Gum Disease

At Superkids Pediatric Dentistry, we take gum disease very seriously. When left untreated, periodontal disease can be one of the worst oral conditions for children because it gradually worsens. Seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect your child may be suffering from gingivitis.

With four convenient locations of pediatric dentists in Potomac &Rockville MD, Sterling & Alexandria VA, your child can get the best care for gum disease from experienced and friendly pediatric dentists!

Periodontal disease in children

Don’t be fooled into thinking that periodontal disease is solely an adult problem. Studies show that children are also amongst the crowd of having gingivitis (first stage of periodontal disease). Though forms of advanced periodontal disease in children are rare, it is still a possibility.

It is common for children to have chronic gingivitis which causes the gum tissue to become swollen, red, and bleed easily. With the necessary preventative maintenance such as a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and dental appointments, gingivitis is preventable. Gingivitis is also treatable, but if it is left untreated, it can quickly advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.

Localized aggressive periodontitis can affect healthy young children. It affects the first molars and incisors and can be found amongst teenagers and young adults. It is also described as a severe loss of alveolar bone and patients will usually form little to no plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis can start around puberty and may involve the entire mouth. When this happens, the gums will become inflamed and heavy amounts of plaque and calculus will occur. This will ultimately lead to teeth becoming loose.

Conditions that make children more prone to periodontal disease include:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Down syndrome
• Papillon-Lefevre syndrome

For more information about gum disease treatment, give any one of our office locations a call to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist:

5204 Dawes Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311   Phone: 703-931-4400
46175 Westlake Drive Suite 430, Sterling, VA 20165   Phone: 703-774-0014
10220 River Road, Suite 305, Potomac, MD 20854   Phone: 301-299-4400
15020 Shady Grove Road, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20850   Phone: 301-762-2236