Recognizing this condition can sometimes be complicated, but it is important to do it promptly, since in some cases the annoyance generated can lead to refusal of food and liquids
There gingivitis in children It is a common condition characterized by inflammation and annoyance of the gums. Often it is believed that it is due only to the eruption of the teeth or a poor oral hygiene, but almost always these are more complex infectious forms that require special care. Recognizing these conditions and treating them promptly can help relieve symptoms and speed up healing.
In this article we will clarify what gingivitis is and how it manifests itself, the main causes, possible treatments and how to prevent it.
How do you recognize gingivitis in children?
Recognize gingivitis In children it can sometimes be complicated, above all because the initial symptoms can be not very evident and confused with other oral events. However, with a careful eye it is possible to notice the first symptoms of gingivitis in the child.
One of the first signals is the redness: if the gums of the child, who are normally clear pink, become red or purple, there may be an ongoing inflammation. In addition, inflamed gums tend to inflate themselves by appearing larger and more protruding. This swelling can cause pain or nuisance to the child, especially during meals or during the cleaning of the teeth.
In case of gingivitis, even a slight contact can cause bleedinga sign that the oral cavity is very irritated. THE’halitosis (bad breath) is aOther of the Characteristics of children’s gingivitisand is due to the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth.
More severe forms of gingivitis, such as the Herpetic gingivitis (also called herpetic gingivostomatitis), they have additional symptoms, i.e. painful blisters inside the mouth and on the tongue, which open forming small afte or ulcers. These lesions can make the consumption of food and drinks difficult, causing dehydration if the child avoids drinking due to pain. Saliva itself can also irritate the Aftes, so children often present skiperorrhea (abundant salivation that drains from the mouth).
Herpetic gingivostomatitis is often accompanied by fever, general malaise And swelling of the lymph nodes of the neck. The fever can be high (with peaks> 39 ° C) and can last on average four to five days, up to a maximum of about 10 days. The inflammation of the gums and the cans last longer than the fever and constitute the most annoying aspect of the disease. The affected children can be contagious for about 10 days.
The symptoms that complicate gingivitis, especially the refusal of food and liquids, must be recognized in a timely manner and push towards the consultation of the trusted pediatrician. The most frequent and feared complication is in fact dehydration, which manifests itself with dry lips, little pee, cry without tears. In herpetic gingivostomatitis it is very important to avoid contact of the hands with the eyes, as eye contagion can be potentially very dangerous.
The normal changes that the gums undergo during the teething should not be confused with gingivitis. Before a tooth ideas, in fact, the gum can swell and appear clearer. When the tooth emerges, the edge of the gum rises and may appear slightly swollen and red. These changes sometimes, but not always, can be annoying and irritating the child, but they are natural phenomena and do not involve health problems.
What are the causes?
The causes of gingivitis in children they vary according to the age and oral conditions. In children there are mainly two forms:
- Herpetic gingivostomatitis, caused by herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus type 1). This is the most frequent form in preschool children (up to 5-6 years). The virus is easily transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva, making the transmission between children who attend school or playful environments common.
Other forms of viral gingivostomatitis can be caused by various types of viruses, including i Coxsackie virus they Enterovirus (as in the mouth syndrome, hands, feet).
- Bacterial gingivitisdue to the accumulation of bacterial plaque And tartar for a non -optimal dental cleaning. If the teeth are not brushed regularly and the interdental floss is not used, the bacteria accumulates on the surface of the teeth and gums, forming the plate. This substance irritates the gingival tissue, causing inflammation and bleeding. It is the most frequent form of gingivitis in school age, but it can also occur in the first years of life.
There diet He plays an important role in contributing to the formation of gingivitis. A diet rich in refined sugars and carbohydrates promotes the growth of bacteria in the mouth. If the child often consumes sweets or sugary drinks, the risk of gingivitis increases considerably. Likewise, caries are also a very important risk factor.
Also theinsufficient intake of fruit and vegetables It can reduce the overall health of the gums, since these foods contribute to keeping the teeth clean and provide the vitamins necessary to maintain the gingival tissue healthy. Children with disabilities (psychomotor disorders, paralysis and syndromic diseases) can develop gingivitis more easily, since oral hygiene practices are very difficult.
The Orthodontic appliances They modify the alignment of the teeth and make cleaning more difficult. Even the malocclusions and overcrowding of the teeth can make the accumulation of the dental plaque and the gingivitis easier.
Finally exist rare medical conditions which can cause inflammation of the gums: vitamin C deficiency (scorbuto), autoimmune pathologies, poor saliva production (xerostomy). Saliva has a very important role in the prevention of infections, as it helps to remove bacteria from the mouth. When saliva production is reduced, the risk of developing gingivitis increases.
Know Because gingivitis comes to children It can facilitate prevention and allow us to face it correctly.
How to cure gingivitis in children
The treatment of gingivitis depends on its cause and the severity of the condition. For the gingivitis caused by the bacterial plaque, the Improvement of oral hygiene It is the first step for healing.
In the most severe cases, the dentist’s intervention for professional cleaning may be necessary, especially if Tartar is present (calcified plaque that cannot be removed with simple brushing). During the visit, the dentist can remove the plaque and tartar accumulated and provide advice on How to pass the gingivitis. In cases of severe gingivitis, the dentist may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash or an antibiotic treatment to reduce inflammation and fight infection.
In the case of herpetic gingivostomatitis, the treatment is more complex. In these cases, in fact, the Care for gingivitis in children include the following solutions:
- analgesics (paracetamol and ibuprofen);
- antiviral drugs such as theaciclovir They can be prescribed to accelerate healing and reduce the pain caused by the canopies;
- Local application of gel based on hyaluronic acid;
- Choice of semi -solid or liquid foods, cold or warm (avoid hot foods), i.e. fruit smoothies, milk, yogurt and ice cream (often appreciated by children); Instead, spicy, acid, spicy, too salty or which require prolonged chewing should be avoided;
- one of the effective natural remedies For gingivitis it is the use of mouthwashes of aloe vera.
Maintain good hydration It is essential. You can use a teaspoon, a cup or a syringe (without needle) to administer liquids.
In cases of total refusal, the risk of dehydration and hospitalization is necessary for the administration of intravenous liquids.
How to prevent gingivitis in children
There Prevention of gingivitis It requires a joint effort between parents and children. Teaching children the importance of correct oral hygiene since the first years of life is fundamental. To help the little ones to accept the routine to wash your teethit can be useful to put in front of the mirror and show what mom and dad do. The imitation is in fact a strong push to try new experiences: after some attempt, the children themselves will want to take the toothbrush to play together.
Involve them in a playful and natural way In the routine of oral hygiene it can make a big difference. It is also a positive approach that avoids forcing, making the washing of the teeth a shared and fun activity.
According to ministerial guidelines, parents must make sure the child brushes their teeth At least twice a day And that you use the interdental floss to remove food residues between the teeth. Teaching the child the correct technique in the use of the toothbrush and walker is essential to prevent the plate from accumulating and provoking further inflammations.
Other useful precautions for prevention are:
- use of a brush with soft bristles;
- replacement of the toothbrush every three monthsfor better oral hygiene;
- use of mouthwashes antiseptics based on chlorhexidine, especially for those who bring the appliance;
- reduction of sugar consumption: these are the main nourishment for bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis; It is advisable to reduce the consumption of sweets, sugary drinks and sugary snacks, instead favoring foods rich in fiber and vitamins that support the health of the gums.
Finally, regular assessments from the pediatric dentist are essential. Although the child does not present evident symptoms of dental problems, the control visits allow to identify any signs of gingivitis early and to intervene promptly.
