What Your Family Needs to Know About Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which is when the gums become inflamed and infected. Gum disease is common among the general population, but is especially common among young adults. The primary reason for this is the prevalence of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods amongst the youth. When healthy eating and hygienic habits are encouraged however, kids can beat gingivitis.
Parents should also know that gingivitis can be spread to their baby. If you have had gingivitis or gum disease, you run the risk of giving it to your baby. You don’t have to let this happen though. We will show you how to prevent this, and how to make your kids more aware of gingivitis.
What Kids Should Know About Gingivitis
All children should know the most common causes of gingivitis. Gingivitis can change to a worse form, known as gum disease. This happens after enough plaque has built up on the teeth and gum line. Gum disease can be very painful.
The biggest contributors to gum disease are:
• Improper dental care and improper dental hygiene
• Vitamin deficiency, mostly C and B3
• Hormone changes during puberty
• Certain medications
• Brushing too rough
Can a baby catch gingivitis?
As we mentioned earlier, babies can get gingivitis. Babies can develop teeth problems. They are not born with the bacteria at birth, but they can still get it from others later.
So what should you do?
If your infant gets someone’s saliva in their mouth, they can `catch’ the bacteria. It is important that you prevent this from happening as much as you possibly can.
Nearly everyone including you has some of the gingivitis causing bacteria in their mouths, but you can still minimize the amount of transference to your baby.
Here are a few tips:
• Avoid letting your baby use your eating utensils
• Use baby wipes as opposed to your saliva for cleaning baby messes
• Never let your baby put their fingers inside your mouth
• Do not wipe their mouth with your hand using saliva
Gingivitis can be caused by many unexpected factors; however, knowing what these factors are is one of the keys to good oral hygiene. And if you remember to keep your saliva away from your baby, she will likely not have any teeth problems during infancy.
Need gingivitis treatment, or just more information? Get in touch with Montefiore Today
If you are looking for gingivitis treatment, or just more information, Montefiore is here for you. Contact Montefiore today. We are based in Bronx New York and can be reached at many locations in Bronx, including 3332 Rochambeau Avenue, 2nd Floor, at (888) 700-6623. We look forward to hearing from you soon.