Oral Health & Gum Disease

Oral health and gum disease is an important dental topic. Periodontal (gum) disease is common among adults in the United States. Many adults presently display some form of the disease, which varies from uncomplicated inflammation of the gums to acute infection that causes significant damage to the soft tissue and bone that undergird the teeth. In the most severe cases, loss of teeth may occur, but gum disease is mostly preventable through the implementation of proper oral health practices starting from an early age. Ultimately, if periodontal disease does occur in teenage or adult life, the prognosis and outcome largely depend on how well a person cares for their gums and teeth daily from the time of diagnosis forward. Our dental topics page provides other information on oral hygiene during pediatric dentistry.

Tell me about Oral Health and Gum Disease?

Gum (periodontal) diseases are usually the result of inflammation and infections of the gums and bone that bear and encompass the teeth. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease, which causes gums to become red, swollen, and sometimes, even bleed. If gum disease progresses to a more serious form call periodontitis, the gums may detach from the tooth, bone loss can occur, and teeth may loosen or even fall out. The majority of gum disease is seen in adults, but early gum disease can occur in teens as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 47.2% of adults 30 years and older have some form of gum disease, and this number increases with age. Overall, periodontal disease is one of the two most substantial threats to oral health, along with tooth decay (cavities).

Oral Health For Kids and Preventing Gum Disease

Creating a disease free and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime begins during childhood. Teaching kids proper oral hygiene from the start is extremely important, not only to prevent cavities and promote cleanliness during childhood, but to prevent dental problems later in life, such as periodontal disease. Although kids rarely develop gum disease in the serious form of periodontitis, teenagers can develop gingivitis, the more preliminary form. Here are a few tips on encouraging kids to implement optimum oral health practices:

Teach children how to brush their teeth well and properly. Kids should brush their teeth at least twice a day, but after every meal is best. It is recommended for children to floss at night before bed as well. Check with the dentist for age appropriate dental hygiene practices for your child.

• Prioritize visiting the dentist routinely, as recommended for regular check-ups and cleanings for kids.
• Promote nutritious “tooth-healthy” meals and try to keep kids from snacking continually between meals.
• Consider using fluoride to protect your child’s teeth. Talk to the dentist about fluoride toothpaste recommendations and fluoride varnish treatments. Most tap water also contains fluoride.
• Discuss dental sealants with the dentist. Sealants shield teeth from bacteria that cause tooth decay and other dental problems.

Oral Health and Gum Disease…What Causes Gum Disease?

Improper dental care and oral hygiene neglect leads to gum disease. Bacteria left in the mouth causes infection in the gums that encompass the tooth, which leads to inflammation around the tooth and periodontal disease. As bacteria accumulate over the surface of the teeth, they form plaque unless removed. This plaque, in time, hardens into a tartar that becomes even more difficult to remove. Tarter moves to the gum line, causing difficulty when trying to clean the teeth. At this point, professional removal of the tartar is necessary to keep gum disease from progressing.

Signs And Symptoms of Gum Disease

Usually symptoms of gum disease do not appear until a person is in his or her 30s or 40s, but as mentioned, teenagers can develop gingivitis. Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease for teens or adults include:

• Persistent foul breath or taste.
• Swollen or red gums.
• Loose permanent teeth.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Painful chewing.
• Teeth appearing longer than normal or receding gums.
• Sensitive or bleeding gums.

If a child is experiencing any of these symptoms, a serious dental problem may be in the process of progressing. It is recommended to make an appointment with the dentist immediately if a child complains of any of these symptoms.

Treatment and Prevention For Gum Disease

The top priority of treatment is to restrain the infection. Treatment options for periodontal disease vary depending on the type and extent of the disease. Early gum disease, gingivitis, can be treated and reversed with proper oral care and regular professional teeth cleanings. More severe gum disease, periodontitis, may also be successfully cured, but treatment is usually more involved. More extensive treatment may require deep cleaning of the root surfaces of the tooth under the gums, medications, and in extreme cases, restorative surgery.

Children Dental Topics

• Permanent Tooth Eruption in Children
• Dental Cavities and How to Prevent Cavities
• Dental Fillings, Stainless-steel Crowns-Treatment for Tooth Decay
• Oral Health and Gum Disease
• Motivating Your Child to Brush Their Teeth – Motivational Charts
• When Should I Change My Toothbrush?
• Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Children
• Eating Healthy to Promote Strong Teeth in Children
• Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities in Children
• Dental Fluoride Treatments in Children
• Mouth Guards Prevent Dental Injury in Sports

At Kids Dental, we offer comprehensive, family-centered pediatric dental care in a child-friendly nurturing environment. If you are looking for a place to call your dental home, please schedule a consultation with one of our pediatric dentists or orthodontist by completing an Online Appointment Request or calling our Kids Dental Plano Office or Kids Dental Carrollton Office.

Plano Office Phone: 972-378-5437

Carrollton Office Phone: 972-394-2140

Can Oral Piercings Affect Your Teeth? Oral piercings can affect your teen’s oral health and present a real danger to the teeth, as well as overall health if infection occurs. The popularity of oral piercings as a fashion trend has increased in recent years, and according to the American Dental Association (ADA), adolescents and young adults are typically the recipients. Oral piercings can be intraoral (both ends of the jewelry worn are inside the oral cavity) or perioral (one end is inside the oral cavity and one is outside).

Common locations of oral piercings include:

• Tongue (most common)
• Cheek
• Lip
• Uvula

How do Oral Piercings Affect Your Teeth?

Because the mouth is rich with millions of bacteria, infection is the most common side effect from oral piercings. An oral infection can result in pain and swelling, even to the point of making breathing difficult. An oral infection can quickly turn life-threatening if left untreated. For those with certain medical conditions, such as hemophilia, diabetes, heart conditions, or autoimmune disorders, additional medical risks are involved.

Improperly sterilized piercing equipment can also be a contributor to infections, such as tetanus and hepatitis. Anyone considering an oral piercing should be up-to-date on immunizations prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of contracting these blood-borne infections.

Oral piercings may also cause problems with speaking, chewing, and swallowing, as well as be a choking hazard if the jewelry becomes loose and falls into the airway, especially while sleeping.

Other possible complications of oral piercings include:

Dental trauma: Jewelry placed inside the mouth can regularly bump against the teeth or be bitten down upon which can cause chipping or fracturing of the teeth. Studies have shown that over 25% of young people with lip piercings and almost 50% of those with tongue piercings have suffered from some type of permanent tooth damage. Oral piercings can also result in damage to the enamel, fillings, and orthodontic appliances (braces and retainers).

Gingival (gum) recession:  As metal makes contact with the gums, recession can occur which can lead to painful nerve exposure, tooth sensitivity, and decay. Research has found that up to 50% of lip piercing recipients and 44% of those with pierced tongues experienced gum disease and/or recession.

Allergic reactions: Nickel is a common allergen which can be contained in jewelry. Other metal allergies pose a risk as well, especially with poor quality jewelry.

Increased risk of sports injury: For adolescents and teens that play sports, an oral piercing can pose additional risks if the participant is hit in the face.

Nerve damage: Nerves that run through the face and tongue can be damaged (sometimes permanently) during piercing. This can result in numbness and difficulty moving the damaged area of the face or mouth.

Excessive bleeding: The tongue contains many blood vessels, so piercing it can result in losing large amounts of blood. Scar tissue (keloid formation) can also be a problem after piercing.

Embedded oral jewelry: Surgical removal can be required if jewelry becomes embedded in the oral cavity.

Hypersalivation: Saliva production can increase after an oral piercing (especially tongue piercing) and can result in drooling. The saliva ducts can also be damaged during cheek piercing, requiring cauterization.

Tips for Teens with Oral Piercings

If your teen already has an oral piercing, keeping the area clean and free from food debris is imperative to maintaining good oral health. Daily care is a must. For recent piercings, be sure to rinse the pierced area for 3-4 weeks with warm salt water or an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash after eating and before bed. After healing, you should continue to rinse your mouth after meals to avoid bacterial build-up.

Other helpful hints for teens with oral piercings:

• Avoid touching the pierced area. When removing the jewelry or checking that it’s secure, always use clean hands.
• Remove jewelry when participating in sports or other recreational activities that may involve physical contact. Removing jewelry during sleep is also advised.
• Maintain good oral hygiene, including visiting your dentist regularly (every 6 months).
• Do not click the jewelry against the teeth. Be aware of how the jewelry moves when eating or talking.
• Choose high-quality jewelry, and be sure it is the recommended type for the area that is pierced.

While the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the ADA both advise against oral piercings as “invasive procedures with negative health sequelae that outweigh any potential benefits,” if your child does have an oral piercing or has questions about oral piercing, Kids Dental is here to help. Our priority is to provide the highest quality, compassionate, kid-friendly service to help our patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health that will last a lifetime.

Plano Office Phone: 972-378-5437

Carrollton Office Phone: 972-394-2140