Braces and Gum Disease: Every Parent’s Nightmare

If your child has a misaligned bite, braces in Franklin, TN, are a fundamental treatment to protect the health of their smile for years to come. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, look better, and won’t cause TMJ-related issues that can cause migraines, headaches, and trouble eating.

Nevertheless, braces journeys are never easy, especially if you add young kids to the mix. One of the biggest struggles for a parent is ensuring their children maintain good oral hygiene with braces, as failure to brush and floss properly with braces leads to tooth decay and gum disease. This dangerous condition can put your child’s overall health at risk. Here, we’ll explain why.

Can Children Get Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is a serious issue worldwide. In America, the latest stage of this condition, periodontitis, is the main cause of adult tooth loss. Beyond impacting your oral health, studies have shown that periodontitis-causing bacteria can spread to the rest of your body through your bloodstream, fostering dangerous conditions such as cardiovascular disease or immunological conditions.

Sadly, gum disease is not limited to adult patients.

Children can develop gingivitis, and it’s common, with nearly 50% of children showing signs of gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene is the main cause, as bacterial plaque accumulation tends to irritate the gums and cause inflammation.

Moreover, this can be even more common in patients under orthodontic treatment.

First Things First, What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums brought on by the accumulation of bacteria and plaque along the gum line. Not receiving treatment may result in gum recession, inflammation, and, in extreme situations, tooth loss. Gum disease progresses in two main stages:

• The first and most prevalent stage, gingivitis, is typified by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. With the right treatment, gingivitis can be reversed.
• Periodontitis is a more advanced form affecting the tissues and bones supporting teeth. Although uncommon in kids, gingivitis can happen if not treated.

Why Are Children with Braces More Prone to Gum Disease  

There are several reasons why children with braces tend to develop gingivitis:

• Braces consist of metal or plastic brackets attached to the teeth and secured with metal bands. The hardware makes it challenging to use a brush or floss string to clean certain parts of the child’s teeth. As a result, plaque may be left behind, which can lead to an infection that causes bleeding and swelling.  
• Sometimes, a patient’s gums may react negatively to the metal in braces. As a result, they overgrow, making it harder to clean under the gum line and causing discomfort.
• Children’s braces are frequently placed during critical developmental stages that correspond with hormone surges. Hormones can inflame and make the gums more sensitive, hastening already-existing infections.
• Braces can cause gum recession, too. When teeth are moved towards the lips, the tooth roots can be pushed outside the alveolar bone. The gum tissue stretches and thins, and bone is lost from the tooth root’s outer surface. As a result, it becomes weaker and more vulnerable to gum infections.

Signs of Gum Disease in Kids

As a parent, it’s essential to recognize the early signs of gum disease in your child to keep it from spreading any further. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Swollen or red gums
• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Halitosis, or persistent bad breath
• Gum recession or the appearance of longer teeth
• Loose teeth in older children

It’s critical to make an appointment for dental care as soon as you see these symptoms. Gum disease can be stopped from getting worse with early detection and treatment.

The Risks of Gum Disease in Children  

Gum disease in children can pose several health risks, both immediately and in the long term. Some of these include:

• Tooth Loss: Severe gum disease can cause the bone and tissue supporting teeth to break down, causing loose teeth or even tooth loss, affecting confidence, speech, and chewing.
• Poor Oral Development: Gum disease can impede the healthy growth and alignment of permanent teeth in younger children.
• Chronic Bad Breath: Halitosis, or bad breath, can be caused by persistent gum inflammation and infection. This condition can impact a child’s social interactions and sense of self.
• Pain and Discomfort: Eating, brushing, and flossing can become uncomfortable due to swollen, bleeding gums, which can result in poor oral hygiene and a vicious cycle of deteriorating issues.
• Systemic Health Effects: Untreated gum disease can cause chronic inflammation, which is uncommon in children but can lead to systemic problems, particularly in those with underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes or immune disorders).
• Increased Cavity Risk: Poor brushing practices and plaque accumulation are frequently linked to poor gum health, raising the risk of tooth decay.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Children with Braces to Prevent Gum Disease  

As you can see, gum disease is a serious condition that can damage children’s oral and overall health. For that reason, when children develop severe gingivitis, dentists often must remove the braces and conduct periodontal treatments like deep cleaning to fully eliminate the infection.

This will not only slow down their orthodontic process but also result in unwanted extra costs for parents. The only method to prevent that is to instruct on the importance of good oral hygiene.

We understand that ensuring your child cleans their smile properly is hard. To help you, here are some tips:

• Teach Good Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to floss daily and use fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Make brushing enjoyable by using music or a timer.
• Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Professional cleanings and examinations every six months help remove plaque accumulation and identify early indicators of gum disease.
• Limit Sugar-Filled Foods and Beverages: Encourage a well-rounded diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and water to maintain dental health.
• Encourage Proper Brushing Techniques: To remove plaque without irritating the gums, teach your child how to brush gently along the gum line.
• Consider Sealants or Fluoride Treatments: These precautions can strengthen teeth and decrease the risk of gum disease and decay.

Follow These Tips and Ensure a Successful Journey with Braces in Franklin, TN  

When you think of gum disease, you might imagine it as an issue for adults. However, it can affect children, too, and it’s more common than many parents realize.  

Luckily, gum disease is preventable with consistent care and attention. By following these tips—and paying attention to early signs of gingivitis—you can ensure your child’s braces journey stays on the right track. If you have any doubts, contact Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry!

We’re here to be your biggest aid in this process.