Your child’s teeth and gums are still developing, along with the daily habits that help protect their oral health. Gum recession is a common condition in children’s oral health, but many parents do not notice it until a dentist points it out.
Understanding what can cause gum recession is the first step toward protecting your child’s gums. Below, you’ll learn about the most common causes of gum recession in kids and what you can do at home to help protect their gums.
Common Causes of Gum Recession in Kids
Gum recession in children can happen for several reasons, and in many cases, more than one factor is involved.
- Plaque and tartar buildup. When plaque stays along the gum line for too long, it hardens into tartar. Tartar irritates the gum tissue, and over time, that irritation can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth.
- Vigorous brushing. Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles can wear down gum tissue, just as it can wear down enamel. Many children brush with enthusiasm without realizing how much pressure they are using.
- Lip tie. A lip tie happens when the strip of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight or too thick. This can place tension on the gum tissue around the front teeth and cause the gums to pull back.
- Braces. Braces can make brushing and flossing more difficult. As plaque builds up around brackets and wires, the surrounding gums can become inflamed and begin to recede.
- Malocclusion. When teeth are crowded or your child’s bite does not line up evenly, some teeth may sit outside the normal curve of the jawbone or be placed under more pressure than others. As a result, the gum and bone covering those teeth may be thinner and more likely to recede.
- Habits. Habits such as picking at the gums can place repeated pressure on the gum tissue over time, which may contribute to gum recession.
Read more: Common Causes of Gum Recession in Kids and How Parents Can Help
How You Can Help Prevent Gum Recession in Kids
While it is not possible to prevent gum recession entirely, since several factors are involved and some of them are outside of your control, there are still steps you can take to lower your child’s risk.
Maintain a Proper Brushing and Flossing Routine
Not brushing thoroughly enough is one of the most common causes of gum recession we see in children.
Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. If plaque stays along the gum line, it can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, along with flossing once a day, helps keep your child’s gums healthy.
Brushing harder also does not clean teeth better and can actually wear down the gums over time. Watch your child’s brushing habits and remind them to brush gently. Using the right technique is more effective than applying extra pressure.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Professional cleanings remove tartar that brushing and flossing at home cannot remove. Regular checkups also allow your child’s dentist to monitor changes in the teeth and gums over time, such as the presence of lip-tie.
Most children should visit the dentist every six months, although your pediatric dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your child’s needs. Gum recession is easier to manage and reverse when it is identified early.
Monitor Gum-Picking Habits
Pay attention to your child’s gum-picking habits. If you notice your child frequently picking at their gums, help them break the habit early to protect their gum health and reduce the risk of future problems.
Keep an Eye on Orthodontic Care
Braces create more places for plaque to collect, so brushing and flossing require extra care. As plaque builds up around brackets and wires, the risk of gum recession can increase.
If your child wears braces, pay close attention to their daily oral hygiene. Following your child’s orthodontist’s cleaning instructions and using any recommended tools can help reduce gum irritation during orthodontic treatment.
Read also: Oral Hygiene Tips for Children With Braces
Gum recession in children deserves early attention because the gum tissue and bone that recede will not grow back on their own if the condition is not treated early. In most cases, only your pediatric dentist can spot the early signs of gum recession, as they are not always visible to the naked eye.
Our pediatric dental clinic in Lafayette provides preventive and restorative dental care as well as specialized services for children throughout the Acadiana area. If you have questions about your child’s gum health or would like to schedule a checkup, we are happy to see you.