Periodontal Diseases in Children

Periodontal disease (periodontitis) affects the gums. These diseases can progress to cause damage to deeper connective tissue and the jawbone if left untreated.
Most cases of gum disease are caused by inadequate oral hygiene, but in children periodontal disease may be secondary to another systemic illness. There are several conditions that can lead to childhood periodontitis, and they don't necessarily have other noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Periodontal Disease

• Periodontal disease initially affects only the gums. The gums may look red and swollen, in addition to bleeding when brushing or flossing. Once the disease has been present for a while, it begins to affect deeper connective tissue and eventually the jaw bone.
  Once it has progressed beyond the gums, it can lead to teeth shifting and becoming loose. The teeth eventually fall out if the disease goes untreated.
  The gums may or may not be painful in the early to middle stages. Because of this, gum disease may go unnoticed until more severe symptoms occur.

Diabetes

• Children with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than their non-diabetic peers, according to a report published in Diabetes Care.
  "Our research illustrates that programs to prevent and treat periodontal disease should be considered a standard of care for young patients with diabetes," said Ira B. Lamster, D.D.S, M.M.Sc., the principal investigator of the study. It was funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
  The children with diabetes had more plaque and inflammation than other children. Plaque and bacteria cause inflammation and damage to gum tissue.

Autoimmune Disease

• Gum disease in children may be secondary to an autoimmune condition. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are two autoimmune diseases that increase the risk of developing gum disease.
  With autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system causes an inflammatory response when trying to heal tissue. That inflammation makes the the tissue more susceptible to infection and damage.
  According to the National Institutes of Health, people with rheumatoid arthritis are four times more likely to also have periodontitis.
  Children with autoimmune disorders most likely exhibit other symptoms before periodontal disease, but because they're at an increased risk of developing the condition you should be alert for early signs and symptoms.

Malnutrition

• According to a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, malnourishment in children increased their risk of periodontal diseases in two ways. An inadequately nourished body is less able to fight illnesses and infections such as gum disease. Stress hormones, including cortisol, are higher in malnourished children, and higher levels of these hormones suppress the body's anti-inflammatory response.
  Children who are malnourished also have fewer antibodies and proteins in their saliva, which would normally offset the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease.

Considerations

• If a child's oral hygiene is good and he has regular dental visits but he continues to have symptoms of gum disease, he should be tested for other illnesses.
  Flossing once daily and brushing at least twice daily are the minimum requirements to reduce your risk of gum disease. Children often need help properly cleaning their teeth to ensure that they reach all surfaces and between the teeth.