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As National Gum Care Month approaches, we take this opportunity to provide parents with important information they need to help their children take care of their gums.
If your child has ever had problems with bleeding gums when brushing, you know how scary it can be. It can sometimes be difficult to determine where the bleeding is coming from and why.
Just like in adults, bleeding gums for no reason can be a sign of an underlying oral health problem.
There are many factors that can contribute to bleeding gums, including brushing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush. Infections in their mouth can also cause their gums to bleed and, if left untreated, can cause discomfort.
At Children’s Choice, we’re happy to answer your questions and allay your concerns about your child’s oral health. Here are some of the causes of bleeding gums and what you can do to prevent and treat it.
Brush too hard
When your child learns to brush their teeth, they may put too much pressure on their teeth and gums, which can cause them to bleed.
While it may seem unlikely that your child will brush their teeth too much, it is common in young children and toddlers.
Most children are often excited and anxious to start brushing their teeth without adult help, and may brush too hard. Their gum tissue can become tender or irritated, causing bleeding.
You can supervise your children while they brush their teeth to prevent this from happening. While you’re at it, teach them how to brush their teeth carefully so they can improve their overall brushing routine.
You can help your child to be gentler when brushing and flossing to prevent further irritation and bleeding.
The bristles of the brush are too hard
Not all toothbrushes are made for children. This is why it is important to check the bristles of the brush to make sure they are soft and comfortable for your children.
If your child uses a stiff bristle brush, they can injure their gums and cause them to bleed. If possible, ask your pediatric dentist to recommend a good brand of children’s toothbrushes.
Not enough brushing (poor oral hygiene)
Poor oral hygiene can cause bleeding gums. It is one of the safest ways to know when your child is not brushing their teeth the recommended number of times a day.
Your child’s gums may start to bleed due to inflammation from insufficient brushing. This happens when there is an increase in the buildup of plaque on their gum tissue.
Any time your child skips the time to brush their teeth, the plaque bacteria can spread. This leads to gum disease and tooth decay, and this is the main reason why the gums bleed.
The best way to avoid this is to make sure your children brush their teeth at least twice a day (before bed and when they wake up).
Also, your child may not be able to remove all of the plaque between their teeth by brushing on their own. You can help them start flossing once a day to remove the remaining plaque between their teeth.
Gums that bleed while flossing
Your child’s gums may bleed slightly as they learn to floss properly. During this time, you can help your child by making lukewarm water with a little salt that he can use to rinse his mouth. This can help decrease the initial pain and inflammation in their gums.
If the problem persists after about a week, you may need to help your child floss. Bad dental floss can injure the crevices between your child’s teeth. These areas are sensitive and can easily bleed when pricked.
In other cases, you may need to contact us for professional help in treating bleeding gums, as this may indicate a more serious dental problem.
Periodontal disease of the gums and gingivitis
It is one of the main causes of bleeding gums in children. Fortunately, you can easily prevent gum disease by making sure your child has a great oral health routine. This involves making sure they brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day, and floss at least once a day.
You can tell your child is suffering from gingivitis by looking for various symptoms. These include:
- Receding gums
- Swollen gums
- Red and tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
If your child has any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to contact our professionals at Children’s Choice and make an appointment. Your child may need a deep dental cleaning to get rid of all the plaque that is causing gum infection or gum disease.
The dentist can also check your child’s teeth for pockets caused by infected or swollen gum tissue. We can also prescribe medication for infections requiring treatment.
The drugs themselves can also be a cause of bleeding gums in children. Certain medicines can make your child’s gums more susceptible to inflammation. Tell your dentist about any new drug regimens your child is taking.
How to prevent gingivitis in your children
Although gingivitis is a national problem, it is also easily preventable. Besides the usual brushing and flossing routine, you may need to take extra steps to make sure your child has healthy gums.
- Start by experimenting with different bristles to find the best one for your child.
- Pay close attention to your child’s brushing routines.
Check their toothbrushes for excessive wear and change them every 3 months. Let them choose the toothbrush to add excitement to their oral routine. - Be sure to get them for routine dental checkups, as recommended by your pediatric dentist at Children’s Choice.
Take charge of your family’s oral health
Although your child may occasionally have bleeding gums from brushing or excessive flossing, it is important to let your dentist know each time this happens to make sure it is not. something more serious.
If your child has persistent bleeding gums, come see our pediatric dental specialist at Children’s Choice for an assessment.
Plan your dental visit with Children’s Choice today! >
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