Gingivitis: The most common disease among kids in the world

What is the most common disease in the world among kids? Polio? Cancer? Malnutrition?

No, it's gingivitis which, is inflammation of the gums. An estimated 98 percent of all young people have some degree of gum inflammation.

Although gingivitis in children rarely causes a serious problem such as permanent tooth loss, it has a tendency to peak in severity at the time of puberty. Existing gingivitis is intensified during the period of hormonal changes, although it is gradually reduced throughout the remainder of the teen years.

Fortunately, gingivitis has a simple solution: good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing not only prevents gingivitis, but more importantly, also controls tooth decay and more long-term dental problems.

Gingivitis results form the buildup of bacterial plaque on the tooth. The plaque serves as a breeding ground for multiplication of bacteria and their destructive byproducts, which eventually, through some complex changes, cause the gums to bleed.

When gums bleed on brushing, it is a clear sign the gums are inflamed and that gingivitis is present.

If your child's gums bleed, don't be alarmed; regular correct brushing should eventually remove the plaque, stop the bleeding, and cure gingivitis.

Dental visits for checkups and tooth cleaning should take place at least every six months, regardless of the presence or absence of bleeding and gingivitis.

For children who have physical or mental handicaps that make up regular brushing difficult, assistance at home as well as power-operated toothbrushes and antibacterial mouth rinses can be used to prevent or treat gingivitis.

Use of dental floss at least two or three times a week should be introduced when the child is old enough to use it. Like tooth brushing, flossing is essential for good oral health, and should become a matter of habit.

It is also important for the child to know to brush every tooth - not just the ones in the front.

As signs in some dentists' offices says: "You do not have to brush every tooth - only the ones you want to keep."

Dr. Michael Bral is Professor and Chairman of Periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry.