Can Children Get Gingivitis?
It doesn’t matter what age you are, gingivitis can develop. As long as a person is putting food or beverages in their mouth, gingivitis can strike. Young, old, middle aged – anybody can fall victim to gingivitis if the proper care is not taken with the teeth. Children might be even more susceptible to gingivitis as they might not brush as long or properly as they should. Another relevant question to also ask is: Can Gingivitis be prevented?
Teach Proper Brushing
Children need to be instructed on proper brushing skills, just like with anything else. Show them how to brush the front, back and top surface of all of their teeth. Set the timer so they know when the three minutes are up for brushing.
There are also products created for kids that include mouthwashes and rinses. The rinses show where plaque is on the teeth and allows kids to brush again and get it off. Mouthwash is like adult mouthwash, just a milder version of it. Kids swish with it and then spit out like other dental products.
What causes gingivitis? There are several causes, but most of them are rooted in lifestyle choices that provide an environment where bacterial growth is likely.
Unhealthy Diet
One of the fastest ways for a child to get gingivitis is by offering them an unhealthy diet. Candy, cookies, brownies and anything with sugar in it can make the gingivitis causing plaque build faster in their mouth. If they don’t brush multiple times a day, it is setting them up for gingivitis and even early tooth decay. Replace their treats with fruit and vegetables when possible. Use juice instead of soda drinks for when they are thirsty.
Lack of Dental Care
Even though children are young and just getting their teeth, they need regular dental checkups too. The dentist can scrape off any plaque in their mouth and then give you tips on how to keep the teeth cleaner if you need them. When you don’t visit the dentist with children, it also sets them up with poor habits in their adulthood.
Bad Dental Habits
Not going to the dentist regularly with a child is not healthy. Not teaching them how to brush and floss is even worse. There are many nights where the kids are complaining they are tired or don’t feel like brushing their teeth, but as a parent you need to stress how important it is. When they go to bed because they are too tired, they will do it again and again, causing the gingivitis to grow worse. Start them off the right way with good habits, so the gingivitis doesn’t get a chance to take root in their mouth.
Tags: cures for gingivitis, gingivitis, prevent gingivitis, remedies for gingivitis
