3 Common Myths about Gum Disease in Kids

Usually, when you hear and talk about gum disease, it is discussed for adults. You may talk about it with your own dentist as they voice concerns about your oral health. But you may not fully understand what it is or how it could even impact your child.

Even though it’s the top reason for tooth loss in adults, gum disease still has a shroud of myths, especially when it comes to its effect on kids. Keep reading to learn the truth behind three misconceptions about gum disease and how to preserve your child’s healthy smile.

Myth #1: Only Adults Can Get Gum Disease.

While more severe stages of gum disease are not common for children and teens, these younger patients can certainly develop gingivitis, the first step in the infection. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates that half of preschool children will experience gingivitis and that nearly 100 percent of kids will have had it at some point by the time they enter puberty.

Although gum disease may be extremely common, don’t let that lull you into a sense of security. If the infection isn’t resolved and treated, it continues to progress as your child matures during teen years, not only leading to bleeding, swollen, and receding gums but also damaging jawbone tissue and eventually resulting in tooth loss as an adult.

Myth #2: Your Child Must Have Cavities If You Have Gum Disease.

If you aren’t familiar with oral health issues, tooth decay and gum disease may seem to overlap or be similar. In fact, these two separate conditions are caused by many of the same things, further confusing them. Too much sugar in your child’s diet, neglect of dental hygiene, and failing to take your child to the pediatric dentist regularly ultimately ends with plaque buildup, which may contain several strains of bacteria. One strain produces acids that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities, while the other irritates and infects the gum tissue. It is entirely possible for your child to contract gum disease without having any cavities.

Myth #3: Your Child’s Bad Breath Always Points to Gum Disease.

As precious and beautiful as your child may seem, they may have stinky breath every now and then, especially in the morning. However, persistently smelly breath, even after brushing, is cause for concern. As a common symptom of gum disease, bad breath may not always mean your child has this oral infection. It may indicate another oral problem. Consistently bad breath could even be a symptom of a medical issue that requires consulting a pediatrician for further testing.

By having a pediatric dentist regularly examine your child and by discussing your concerns with them, together you can pinpoint the actual cause and get your child’s smile back on track with the appropriate treatment.

In the end, when you more fully understand gum disease and how it can harm your child, you can take necessary steps to protect them. One immensely important step is teaching them early on the importance of daily oral hygiene and regular dental checkups and cleanings. These lessons alone can help them establish healthy habits that can reduce their chances of getting gum disease as an adult.

About the Practice

In San Luis Obispo, Coastal Pediatric Dentistry has two board-certified dentists on staff. Both Dr. James Forester and Dr. Natalie Vander Kam have years of experience working with kids of various ages and abilities. They also have their own kids at home, so they know how to help little ones feel comfortable in the chair. To schedule your child’s dental checkup or if you have concerns about gum disease, don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or call 805-592-2020.