periodontal diseases in children

Periodontal Disease in

Children
B y :
L e c t u r e r N a m e i n
E n g l i s h & A r a b i c
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D e p a rt me n t o f
P e d od on t i c s ,
O r t h od on t i c s
a n d P r e v e n t iv e
D e n t is t r y
D e p a rt me n t o f :
H E R E

U N I V E R S I T Y O F M O S U L

C O L L E G E O F D E N T I S T R Y
What is periodontal disease in children?
Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection . It destroys the
gums and supporting structures of the teeth . It is also called gum
disease .
What causes periodontal disease in a child?
The buildup of plaque on the teeth is the main cause of
periodontal disease . Plaque contains bacteria that sticks to the
teeth . If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens and is then called
calculus or tartar . Poor oral hygiene habits allow plaque to grow
in the mouth .

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C O L L E G E O F D E N T I S T R Y Which children are at risk for periodontal disease?
Certain things may raise your child’s risk for periodontal disease .
These include :
• Certain genes
• Food stuck in the gums
• Mouth breathing, which may lead to severe drying of the gums
and teeth in the front of the mouth
• Poor diet
• Smoking and using smokeless tobacco
• Autoimmune or systemic diseases
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes in the body, such as during puberty
• Repeated clenching or grinding of the teeth that your child can’t
control (bruxism)
• Certain medicines that can cause an overgrowth of the gums

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C O L L E G E O F D E N T I S T R Y What are the symptoms of periodontal disease in a child?
the most common symptoms of gum disease :
• Red, swollen, sore gum
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Gums that pull away from the teeth (receding gums)
• Loose or separating teeth that show greater than normal spacing
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• A change in bite and jaw alignment
These symptoms may seem like other health problems . Have your child
sees his or her healthcare provider or dentist for a diagnosis .

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C O L L E G E O F D E N T I S T R Y
How is periodontal disease diagnosed in a child?
Your child’s healthcare provider will likely refer your child to a
dentist for evaluation and care . Your child’s dentist can often
diagnose periodontal disease with a complete history and exam of
your child’s teeth and gums . Your child may also need X - rays .
Your child’s dentist may refer your child to a periodontist . This is a
dentist with special training to treat periodontal disease .
How is periodontal disease treated in a child?
Treatment may include any or a combination of the following :
• Good dental care . Regular cleanings by a dentist can help fight
gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease . Your child will also
need to brush and floss daily .

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C O L L E G E O F D E N T I S T R Y
• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing ) . This treatment can
help remove the plaque and tartar under the gum and infected
tissue in the early stages of the disease . It can also smooth the
damaged root surfaces of the teeth . The gums can then reattach
to the teeth .
• Medicine . Antibiotic medicine may be put in the periodontal
pockets . Or it may be given in pill form to take by mouth .
• Surgery . When gum disease is advanced, the infected areas
under the gums need to be cleaned . The tissues may also be
reshaped or replaced .

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C O L L E G E O F D E N T I S T R Y
How can I help prevent periodontal disease in my child?
Good dental habits can prevent gum disease . Make sure your
child :
• Brushes his or her teeth twice a day
• Uses a toothbrush that is the right size based on your child's
age and size
• Flosses daily
• Sees the dentist regularly
• Eats healthy foods, limiting those high in sugar and starch

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