Are bleeding gums in kids something to worry about? Bleeding gums during flossing or brushing may be the initial sign of gingivitis, a form of gum disease. While gum disease is common among adults, kids can have a similar dental problem too.
Possible Causes of Bleeding Gums in Kids
Gum disease isn’t the only possible cause of gum bleeding among children. The American Dental Association reported that a new flossing routine as the possible culprit of the bleeding. Is your child flossing every day? When he skipped for several days, then some bleeding may occur when he begins to floss again.
Guide your child when flossing until he is old enough to clean his teeth independently (around ten years of age). Do a daily reminder to reinforce proper flossing habits. Brushing your teeth two times a day with daily flossing is the key to the prevention of gum disease.
Vigorous brushing can irritate the gums, causing some bleeding. Gently brush your teeth with soft-bristled toothbrush. Encourage them to spend two minutes brushing, including the tongue for a clean, healthy mouth.
Children can also have gum bleeding by not brushing regularly. When teeth are not brushed, gums can become inflamed and swollen due to the plaque staying on the gumline too long. The plaque is a film of bacteria that coats the teeth after eating.
Sometime, gum bleeding can be caused by a deficiency of a certain Vitamin. Vitamin C is beneficial for keeping gums healthy. Give your child daily vitamins or introduce fruits and vegetables with Vitamin C into his diet.
What to Do with Gum Bleeding
Bleeding due to a change in flossing routine or a vigorous brushing technique must clear up after a week once flossing is done regularly or your child uses a soft-bristled brush. Gum bleeding, if accompanied with signs of bad breath, redness, tenderness or a receding gumline, may be a sign of gingivitis, or could be a more advanced stage of gum disease.
The American Academy of Periodontology reported that gingivitis is a common problem among kids too. The ones especially at risk are the older children as changes in the hormone balance during puberty can increase the flow of the blood to the gum, causing gum tissue to be more susceptible to tenderness and swelling. Flossing, brushing and regular dental checkups are key to the prevention and treatment of gum bleeding and gingivitis.
Gum bleeding in children can be a sign of gingivitis. The sooner you child is seen by his dentist, the better. If left ignored, gingivitis can lead to more serious stages of gum disease, which may be hard to reverse. If you notice that your child’s gums bleed easily or exhibit other signs, talk to your child’s dentist.