Most people only think about adults and seniors in terms of getting gingivitis, but it can happen to anyone, at any age.

Kids are just as susceptible, if not more so, because they do not have solid dental hygiene routines set up quite yet.

If you think that your child may be having some issues with their teeth or their gums, bring them in to see their dentist. They are the only one who can diagnose and treat the signs of early gum disease.

Signs to Be On the Lookout For
Most kids start out with a little puffiness to their gums. This is something that should be watched as there could be a great number of things that could cause it. Your child may simply have eaten something hard that poked into their gums, causing a slight bit of swelling. However, if you notice that swelling doesn't go away within a few days, it is time to seek the dentist's advice.

If you notice that your child has a slight bit of bleeding when they brush their teeth, this is also something to watch for. Since kids are notorious for brushing just a little too hard, it could be nothing, but if after some correction to how they are brushing the bleeding still persists, again, call your pediatric dentist.

Most kids do not develop serious forms of gum disease, but gingivitis is more common in children than most parents realize. It is something easy to treat with proper brushing and flossing habits, plus regular dental checkups and cleanings, but it does need to be monitored.

It could lead to issues down the line if it is not kept in check by you and your child's dentist, so make sure you are helping your child get a healthy smile from a very young age. Please contact us if you have any questions about gingivitis effects on your child's oral health.