Gum Disease in Kids

(HealthDayNews) -- Gum disease is one of the most common oral diseases in kids, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Help your kids prevent red, puffy and inflamed gums by encouraging them to floss regularly. If your kids are too young to floss, do it for them.

Plaque buildup is a prime cause of gum disease, so watch for plaque-forming conditions. These include:

· Certain drugs can affect bacteria growth in the mouth. Tell your dentist if your child is taking any medications.
· Hormonal changes during puberty can affect oral tissues.
· Crooked teeth can make it more difficult to remove plaque.
· Thumb sucking may displace teeth, making it harder to get at plaque.



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