Periodontal disease is rarely seen in children, but there is a localized aggressive form that usually has an onset that coincides with the onset of puberty. Bone loss is often localized to permanent first molars and incisors. However, other teeth may be involved. This form of periodontal disease is frequently associated with a specific periodontal pathogen called Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (AA for short) and functional abnormalities of neutrophils (cells that fight infection).
According The American Academy of Periodontology, “Periodontal disease is rarely found in children, and only sometimes found in adolescents. However, children should still learn the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy to prevent periodontal disease in the future. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and learn how to floss properly- if children learn how to floss at an early age, they will be more likely to make it a lifetime habit. These two simple acts will help protect their teeth and gums from periodontal disease.
As a parent, you should also be aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease, which include red, swollen, bleeding gums or bad breath that won’t go away. If your child develops any of these symptoms, tell your dental professional right away. It’s also a good idea to ensure your dental professional knows your complete family history, as genetics can play an important role in the early development of periodontal disease.”