Teaching Children about Swollen Gums, Bleeding Gums, and Cavities

In the past it was the regularly scheduled visit of the school dentist that provided oral hygiene education to children. Over time, such programs lacked funding and before long there were few school dentists that would engage in school education. To visit the facilities, provide a basic exam and help children understand how to properly brush and floss their teeth was just too costly. Although parents should be aware of their child’s dental practices, the time many parents can allocate to teach and supervise proper oral hygiene in their younger children has been decreased. The results are swollen gums, bleeding gums and children who suffer from cavities in even their baby teeth.

Usually it is not until the toothbrush may turn a bit red that a parent stops and notices all is not well. Unfortunately, at this time it is often too late! Swollen gums may have gotten ignored and quickly turned into bleeding gums and gingivitis. Many children will begin seeing a pediatric dentist, but some do not. Sometimes these are children of parents who mistakenly believe enhanced brushing and flossing will counteract whatever plaque has already built up.

Swollen gums in children are not a laughing matter. Instead, just like in adults they are a serious warning sign trouble is ahead. Unless children are taken to the dentist twice a year (or more often if the dentist suggests it) they may lose some of their baby teeth prematurely to cavities. Since these first teeth are place holders for the soon to follow adult teeth, losing the spot in the dental lineup can actually make the new teeth come in at crooked angles. In some cases teeth may grow one right in front of another. This of course will take time and money to fix. When considering just how simply this could have been prevented, the wisdom of training children diligently in the art and science of oral hygiene makes sense.

Probably the first step to take is to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. This professional knows how to handle children and will make the visits a pleasant experience. In addition, she or he can alert parents to potential problems well before they develop. A hygienist removes plaque buildup (just like it is done for adults) and x-rays are taken. Equipment is scaled down to the proper size for smaller patients. In addition, much of anxiety and fear that a child may feel at a regular dentist’s office evaporates at the sight of the many colorful toys, stuffed animals and other items these specialists use to outfit their offices into a kid friendly environment.

Once the visit is over and the dentist’s recommendations are received, following through on them at home is very important. Teaching children about swollen gums, bleeding gums and cavities is a process that takes time and needs to be put in age appropriate language. It can ensure the meaning is understood and the message comes through loud and clear. Parents need to adjust the words they use as they keep repeating the message time and again. As kids get older, it is also a good teaching tool to spot-check the oral hygiene the kids are performing on their own. Being committed to helping a child with swollen gums reevaluate their way of brushing is vital!