Hablamos Español

305-447-1447
Appointment Request

Dr. John Paul Gallardo

Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

  • About
    • Meet Dr. Gallardo
    • Our Office
    • Blog
    • In The News
    • What Are My Options?
  • Services
    • Dental Implants
      • Implants Overview
      • Dental Implant Repair
      • Dentures Vs. Implants
      • Single Tooth Replacement
      • Multiple Teeth Replacement
      • Full Teeth Replacement
      • All-on-4® Implants
      • Metal-Free Dental Implants
      • Teethxpress
      • Implant Failure Treatment
    • Gum Treatments
      • The Pinhole Surgical Technique
      • Laser Periodontal Therapy
      • Alloderm
      • Non-Surgical Methods
      • Periodontal Plastic Surgery
    • Cosmetic & Hygiene
      • Dental Crown Lengthening
      • Laser Gum Depigmentation
      • Lip Repositioning
      • Teeth Cleaning
      • Invisalign
    • Oral Surgery
      • Bone Grafting
      • Jaw Surgery
      • Treatment Options
      • TMJ Disorder
      • Wisdom Teeth Removal
    • Technology Offered
      • Plasma Rich Growth Factors
      • Sedation Dentistry
      • Oral Cancer Screening
      • Oral DNA Testing
  • Photos
  • Reviews
    • RealSelf Reviews
    • Online Reviews
    • Solution Reach Reviews
    • Testimonial Videos
  • For Patients
    • Common Questions
    • Out of Town Patients
    • Dental Financing
    • Educational Videos
    • Emergency Visits
    • Medical History Form
    • Patient Referral
    • Pre & Post-Operative Instructions
    • Registration Form
    • Pay Your Bill Online
  • For Dentists
    • Patient Referral
    • Newsletter
  • Contact
305-447-1447
MENU

Periodontal Health in Children and Adolescents

Periodontitis is thought of as an adult problem as the result of aging. But, did you know that gingivitis, a mild form of periodontitis, is often found in both children and adolescents? Additionally, research shows that more advanced, harmful forms of periodontal disease can occur in these younger age groups. The good news a few easy steps can help prevent periodontal diseases.

There are three types of periodontal diseases found in children and adolescents.

  1. Chronic gingivitis causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Left untreated, chronic gingivitis can eventually lead to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
  2. Aggressive periodontitis affects the first molars and incisors. It can include bone loss and patients may form very little dental plaque.
  3. Generalized aggressive periodontitis involves the entire mouth. Patients have heavy accumulations of plaque, calculus and inflammation of the gums.

Eventually, periodontitis can cause the teeth to become loose and possibly to fall out.

For your teen, hormonal changes due to puberty can put them at risk for periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may increase the gum’s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

As your teen gets older, the tendency for the gums to swell in response to irritants will lessen. However, during puberty, it is very important to follow a good dental hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental visits. In some cases, a dental professional may recommend periodontal therapy to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is important that children and teens receive a comprehensive periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits.

The most important preventive step against periodontal disease is to establish good oral health habits with your child. There are basic preventive steps to help your child maintain good oral health:

  • Establish good dental hygiene habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. When the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
  • Set an example. Serve as a good role model by practicing good dental hygiene habits yourself.
  • Make time. Schedule regular dental visits for family checkups, periodontal evaluations and cleanings bi-annually.
  • Check your child’s mouth for the signs of periodontal disease. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath.
  • Early diagnosis ensures the greatest change for successful treatment. It is important that children receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits

Healthy Gums Tips

Periodontal Health in Children and AdolescentsThe key to good oral health is an at-home routine consisting of brushing and flossing and seeing your dental professional twice a year for a check-up. Get them in the habit of flossing even when there are spaces between the teeth. It becomes necessary when the gaps begin to close, but getting the routine down before is helpful. Brush your teeth together in the morning and before bed so the process becomes a routine for both of you.

This Information Provided by Your Periodontist

The American Academy of Periodontology Patient Page is a public service of the AAP and should not be used as a substitute for the care and advice of your personal periodontist. There may be variations in treatment that your periodontist will recommend based on individual facts and cir-cumstances. Visit perio.org to assess your risk and for more information on periodontal disease.

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Before All-on-4 ® Dental Implants photo in 2020 SW 27th Ave, Miami, Florida, 33145 After All-on-4 ® Dental Implants photo in 2020 SW 27th Ave, Miami, Florida, 33145
View more All-on-4 ® Dental Implants before and after photos

Reviews

On May 23, I had oral surgery with Dr. Gallardo. He brings a knowledgeable approach with a soft bedside manner. I appreciate his knowledge, gentle…

5 stars

I always go to Gallardo & Lamas for my teeth cleaning. It’s the best teeth cleaning you can get! They do everything that needs to be done…

5 stars

I had a lip repositioning surgery with Dr Gallardo 2 weeks ago. Look for the doctor on the internet and consult some doctors in Colombia, and in…

5 stars

Our Doctors Are Featured In

Modern Luxury Miami

Univision

Quick Links

  • About
  • Services
  • Gallery
  • Reviews
  • For Patients
  • Patient Referral
  • Contact Us

Contact Details

  • 2020 SW 27th Ave Miami,
    Florida 33145
  • 305-447-1447

Location Map

Map

Proud of our Reputation

RealSelf
Yelp
Google Plus
Healthgrades

© Copyright 2019. Dr. John Paul Gallardo. Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Sitemap