Tips For Checking Little Gums Are Healthy

Keeping on track with your kids dental journey helps develop healthy, happy and confident smiles. Gums are just as important as teeth when it comes to oral care. It’s never too soon to start thinking about checking those gums for signs they are developing healthily. If there are any issues, the sooner you spot them the easier they can be treated and resolved. So, how do you check if little gums are healthy? Here are the simple steps you can do at home from one of our friendly kids dentists. 

What Are The Signs Of Unhealthy Gums?

Before you check, have a read through these signs that could mean they are not developing healthily. 

Bleeding Gums

While a little bleeding when brushing can be normal, if this is happening a lot it could be a sign of gingivitis. Check in with your dentist to put your mind at rest. 

Swollen Gums

Healthy gums are pale, pink and firm. If you notice your little ones gums are puffy, dark red or inflamed they could be experiencing irritation. 

Complaining About Soreness

If your child is saying their sore after eating or drinking, it could be time to take a close look at their gums. Healthy gums should not cause any pain. 

Receding Gums

This is something that can prevent children from brushing too hard or orthodontic issues. The best way to get peace of mind is to book an appointment with the dentist. They can confirm if and what treatment can prevent this from developing further. 

Bad Breath

Brushing regularly and still noticing bad breath? This can be a sign of unhealthy gums and must be looked into. 

How Can You Check Your Child’s Gums? 

Simply taking a look at their gums once a month can be enough to notice any obvious symptoms. Ask them if they feel ok and listen out for any complaints. If you do notice any of the above signs then a dentist is the best stop. The earlier you start introducing them to check-ups and taking care of their teeth the brighter their smile journey will be.

How Can You Keep Gums Healthy At Home?

The best oral journeys start at home. While coming in to see the dentist regularly plays is an important part, it’s the everyday habits that matter most. So…  To keep gums as healthy as possible here are some easy steps to follow at home. 

Brush twice a day

Simple, but effective. Getting them into the habit of brushing twice a day will help limit trips to the dentist, create a positive relationship with their oral care and help prevent any problems.

Start Flossing Early

To remove plaque and prevent gum disease, flossing is the magic trick. Try and get them used to flossing as early as possible so it becomes a natural part of their routine. 

Use A Little Flouride

Fluoride is the ingredient in toothpaste that helps to strengthen enamel. A pea sized amount is perfect for children three and above. 

Watch Out For Sugar

A lot of kids’ juices and snacks can contain sneaky sugar. While a little is ok, too much can cause decay and irritate gums.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Make sure you keep up with those dental check ups for extra reassurance that everything is progressing in the right direction of bright, happy, healthy smiles. 

The Key Take Aways

Gum development is an important part of children’s dental journey. While many parents focus on checking teeth, getting into the habit of checking gums too can help identify any issues and get them resolved before they become problems. Bleeding when brushing, swollen gums and complaining about soreness are common signs of gum irritation. If they have been going on for a while, it is best to get a dentist to have a look and put your mind at rest. There are plenty of things you can do beyond the dental chair to help their gums too. Tips for home include brushing twice a day, flossing, using a fluoride base toothpaste and watching out for sugar. These simple habits can make a huge difference to their oral health. 

Is It Time To Check Their Gums?

Gum problems can be easy to miss. Our teeth-loving kids’ dentists are trained to detect any problems that may not be obvious before they become something to moan about. If you feel it is time to get a dentist to take a peek at your little one’s gums, our friendly team can help. Our kid-inspired clinics make every visit a fun adventure and ensure you leave with the reassurance and expert advice you need.

Get in touch to book a free consultation and all the support you need to get your littles dental journey off to a roaring start.