Children’s Dentistry
Dental caries has been reported as the most common chronic childhood disease. The US Centre for Disease Control reports that dental caries are five times more prevalent than chronic bronchitis. Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay. When caught early, cavities can almost always be treated.
The Ontario Dental Association issued the following report as a direct result of the International Association of Dental Research conference held in Toronto in 2008. The report is a call to action for parents, government and community.
ODA_SpecialReport_WEB_booklet.pdf
Most people think of periodontal disease as an adult problem. Studies indicate that the first stage of periodontal disease is a nearly universal finding in children and adolescents. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur.
Types of periodontal diseases in children
Gingivitis usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. It is both preventable and treatable with a regular brushing, flossing and professional dental care. However, left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
Aggressive periodontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.
Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Eventually it can cause the teeth to become loose.
Four basic signs will alert you to periodontal disease in your child:
- Bleeding – Bleeding gums during tooth brushing, flossing or any other time. This is caused by toxins created by bacteria, that irritate the gums making them tender and lead to bleeding.
- Puffiness – Swollen and bright red gums
- Recession – Gums that have receded away from the teeth, exposing the roots
- Bad breath – Constant bad breath that does not clear up with brushing and flossing
