Yes, kids, too can get periodontal disease. While it may not be as common as among adults, kids are susceptible to gum diseases. Several factors increase a child's predisposition to get periodontal disease. And just like adults, poor oral hygiene is the number one culprit. Other factors such as genetics and pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, down syndrome and genetics also increase the chances of getting periodontal diseases among children and young adults. Periodontal diseases occurring among children and teenagers are referred to as onset periodontal diseases. These gum diseases can affect children as young as 2 years old.
There are three forms of onset periodontal diseases. The first one is pre-pubertal periodontitis. This affects children before puberty, between 2 and 13 years old. This condition is characterized by inflamed gums which are red, swollen and tender. Other symptoms are rapid bone loss around the tooth, tooth mobility and eventually, tooth loss. This can either be localized, commonly affecting the front teeth and incisors, or generalized, affecting most, if not all of the teeth. Early diagnosis can help treat the gum disease right away. However, severe cases may require surgery and administration of antibiotics coupled with strict oral hygiene practices.
Juvenile periodontitis affect teenagers during or after puberty. This condition is caused by the increase in sex hormones (which can increase the blood flow in the gums and make them more sensitive), poor oral hygiene and pre-existing medical conditions. Just like any other forms of periodontitis, it can affect a section of your teeth or the entire set of teeth. The localized periodontitis may lack the common symptoms, such as heavy plaque, inflammation or gum bleeding while the generalized form may have all of these symptoms. Juvenile periodontitis is more common among young women than men due to the changes in their body during puberty.
Rapidly progressive periodontitis affect young adults ages 20 to 30 and can cause severe inflammation of the gums and rapid destruction of the alveolar bone. Permanent tooth loss may follow unless periodontal disease treatment is administered. Periodontal disease treatment of rapidly progressive periodontitis may involve surgical removal of plaque which has reached beneath the gum lines and removal of the dead and infected tissue.
This may be followed by strong antibiotics and strict adherence to good oral hygiene practices. However, if the periodontitis generalized, it is recommended to see a doctor first as this could indicate a pre-existing medical condition.
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