Gum Disease in Children
Gum swelling and bleeding occurs in children as well as in adults. One study finds that 73% of
children have gum bleeding. Here are some of the causes of childhood gum problems:
Tooth eruption: As teeth grow in swelling and redness of the gums along with cyst formation (swelling with clear liquid in it) is common. Once the tooth is fully grown in the gums will usually heal without need for treatment.
NUG or ‘ulcerative gingivitis’: NUG is a severe, painful, bacteria infection in the gums of children and teenagers. It is recognized by deep red swelling in the gums along with gray colored, uneven areas of gum loss. The bacteria that causes NUG is different than the bacteria that causes common gum disease in children, however, NUG often occurs at the same time along with common gum disease. Most NUG cases are associated with poor home care in combination with stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
NUG treatment is by deep cleaning, good home care and sometimes chlorhexidine rinse (Peridex) or hydrogen peroxide rinses. Be sure your child is able to rinse and spit before you use these and consult with your dentist first. In severe cases, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and erythromycin antibiotics may be prescribed.
If your child has any significant gum swelling that appears to be NUG or gingivitis that does not improve with treatment, there may be systemic causes (immune disease or various cancers) that a physician should investigate.
Systemic disease: For children, if inflamed gums fail to improve with proper brushing over a two week period, this may be a sign of a systemic disease. Type I diabetes (type ‘one’ diabetes), immune disease, or even leukemia, should be suspected. A physician should be consulted.
Braces on teeth (orthodontics): No matter how well your child brushes, it is expected that gum disease will result. Very careful brushing with a regular toothbrush and proxy brush placed under the orthodontic wire should prove useful in reducing the expected gum swelling that comes with braces.
Normal gums are pink and tight against the tooth. Note here that the gums are deep red, they bleed when they are touched and the gums are swollen and loose around the teeth. There may even be an odor. Pictured here is a severe gum inflammation that upon exam may be diagnosed as NUG.
A proxy brush can be purchased in a pharmacy. Place the brush under the wire of braces and clean in a sawing motion.
Puberty gingivitis: Circulating hormones at puberty can make existing gum redness even worse. Improved brushing, flossing and frequent professional cleanings will help to control the gum problem.
Although not common, diet deficiencies might be a contributing factor to gum disease. A number of vitamins are important for maintaining gum health including vitamin A, B12, C, and D. Omega-3 fatty acid and zinc (fish is a good source) is also important.
Together these vitamins, fats, and minerals improve energy level, bone health, immune health and gum health. Ask your physician if your child needs vitamin supplements.
Phenytoin (Dilantin) for epilepsy. Dilantin causes a swelling of the gums known as ‘Dilantin hyperplasia’. Your physician must balance the need for reducing seizures with the severity of gum inflammation that these medications can cause.