Do you have a child at home who struggles to floss their teeth after brushing? You might think it’s okay to skip this step, especially if your kid scrubs their enamel consistently, but nothing could be farther from the truth.
Your little one’s mouth is full of bacteria that can cause plaque, which contributes to common oral concerns, like cavities and gum disease. However, brushing alone removes only an estimated 50% to 70% of this harmful residue. Continue reading to learn more about why it’s also essential for your child to floss!
What Causes Gum Disease?
Your child might develop gum disease if plaque and tartar are allowed to form on their connective tissues, which can result in an infection. It often starts small, with gingivitis, but is able to progress into more advanced stages, like periodontitis, because it doesn’t always exhibit noticeable symptoms until it gets worse.
There are many potential reasons someone might develop periodontal problems, such as:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Consuming too many sugary foods and drinks
- Hormonal changes, such as puberty or menopause
- Genetics
- Teeth or bite misalignments
- Medications
- Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and other health concerns
Can Children Develop Gum Disease?
If your child is still a baby or doesn’t have all of their teeth yet, you might think it’s too soon to worry that they’ll get gum disease. However, experts recommend cleaning your kid’s mouth as early as their very first day to help avoid potential issues.
This is because it’s possible for your child to contract gum disease early in life if you don’t take the proper precautions. Even infants can develop gingivitis due to the sugars in milk and formula if their connective tissues aren’t wiped down regularly. Then, when they grow enough teeth that their enamel touches (usually between 2 and 3 years old), it’s important to floss between them to remove harmful plaque and bacteria.
How Can I Help My Child Prevent Gum Disease?
Thankfully, this condition is often preventable. There are several potential ways to proactively preserve your child’s smile, including:
- Ensure they maintain a twice-daily at-home routine of brushing and flossing.
- Monitor their dental care regimen until they’re older (about 8 years old) to ensure they clean their mouth thoroughly.
- Providing wholesome snacks that don’t contain sugary, starchy, or processed foods.
- Encouraging them to drink more water throughout the day to clear away germs, leftover food, and other debris.
- Teaching them how to use string floss, floss threaders, flossers, or an oral irrigator, as necessary.
- Scheduling a routine dental checkup and cleaning for them every six months.
If your child’s connective tissues look darker or puffier than usual, or they’re complaining of pain or sensitivity, they might already have developed a problem requiring their dentist’s attention.
About the Practice
Patients at Cove Choice Dental benefit from a team of dentists eager to help families in Copperas Cove build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services using state-of-the-art technology for more comfortable, accurate results. Plus, they welcome people of all ages, so you and your loved ones all receive the same top-quality care. If you’re concerned that your child has gum disease, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (254) 987-6777.