When to See a Dental About Your Child's Bleeding Gums

There’s a disease sweeping through youth populations, but it often goes unnoticed. It’s gum disease, also called periodontal disease, and it can cause gum bleeding. Boston Children’s Hospital estimates that one in two kids lives with this condition. 

The good news? Gum disease is reversible. And as a parent, you can play a big role in helping to catch periodontal disease or, ideally, help your child avoid it in the first place.

In fact, whenever you bring your child to Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry to visit Irene Zaki, DDS, you’re moving toward that goal. As part of our pediatric care plan, Dr. Zaki checks your child’s gum health at our office in Riverside, California. If she notices any signs of gum problems, she works with you to properly treat them so they can’t escalate and compromise your child’s teeth. 

You shouldn’t wait until your child’s next dentist’s visit, though. Gum care starts at home.

Checking your child for signs of gum disease

Gum bleeding is one of the top signs of periodontal disease. If you notice your child’s gums bleed when they brush or floss, keep an eye on the situation. If, with regular oral hygiene, the gum bleeding continues for more than a few days, you should visit our office.

Bleeding isn’t the only sign of gum disease. You should visit Dr. Zaki if:

• Your child says their gums hurt
• Their gums look red or purple
• Their gums seem swollen
• It hurts them to chew
• They have bad breath that won’t go away
• Teeth seem loose when they shouldn’t 

Here, Dr. Zaki can evaluate your child’s gums to see how far the gum disease has progressed. That way, she can tailor a treatment plan to help their gums heal and stop the bleeding.  

What to do about bleeding gums

If your child has early-stage gum disease — called gingivitis — a proper at-home oral care routine can generally reverse it. Make sure your child brushes and flosses daily. 

If the gum disease has progressed to the point of periodontitis, your child may need more involved treatment to help their gums heal. For example, that might mean more frequent teeth cleanings paired with noninvasive silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatments. 

Ultimately, Dr. Zaki has the options needed to treat your child’s bleeding gums and the expertise to choose the right treatment plan for their specific needs. So if you notice that your child’s gums bleed often and easily, don’t wait to call our office or book a visit online today.