What parents in L5G 3H7 need to know about family dentistry

The L5G 3H7 region is one of the fastest growing areas of Ontario. The median age is 35 and 18 percent of the population is under the age of 14. That means a lot of families with young children. Dr. Rina Kotecha and her team at Dentistry on 10 treat many of them.

Dr. Rina works closely with parents to get their children off to a strong start on a lifetime of good oral health. She answers questions, provides educational materials, demonstrates proper hygiene techniques, and genuinely enjoys getting youthful patients acclimated to dental care. She finds most parents to be eager participants. However, many are unaware of a potential oral health problem their children face, that can have a serious impact on overall health – gum disease.

Childhood gum disease

Hundreds of strains of bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of the mouth. They form a sticky film called plaque that traps food particles. As bacteria feast on starches and sugars, they excrete toxins. The process irritates gum tissue. If plaque is not removed promptly, it hardens into tartar or calculus at the gum line. This inflames gums further, loosening their seal to teeth and allowing bacteria to infiltrate more deeply.

Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to the advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis, which attacks ligament and bone that support teeth. Teeth get loose and fall out. Periodontitis is also linked a number of serious systemic health conditions.

Does this sound like something that affects only adults? It isn’t. Anyone with teeth can get gum disease, and teens are especially prone to it. Hormonal changes during puberty increase gum sensitivity. This is also a potentially rebellious period in a child’s development, where he or she may resist brushing and flossing and experiment with tobacco, increasing risk of gum disease.

Advice for parents

To help your child maintain a healthy mouth and body:

• Prevention is the best defense against gum disease, so establish good home oral hygiene habits early.
• Be a good role model. Let your child see you practicing oral hygiene daily.
• Maintain regular checkups. Early detection and management of gum disease is critical. Schedule a thorough examination and cleaning for your child, at least two times a year.
• Be vigilant for signs of gum disease. Check your child’s mouth for bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, reddish or purplish discoloration, or indications that gums that are receding from teeth.

Parents in the L5G 3H7 aren’t alone when they partner with Dentistry on 10 for family care. Call (905) 455-9262 to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Rina.

Share this Article