Gum disease in children

A very small number of children have systemic diseases that cause bone loss and premature loss of baby teeth. It is a misconception that children do not have gingivitis and do not have tartar. Gingivitis in children is characterized by reversibility, in adults it is not. Gingivitis in the baby teeth stage has almost no effect on the permanent teeth.

Some acute gingivitis in children
Gingivitis - mouth in children
Is an acute infection caused by the Herpes hominis virus. Usually seen in children 2 to 5 years old, but also in older children.

Symptoms: The child has fever, headache, weakness, mouth pain, difficulty swallowing and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Then there is the period of gingivitis, which is swollen, red, and severely edematous. Blisters appear on the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks and palate. Gray blisters, which suddenly burst after a few hours and leave behind a very painful, scarred pale yellow sore.

Treatment of gingivitis in children
Give rest and light diet during the fever period, avoiding dehydration. Give painkillers such as paracetamol and prevent superinfection with mouthwash (such as chlorhexidine), for children younger than 6 years old should use aerosol form or gauze impregnated with solution. Severe cases give acyclovir 200mg, 5 times / day for 5 days. Children under 2 years old reduce ½ dose.

When children have pre-symptoms such as fever, fussiness, loss of appetite and mouth pain, difficulty swallowing. Children should be taken to the dental clinic as soon as possible for timely detection and treatment to avoid prolonged pain and discomfort for the child.

The most effective preventive measure is good oral hygiene and care:

• For young children who are still breastfed, immediately after feeding the baby, wrap the fingertips with gauze and clean the oral cavity for the child, the movement should be done gently to avoid causing nausea, leading to vomiting and regurgitation.
• For older children, it is possible to have them rinse their mouth and get into the habit of brushing their teeth every day. And regular dental checkups, filling the cavities are necessary to prevent gingivitis and other acute periodontal diseases.