How to tell if your kids have sensitive gums

One key question that you might have for a Parramatta dentist concerns your children’s gums. Certain statistics claim that all children get gingivitis at some point in their lives, so how do you know whether your child might be affected?

Let’s start by defining gingivitis. It sounds like a really scary term, but it basically means swollen gums. That doesn’t sound any less scary, but it’s a common problem, and it’s one that can easily be resolved. So how and why do kids end up with sensitive gums to begin with?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that occurs when tartar accumulates in the mouth. Basically, if bits of food are left on the teeth, they get attacked by bacteria and form plaque. If this plaque is not removed, it becomes hard and turns into tartar, and this tartar buildup irritates the gums.
Your mouth is constantly full of bacteria. They help to digest your food and are not all harmful. However, when they develop into plaque and tartar, then they cause mild gum disease, and if untreated, it can lead to a serious infection.

Also Read This: Signs Your Child May Need Braces

Why are kids particularly sensitive to this? Well, they snack a lot, mostly on junk food and sugary items. Even when they eat healthy foods like fresh fruit and home-made juice, the sugar can pile up and cause problems because kids aren’t known for their oral hygiene.
As we said before, the mouth contains a lot of bacteria, and it needs to be kept fresh with frequent brushing and flossing. Children often forget to do this. Sometimes, they deliberately avoid brushing their teeth. Even for children that brush regularly, they may not be using effective brushing techniques, or they may be using the wrong brush. All these factors work together to harm your child’s gums.

How can you tell that your child is having issues with their gums? Well, they might complain about pain in their mouths. They might have eaten a rough or hard piece of food and developed a bruise, but if that’s not the case, it’s possible they have a problem with their gums. Here’s some quick advice from our dentists in Maroubra.
Look at your child’s teeth. If their gums are affected, they will look red, swollen, and puffy. Their gums might be tender to the touch, and their teeth might be loose even though they are not at a tooth-shedding stage. You may also notice that your child has bad breath, even after brushing their teeth.

Another symptom to look out for is bleeding when your child brushes their teeth. This may mean the gums are tender, which is a clear sign of gingivitis. Your child may be unwilling to show you their teeth and gums, especially if they’ve been skimping on their bedtime brushing routine. In this case, you’ll have to be a little sneaky. Offer your child an apple and after they bite into it, check to see if there’s any bloody residue.

Gingivitis in children is both preventable and treatable. Give us a call today on 02 8004 0055, so we can show you how to make their teeth and gums all better.