While gum disease almost always affects adults, there is one unique strain of aggressive periodontal infections that can impact adolescents.Most specialists refer to it as juvenile periodontitis or localized juvenile periodontitis.
Because most forms of gum disease are the result of ongoing plaque and tartar accumulation leading to soft tissue and bone detachment, cases of juvenile periodontitis can be especially alarming. Especially given that most children and teens do not experience anything more severe than chronic gingivitis, even in cases of oral neglect. In one study, only about0.6-2.27% of adolescents and teens experienced periodontitis. (1)
While poor oral hygiene is primarily to blame for juvenile periodontitis, other risk factors may include: (1)
• Fungi
• Herpes viruses (including the ones that cause Chicken Pox and Cold Sores)
• Genetic and developmental concerns
• Metabolic disorders
• Traumatic factors
• Systemic diseases
Conditions such as puberty and mouth breathing may amplify gingivitis symptoms, causing inflammation and bleeding to appear more prevalent. However, aggressive juvenile periodontitis will also include loss of connective tissue and supporting bone structures.(1)
Dental exams and X-rays are essential for evaluating issues such as bone loss and screening for subgingival (below the gums) calculus deposits on their teeth. (2) Children and teens who meet the classifications of juvenile or chronic periodontitis should be placed on a prophylactic care routine immediately. In most cases, localized treatment is appropriate for the area of infection.(3) Non-surgical treatments such as a deeper cleaning and antibiotic therapy are typically the best solution for managing these infections. But unfortunately, many times the affected teeth in more involved cases will require extraction.
If your teen or child is experiencing symptoms of chronic gingivitis that doesn’t respond to normal oral hygiene, be sure to contact a periodontist near you for an immediate evaluation.
1. Al-Ghutaimel H, Riba H, Al-Kahtani S, Al-Duhaimi S.Common periodontal diseases of children and adolescents. Int J Dent.2014;2014:850674. doi: 10.1155/2014/850674. Epub 2014 Jun 26. PMID: 25053946;PMCID: PMC4098882.
2. Modéer T, Wondimu B. Periodontal diseases in children and adolescents. Dent Clin North Am. 2000 Jul;44(3):633-58. PMID: 10925775.
3. Research, Science and Therapy Committee Guidelines of theAmerican Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal diseases of children and adolescents. J Periodontol 2003;74:1696-1704.