general-dentistry

3 Tips for Better Gum Care As You Age

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Your gums stabilize the roots of your teeth. They form the barrier between bacteria, and they provide nourishment to your teeth. In other words, if you’re not taking care of your gums, you’re not taking care of your oral health. We’ll look at how to care for your gums so you’re less likely to develop inflammation or gum disease.

Use Soft Bristles on Your Brush

It is possible to overbrush your teeth! The harder you brush at the bottom of your gum, the more likely your gums will erode. As your gums recede, it can compromise the stability of your teeth. Make sure that you’re using a soft-bristled brush and aim for a 45°-degree angle. In addition, ensure you’re brushing your tongue so you can prevent the bacteria from traveling to your gums.

Floss or Use a Waterpik

Flossing stops the plaque from climbing into your gums, and you won’t be able to get all of that plaque out just by brushing (to be fair, it’s impossible to stop all plaque from accumulating, but you can limit its presence). Your dentist in Victorville, CA, may recommend using a water flosser to help remove debris if you’re not as diligent of a flosser as you should be.

Visit Your Dentist in Victorville

Periodontics in Victorville, CA is gum care on another plane. The right dentist can do more than just clean your teeth, they can tell you more about how your oral care stands up against some of the most common types of gum issues. They can also clean your gums better than you can do at home. At A Paul S Bell, DDS Inc., gum care starts at an early age so call us to schedule appointments for the whole family!

Common Periodontal Conditions in Children and How We Treat Them

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Both adults and children can develop periodontal disease due to a serious bacterial infection. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, erodes gum tissue and bone that support the teeth.

The main cause of gum disease in children is a buildup of plaque. When plaque remains on the teeth for a long period of time, it develops into tartar. Teaching your children to follow a consistent oral health routine from a young age is critical to avoiding gum disease later.

Signs of Gum Disease in Children

Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease, is the most common in children. The most obvious signs of gum disease are swollen, sore, or reddened gums. However, some kids experience no discomfort at all. Other typical signs of gingivitis in children include:

  • Bite or jaw alignment changes
  • Bleeding after brushing or flossing teeth
  • Loose teeth or larger than normal gaps between teeth
  • Persistent bad breath despite brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash
  • Pus forms between the gums and teeth
  • Receding gums, which are gums that separate from the teeth

Be sure to schedule an appointment for periodontic care in Victorville, CA, right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Diagnosing and Treating Periodontal Disease

Dr. Paul S. Bell will complete a visual inspection of your child’s teeth and gums and may also order an X-ray. Once he has diagnosed gum disease, he will recommend the best way to treat it. Typical treatments for periodontal disease in pediatric patients include scaling, root planing, or a gum graft. Dr. Bell will explain how each procedure works during your child’s initial appointment to diagnose gum disease. Treatment for gum diseases requires only a local anesthetic.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with additional questions about periodontic treatment for children or to schedule an appointment.

Sources

Periodontal Disease in Children (stanfordchildrens.org)

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