Why It’s Important to Start Gum Treatment as Early as Possible
Gum diseases in children occur as often as cavities and can have serious consequences. Inflamed gums become painful, bleed during brushing, cause bad breath, and interfere with eating. If gum inflammation in a child is not treated in time, the infection can spread to the tooth roots and bone tissue, leading to premature tooth loss and bite problems.
The most common causes of gum disease in children are poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup, which contains millions of bacteria. Additional factors include cavities or pulpitis, incorrect brushing technique, oral mucosa injuries (for example, from using a hard-bristled toothbrush), weakened immunity, and chronic illnesses. Sometimes inflammation can develop after infections or due to vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamins C and D.
Prevalence of Gum Diseases in Children — Research Data
Scientific studies show that gum inflammation (gingivitis) is extremely common among children and adolescents:
Greece (ages 13–16) — gingivitis was found in 72.8% of teenagers. Main risk factors: irregular tooth brushing, lack of preventive dental visits, plaque, smoking, and low family income (thieme-connect.com).
Romania (ages 10–17) — signs of gingivitis were diagnosed in 91% of schoolchildren. Inflammation was more common among children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and those without access to school dental care (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
European overview — up to 70% of children over 7 years old show signs of gum inflammation (ejpd.eu).
Russia (ages 7–17) — periodontal disease is found in 56.4% of schoolchildren. Of these, 80.3% of cases are chronic catarrhal gingivitis (cyberleninka.ru).
These figures confirm that gingivitis in children is not an isolated problem, but a widespread issue requiring a systematic approach to prevention and treatment.
Main Gum Diseases in Children
Gingivitis
The most common periodontal disease in children. It manifests as redness, swelling, gum bleeding, and sometimes itching. With proper care and timely treatment, gingivitis is fully reversible.
Periodontitis
A more severe inflammation affecting the tissues that support the tooth. Less common in children but often develops as a complication of untreated gingivitis. Requires comprehensive treatment and ongoing monitoring.
Periodontosis
A chronic condition associated with impaired blood supply to periodontal tissues. Very rare in children, but when present, can progress rapidly, especially alongside systemic diseases.
Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
Common signs of gum inflammation in a child include bleeding during brushing, redness and swelling of the gums, bad breath, complaints of discomfort or gum itching, and tooth mobility. Sometimes parents may notice the child avoiding hard foods or complaining of pain while chewing. These warning signs should not be ignored — a visit to a pediatric dentist is necessary as soon as possible.
Methods of Gum Treatment in Children
Treatment is prescribed only after examination and accurate diagnosis. Depending on gum condition and inflammation severity, the following may be used:
- Rinsing with antiseptic solutions (chlorhexidine, chamomile or sage infusions);
- Applications with healing and anti-inflammatory gels;
- Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar;
- Treatment of cavities and other sources of infection;
- Physiotherapy (laser therapy, ultrasonic treatment);
- Surgical intervention in complex cases, such as cysts or periodontitis.
An important feature of pediatric dentistry is minimal trauma and the use of gentle techniques to preserve the health of teeth and gums without causing unnecessary stress for the child.
Prevention of Gum Diseases in Children:
- Regular brushing twice a day with a children’s toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush;
- Teaching the child proper brushing technique under parental supervision;
- Limiting sweets, sticky candies, and soft drinks;
- Including calcium- and vitamin-rich foods in the diet;
- Preventive visits to a pediatric dentist every 6 months;
- Professional cleaning and fluoride treatment as indicated.
Regular prevention and proper oral care not only help avoid gingivitis, but also reduce the risk of cavities and preserve correct bite alignment.
Gum Treatment at Diplomat Med Center
At Diplomat Med Center, we specialize in treating gum diseases in children using modern and safe methods. Our dentists perform precise diagnostics using digital equipment, develop an individual treatment plan, and always take into account the age-specific needs of young patients.
We use laser and ultrasonic therapy for quick tissue regeneration, and when necessary, perform surgical procedures with minimal discomfort. Special attention is given to teaching children proper oral hygiene to ensure long-term treatment results.
In addition to treating gingivitis and periodontitis, Diplomat Med Center offers a full range of dental services: cavity treatment and prevention for children, bite correction, aesthetic tooth restoration, filling placement, and professional cleaning. This approach ensures both the health and beauty of a child’s smile for many years.
Book an appointment at Diplomat Med Center today — we will help preserve the health of your child’s gums and teeth and give them a confident smile.