal of the plaque may be sufficient
• However, moderate to severe cases may require a dental sealant to level the surface of teeth and avoid further plaque buildup. In addition to this, medications may be required to combat any possible bacterial infection
• Surgery is rarely necessary; but for more advanced stages, a portion of the gum may have to be removed to allow the dentist direct access to the root of the affected area. During this procedure, the abnormal root is repaired and suitably sutured
• Changes to lifestyle may be required in order to avoid recurrence of gum disease
• Undertaking treatment of any underlying health condition

Regular visits to the dentist and maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing after each meal, are generally recommended.

How can Gum Disease in Children be Prevented?

Currently, the best approach to prevent the development of Gum Disease in Children is to maintain good oral hygiene.

• Create an awareness of the importance of oral health in children, from an early age
• Good oral hygiene can be achieved by brushing the teeth twice daily and by flossing at least once a day. In fact, it is recommended that children brush after every meal
• Studies indicate that flossing before brushing is beneficial and recommended. Flossing loosens food particles in the teeth, making it easier to remove them with brushing
• Use recommended oral rinses
• Parents and caregivers are asked to periodically  check the mouth of children for detecting any early signs of gum disease or other dental health issues
• Controlling diabetes through lifestyle changes
• Have a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, to avoid any nutritional imbalances
• If certain medications place the child at a higher risk for gum disease, check with the physician for alternatives or substitutes
• Use a mouth guard, if the child has a habit of grinding teeth (especially at night)
• Be physically active and exercise regularly to remain healthy and stress-free; meditation and yoga may be beneficial
• Stopping smoking or chewing tobacco and substance abuse
• Early and prompt treatment of mild gum disease or any dental health condition can help prevent periodontitis (the advanced stage of gum disease)

Undertake regular visits to a dental health professional for a proper dental check-up and to prevent any tooth-related issues early.

What is the Prognosis of Gum Disease in Children? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Gum Disease in Children is generally very good, as there are many treatment options available to help treat all cases of the condition, whether mild or severe
• Following a good oral hygiene regimen after treatment can help prevent recurrences

The outcomes in children with aggressive periodontitis may be difficult to judge and is assessed only on an individual case-by-case basis.

Additional and relevant useful information for Gum Disease in Children:

• In order to prevent periodontitis, gum disease needs to be treated in the early stages

Please visit our Dental Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/dental-health/