Gum Disease

Gum disease in children is very rare.  Inflammation of the gums or chronic gingivitis is very common in children.  It presents as gum tissue that is swollen, red and bleeds easily.  It can easily be corrected with proper brushing and flossing and routine dental care.  

Other forms of aggressive periodontitis can affect healthy children but it is uncommon also.  It is most common in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the incisors and first molars.  It is characterized by loss of bone and ironically, these patients generally present with very little dental calculus or plaque.  

When gum disease is present it is usually associated with a systemic medical condition like the following below:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Down’s Syndrome
• Papillon - Lefevre syndrome