Maintaining Children’s Periodontal Health: Cultivating Good Habits from an Early Age

Introduction

Periodontal health in children is an important component of their overall health, affecting their chewing function, language development, and confidence. However, many parents lack attention to their children’s periodontal health, leading to various oral problems during their growth process. This article will delve into the maintenance methods of children’s periodontal health, including common problems, causes, prevention and treatment methods, to help parents cultivate good oral hygiene habits in their children from an early age and ensure their healthy growth.

Common problems in children’s periodontal health

The main periodontal health problems in children include:

1. Gingivitis: Gum redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially when brushing teeth or eating hard foods.
2. Periodontal disease : Gum recession, loose teeth, and in severe cases, may lead to tooth loss.
3. Dental caries : Black or brown cavities appear on the surface of teeth, accompanied by pain or sensitivity.
4. Dental plaque and tartar : Dental plaque is a thin film formed by bacteria and food residues, while tartar is a hard sediment formed by calcification of dental plaque.
5. Oral Ulcer : Circular or elliptical ulcers appear in the oral cavity, with a central depression and red and swollen edges.
6. Bad breath : Persistent bad breath or oral odor that affects social interaction.

The causes of periodontal health problems in children

The causes of periodontal health problems in children are diverse, involving multiple aspects such as physiology, mechanics, and lifestyle habits

1. Poor oral hygiene:
   Irregular brushing: Children who fail to develop the habit of regular brushing can accumulate dental plaque and tartar.
   Improper brushing method: Using a hard bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard may cause gum damage and bleeding.
   Not using dental floss: Failure to regularly use dental floss to clean between teeth can lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
2. Dietary habits :
   High sugar diet: Frequent intake of high sugar foods and beverages, such as candy, chocolate, juice, etc., increases the risk of dental caries.
   Acidic foods: Frequent intake of acidic foods and beverages, such as lemon juice, carbonated drinks, etc., can cause enamel softening and wear.
   Bad eating habits: Irregular eating times and overeating can affect oral health.
3. Genetic factors :
   Family history : Children with a family history of periodontal disease or dental caries have a higher risk of developing the disease.
4. Bad lifestyle habits :
   Finger sucking and biting: Long term finger sucking or biting on hard objects may lead to misaligned teeth and abnormal bite relationships.
   Oral trauma: Accidental falls or collisions may cause damage to teeth and periodontal tissue.
5. Systemic diseases :
   Immune system diseases: People with weakened immune system function have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.
   Endocrine disease : such as diabetes, which affects the resistance of oral mucosa.

Preventive measures for children’s periodontal health

The key to preventing periodontal health problems in children lies in cultivating good oral hygiene habits and lifestyle habits from an early age:

1. Daily oral care :
   Correct brushing : Educate children to brush their teeth at least twice a day, for no less than two minutes each time, using soft bristled toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste.
   Use dental floss : Teach children to use dental floss or gap brushes to clean between teeth and remove plaque.
   Mouthwash : Use antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent plaque formation.
2. Healthy diet :
   Balanced diet : Consuming foods rich in vitamins C, D, and calcium can enhance the resistance of teeth and gums.
   Reduce sugar intake : Limit the intake of high sugar foods and beverages such as candy, chocolate, and juice to reduce the formation of dental plaque.
   Drink plenty of water: Maintain sufficient water intake, promote saliva secretion, and clean the mouth.
3. Avoid bad habits :
   Quit sucking fingers and biting objects : Educate children to quit the habit of sucking fingers and biting hard objects, and avoid misaligned teeth and abnormal bite relationships.
   Safety protection : Wear a mouth guard during sports activities to avoid oral trauma.
4. Regular Inspection :
   Dental examination: It is recommended that children undergo a comprehensive dental examination every six months to one year to detect and treat early lesions in a timely manner.
   Professional scaling : Regularly perform dental scaling to remove tartar and plaque, and prevent periodontal disease.

Treatment methods for periodontal health problems in children

Once periodontal health problems occur, timely medical attention should be sought and corresponding treatment measures should be taken according to the condition:

1. Drug therapy :
   Fluoride containing gel or ointment : Use fluoride containing gel or ointment locally to help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
   Antibiotics : Use oral or topical antibiotics under the guidance of a doctor to control infections.
2. Repair treatment :
   Filling treatment: For teeth with dental caries, composite resin or glass ionomer materials can be used for filling to restore the appearance and function of the teeth.
   Dental crowns or veneers : For severely damaged teeth, dental crowns or veneers can be used for restoration to protect the surface of the teeth and reduce sensitivity.
3. Periodontal treatment:
   Basic cleaning : Use an ultrasonic cleaning machine or manual scraper to remove tartar and plaque, and control inflammation.
   Root surface leveling: For cases with deep periodontal pockets, root surface leveling is performed to thoroughly remove pathological deposits on the surface of the tooth root and promote the healing of periodontal tissue.
4. Surgical treatment :
   Gum transplantation: For teeth sensitivity caused by gum recession, gum transplantation surgery can be performed to cover the exposed tooth roots and reduce sensitivity.
   Bone transplantation: For severe alveolar bone resorption, bone transplantation surgery can be performed to restore bone mass and support teeth.
5. Psychological Intervention :
   Counseling : For oral problems caused by psychological factors such as anxiety and tension, you can seek the help of a psychological counselor to learn how to cope with stress.

Conclusion

Periodontal health in children is an important component of their overall health, affecting their chewing function, language development, and confidence. By understanding the common problems, causes, prevention, and treatment methods of children’s periodontal health issues, parents can cultivate good oral hygiene habits in their children from an early age and ensure their healthy growth. I hope this article can help parents better understand the maintenance methods of children’s periodontal health, take appropriate prevention and treatment measures, and protect the oral health of children and families. Through comprehensive management and timely treatment, we can create a healthy and happy growth environment for children.