29.4 F
Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Word of Mouth – Periodontal disease in children

-

February is Children’s dental health month, so it is appropriate to shed some light on a topic that most people do not realize exists—periodontal disease in children. I wasn’t surprised when Met Life denied a claim recently, but that happens more and more. I was surprised, however, by their excuse. I realize most parents probably do not understand that their children can have gum problems, but I was shocked that a dentist would say what she did.

The Met Life consultant told us “in the future periodontal therapy would not be paid for young patients.” In this case, the patient was 17. The American Academy of Periodontology website points out that studies show nearly all children and adolescents have gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease). They emphasize the need to monitor and sometimes treat periodontal disease in children.

“Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur.” Sometimes this is symptomatic of a more involved systemic problem.

The Academy website is a good source for information on the subject, and discusses the forms of periodontal disease in children and young adults.

“Hormonal changes related to puberty can put teens at greater risk for developing periodontal disease.” Starting good oral hygiene habits early and maintaining those habits can help prevent periodontal disease, and early diagnosis is important for successful treatment. “It is important that children receive a periodontal exam as part of their routine dental visits.”

What can you do? The Academy’s advice is to establish good oral health habits early, serve as a good role model, schedule regular dental visits, and check your child’s mouth for signs of problems, “including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath.”

And if your insurance company tries to tell you that your child cannot have periodontal disease, your response is only a few clicks away.

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
- Advertisement -
Dr. Joe Haselhorst, DDS
Dr. Joe Haselhorst, DDShttp://napervilledentist.com
Doc Joe has been in practice for over 20 years in downtown Naperville. He taught for 17 years at Northwestern Dental School. He can be contacted at (630) 420-0013 or DocJoe@NapervilleDentist.com.

LATEST NEWS

DON’T MISS OUT!
GET THE DAILY
SQUARE-SCOOP
The latest local headlines delivered
to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
close-link

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
close-link