Most parents are familiar with the sticky film that forms on teeth throughout the day. That film is plaque, and it’s building up in your child’s mouth.
Over time, plaque buildup can lead to problems that affect how permanent teeth come in and how healthy your child’s mouth remains as they grow.
What Plaque Is and How It Forms
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth. It’s a mixture of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that tends to collect along the gumline and in between teeth.
Each time your child eats or drinks, bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches. As they break those down, acids are produced and this thin biofilm develops on the teeth. Without regular brushing and flossing, that buildup stays in place and continues to grow.
The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar
If plaque remains on the teeth for too long, it can harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Once it hardens, it can’t be removed with brushing alone.
Tartar bonds firmly to the tooth surface and needs to be removed during a professional dental cleaning. Keeping plaque under control helps prevent that hardened buildup from forming in the first place.
How Plaque Damages Your Child's Gums
Plaque sits along the gumline and can irritate the surrounding tissue. As bacteria release toxins, the gums respond with inflammation. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it is common in children.
You may notice your child’s gums look redder than usual or slightly swollen. Healthy gums are typically pale pink and firm. If they appear bright red or puffy, plaque buildup is often the cause.
Why Bleeding Gums Shouldn't Be Ignored
Bleeding while brushing is one of the more noticeable signs that something isn’t quite right. It can be easy to assume your child is brushing too hard, but if it happens consistently, it may point to irritation along the gumline.
When gums bleed regularly, it often means they are inflamed and need attention.
Some children mention that their gums feel sore or tender. They may start avoiding certain areas while brushing because it feels uncomfortable. Unfortunately, skipping those spots allows more plaque to collect, which can increase irritation.
If plaque continues to build and gingivitis is not addressed, the gum tissue may begin to pull away from the teeth. This process is known as gum recession.
As gums recede, they expose parts of the tooth that are normally protected. Teeth may appear slightly longer, and your child might notice sensitivity to cold drinks or sweet foods. The newly exposed surface does not have the same protective enamel as the visible crown, which can make it more sensitive and vulnerable.
How Gum Health Influences Developing Teeth
For children whose permanent teeth are still erupting, healthy gums provide a stable foundation. When gum tissue remains inflamed over time, it can create a less favorable environment for teeth that are working their way into place.
Persistent irritation may affect how comfortably and properly those new teeth emerge, especially if swelling or infection is present along the gumline.
In more advanced stages, gum disease can extend beyond the surface tissue and affect the bone that anchors the teeth. As bacteria settle beneath the gumline, the infection can move deeper into the supporting structures.
This may lead to loose teeth, painful abscesses, and damage involving both baby teeth and permanent teeth that are still developing beneath the surface.
Even before reaching advanced stages, chronic gum inflammation can impact your child’s overall oral health. It creates conditions where cavities develop more easily and can contribute to persistent bad breath that doesn’t fully improve with brushing alone.
Read also: Flossing for Kids: When to Start and How to Do It Right
Healthy Gums Begin With Consistent Daily Care
Protecting your child’s gums starts with preventing plaque buildup. Brushing thoroughly twice a day, flossing daily, and limiting sugary snacks between meals all help reduce irritation along the gumline. Routine dental checkups every six months also allow concerns to be identified and addressed early.
Most gum issues in children can be prevented and, in many cases, reversed with consistent home care. If your child’s gums are already showing signs of inflammation, improving their oral hygiene routine can often lead to noticeable improvement in a short period of time.
Read also: Why Prevention is the Best Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth
Schedule a Visit With Our Pediatric Dental Team
Our pediatric dental offices in Lafayette and New Iberia are here to help you care for your child’s oral health. Call to schedule an appointment and have your child’s gums and teeth evaluated in a comfortable, child-focused setting.