As the parent of a toddler, you probably already have a good idea of what is and isn't normal for your child's emerging teeth. Bleeding gums are a nearly universal red flag, and they are a symptom of many potential conditions. Identifying the specific problem while working to strengthen gums can keep your toddler comfortable and establish a solid foundation for good dental health.
Checking for Injuries
Whenever your child bleeds, your first instinct is likely to check for injuries. A bumped mouth, a poorly timed bite, or an erupting tooth can all lead to bleeding gums. These issues tend to arrive suddenly and manifest themselves as sharp, localized pain. Gum disease is more likely to appear as a general ache accompanied by consistent light bleeding.
If a quick visual examination shows no cuts or erupting teeth, visit your family dentist or doctor for a more thorough investigation. Although primary teeth are not essential, they do lay the tracks for the adult teeth that follow. Any untreated injuries to teeth still in the gums can cause serious complications later on.
Reaching a Diagnosis
In other cases, gum problems may indicate a more serious health condition requiring immediate medical care. Certain immune disorders may be first recognized by persistent infections in visible, vulnerable areas like the mouth. Catching an immune disorder before it has time to spread can be vital, so don't wait to see whether this problem goes away on its own.
With any luck, a visit to your family dentist will lead to a correct diagnosis, likely of chronic gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease. Gingivitis can typically be treated successfully within a few months, leaving no lasting damage to young teeth. Regular checkups will allow your dentist to monitor progress and catch any new symptoms as they appear.
Cutting Back on Sugary Foods
Many parents try to limit their child's sugar consumption, but you might be surprised to realize just how much sugar can sneak into the average child's diet. Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause gum disease, fueling infections and eventual tooth decay. Along with regular brushing and other treatments, consider cutting back on sugary snacks and beverages throughout the day.
Knowing When to Start Flossing
As a general rule, children need to begin flossing only once their teeth grow close enough together to trap food. While some children do not need to begin flossing until grade school, others need to start at a much younger age. If your child is dealing with gum disease from a young age, you may need to introduce flossing. Consult with your dentist about flossing with sensitive gums to make the transition easier.
Treating Early Gingivitis Professionally
Gingivitis is best thought of a warning sign, but it can have serious long-term effects on your child's dental and overall health. Some cases are caused by more entrenched infections, which may require antibiotics to treat. Advanced symptoms like swelling, inflammation or abscesses will likely need additional care to resolve.
Managing Gum Pain in Toddlers
While your toddler's gums recover, he or she may still experience pain and bleeding. This is often very upsetting for little ones, who may not be comforted by promises that things will get better. Common, childsafe pain relievers may help your child tolerate eating, flossing, and toothbrushing until the gums grow stronger.
Poor dental hygiene can have a lifelong impact on children, so don't wait to begin solving this problem as soon as you notice pink on the toothbrush. Schedule an appointment with us at Family Dental Care of Wilmington
to get started. Our trained staff and dentists will help you find the issue, understand it and treat it with your child's health and comfort in mind.
