Q.
Hi, gum disease runs in my husbands side of the family and we have two young boys together. Iam just wondering if there’s anything I can do to prevent them from getting it or at least reducing their risks? If it helps they are 3 and 4 years old, hardly every have sweets and eat and drink yoghurts and milk regularly. is there anything else I can do?
Hi, gum disease runs in my husbands side of the family and we have two young boys together. Iam just wondering if there’s anything I can do to prevent them from getting it or at least reducing their risks? If it helps they are 3 and 4 years old, hardly every have sweets and eat and drink yoghurts and milk regularly. is there anything else I can do?
A.
Great question! There is a genetic component to gum disease and the fact that your childrens father has gum disease does increase their risk. That said, if you do not have gum problems then they may inherit your dental genetics.
Great question! There is a genetic component to gum disease and the fact that your childrens father has gum disease does increase their risk. That said, if you do not have gum problems then they may inherit your dental genetics.
In terms of prevention, regular dental examinations and screening for gum disease in adolescence and throughout adulthood is essential but in terms of home care, immaculate oral hygiene and avoidance of risk factors (main one is smoking, so not a big issue for your children at this stage) are the only things that you can do.
I do think it is worth making your childrens dentist aware that there is gum disease in the family.
Hope that helps.
Dr Ian Dunn
PurelyPerio Clinic 334, PO Box 334, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 0AG Web: www.purelyperio.co.uk Tel: 01625 419700
