For gingivitis in children
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it is the inflammation that usually affects the gums due to the accumulation of plaque (in English:Plaque) and bacteria on the teeth, where these bacteria live on the edge of the gums, and within the spaces separating the teeth, as well as in the surrounding gum tissue, and fortunately gingivitis is a problem that can be eliminated and treated, as the damage and damage that inflammation causes to the supporting structures Teeth are not permanently damaged, and in fact, gingivitis is a common problem among adolescents and children, especially in adulthood, according to a study published by the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in October 2014, about 73% of children Developed countries and those between the ages of 6-11 years suffer from gingivitis, and it should be noted that this rate increases among individuals with the age of 6-11 years, while the prevalence of gingivitis during adolescence ranges between 50-99%. It is also worth noting that male children are more susceptible to infection than females, most likely due to related reasonsConservation and attention to oral hygiene.
Causes of gingivitis in children
As we mentioned above, gingivitis is due to the bacteria present in the plaques and dental tartar. The plaques mostly consist of bacteria, mucus, food debris, and other particles present in the mouth, forming a sticky layer that sticks to the teeth, and the plaques turn into a more solid layer known as tartar. In the event that the plaque layer is not removed, the tartar provides a suitable environment for bacteria, according to what was reported by the American Dental Association, and in the end it comes to gingivitis, for this reason children should be taught attention and care for dental hygiene in order to prevent gingivitis during puberty In fact, gingivitis can be prevented by adjusting the lifestyle and reducing the risk factors that increase the chance of developing gingivitis, and among the most common risk factors among children, we mention the following:
- Lack of interest in oral hygiene: The cause of gingivitis may be a lack of brushing and flossing, which is why dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral diseases.
- Mouth breathing: Mouth breathing can lead to dryness of the environment surrounding the teeth and gums, which may develop into gum disease over time.
- Hormonal changes: Puberty and menstruation can lead to sensitivity and inflammation of the gums.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition in a child may affect his body's ability to fight infection, which increases the risk of gum disease. The child's intake of foods and drinks rich in sugars also leads to the accumulation of plaques on the teeth.
- Other risk factors: we mention the following:
- Immunodeficiency in the child.
- The child suffers from some chronic diseases such as diabetes and chronic renal failure.
- Infection with some viral diseases.
- Alcohol abuse and smoking.
- Installing orthodontic appliances.
- Improper brushing of teeth.
- Crowded teeth.
- Bruxism, which is the habit of clenching teeth vigorously and continuously rubbing against each other.
- Using some types of medications, as taking certain medications leads to excessive gum growth, which may cause gum disease.
- Genetic factors.
- Stress.
Symptoms and signs of gingivitis in children
Gingivitis often causes bleeding in the gums. In addition, redness, swelling, and pain when touched are warning signs of gingivitis. In general, we mention the symptoms and signs of gingivitis in children and adolescents as follows:
- Gum receding, exposing the roots of the teeth, which makes them appear longer.
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing.
- Bad breath even after brushing your teeth.
Diagnosis of periodontitis in children
The doctor usually diagnoses a child with gum disease after examining his mouth, conducting a physical examination, and taking his full medical history. rays), in order to verify that the condition has not yet developed periodontitis and to help him better diagnose the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment, As for the need for laboratory tests, most patients do not need Laboratory examination to assess the causes of gingivitis.
Treatment of gingivitis in children
There are a number of things that contribute to getting rid of gingivitis in children, such as early diagnosis and correct and immediate treatment of gingivitis, and treatment includes both medical care provided by the dentist, and follow-up procedures that the patient adheres to at home, and the following is detailed :
- Specialized medical care: To remove harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, teeth can be cleaned professionally in the clinic. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash to discourage the formation of plaque on the teeth. These mouthwashes are usually prescribed if daily dental cleaning methods fail to remove Of the plaques, mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% are the most widely used, and the doctor rarely prescribes antibiotics in cases of mild and moderate gingivitis, In the end, it should be noted the importance of the child’s visit to a doctor Teeth every six months in order to undergo medical dental cleaning, dental examination, and X-ray imaging, in order to prevent the occurrence of gingivitis.
- Home care: Proper oral cleaning is the most effective way to treat and prevent gum disease, and the daily routine for cleaning teeth should include the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning immediately after waking up and once at night right before you go to bed.
- Use a medium toothbrush, which makes the teeth and gums less susceptible to damage.
- Change your toothbrush regularly.
- Always maintain the cleanliness of all removable medical dental appliances.
