Dental and Periodontal Disease Screening-Teen

Dental and Periodontal Disease Screening-Teen

Dental and Periodontal Disease Screening

Summary of Recommendation and Evidence

Population

Recommendation

Grade
(What's This?)

Screening of both Genders

This screening is recommended for adolescents.

B

Overview

There are several concerns regarding oral health in children as they transition into and continue through their teenage years. They sometimes involve activities at home, school, sports and social events and can have a negative impact on their oral health. Therefore, it is important for parents to become aware of dental concerns in the oral health of teens. 

Contributing Factors in Dental Problems

Dietary Habits: Some teens have poor dietary habits that contribute to tooth decay, formally known as dental caries. Frequent snacking on refined carbohydrates and acid-containing beverages combined with cavity-causing bacterial plaque contributes to tooth decay, which is the most common childhood disease among youth 6 to 19 years of age.

Traumatic Injuries: Injuries that can occur at sporting activities can contribute to dental and facial injuries. These injuries are primarily caused by falls, collisions and contact with hard surfaces. 

Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and other forms of tobacco use, such as smokeless tobacco, are usually associated with oral cancer and cancers of the head and neck. 88 percent of youths take up cigarette smoking by the age of 18; 99 percent start smoking by the age of 26. There is an increased chance of developing cancer of the mouth with tobacco usage, excessive consumption of alcohol and overexposure to the sun.

Eating Disorders: Eating disorders are most common among teenage girls; however, incidence is rising among teenage boys. The eating disorders that are most common are bulimia, anorexia nervosa and binge eating. Eating disorders can damage the teeth and mouth, affecting the way the teeth fit together and causing dry mouth, dental erosion, redness of the pharynx (throat) and bruising of the palate.

Teeth Crowding: Crowded or crooked teeth are sometimes problems for teens. When teeth are misaligned (upper and lower jaw may not meet properly), crowded, lost or missing they make it difficult for teens to keep clean.

Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal disease is actually the advanced form of gum disease. That means, if gum disease isn’t caught early on and treated properly, it can progress to periodontal disease.

Different types of gum and periodontal diseases exist in children and teenagers including:

  • Chronic gingivitis — Gingivitis is the beginning phase of gum disease. It is preventable with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Gingivitis should be treated right away before it progresses into something more serious.
  • Aggressive periodontitis — This type of disease typically affects the first molars and incisors. The main characteristic is the severe loss of alveolar bone.
  • Generalized aggressive periodontitis — This may begin during puberty and it can cause the teeth to become loose.

Risk factors for Periodontal Disease

Risk factors of periodontal disease in adolescents include:

  • Consuming snacks throughout the day, especially if you cannot brush and floss your teeth soon after
  • Consuming too much sugar without brushing your teeth soon after
  • Eating starchy foods (i.e. french fries) very often, which can create a lot of acid that will destroy tooth enamel
  • Having orthodontic braces and not being able to thoroughly clean your teeth
  • Having diabetes, Down Syndrome, or other medical conditions which can increase the risk of periodontal disease
  • Consuming certain medications that may increase the risk of gum disease or periodontal disease
  • Consuming an unhealthy diet that can lead to a higher risk of gum infection
  • Smoking tobacco products, which is the leading cause of gum disease

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

Treating gum disease before it progresses to periodontal disease is important to prevent more serious dental issues.

Classic signs of periodontal disease include:

  • Inflamed gums
  • Sensitive gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Purple or bright red gums
  • Mouth sores that won’t go away
  • Consistent bad taste in the mouth
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Changes in the way the teeth fit together when biting down
  • Spaces between the teeth that develop over time
  • Pus appearing between the teeth and gum line (referred to as pyorrhea)

Be sure to let your dentist know if you notice any warning signs of periodontal or gum disease. 

Prevention for Periodontal Disease

Ways to prevent periodontal disease include:

  • Brushing your teeth 3-4 times per day, especially soon after consuming sugary foods/beverages and starchy foods. Every time your child brushes his or her teeth, be sure they are doing so for at least 3 minutes each time
  • Flossing your teeth 1-2 times per day.
  • Getting your teeth professionally cleaned once every six months.
  • Using a fluoride mouth rinse if the pediatric dentist recommends.
  • Using a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t irritate the gums.
  • Replacing worn-out toothbrushes every 3-4 months.
  • Avoiding tobacco products.
  • Eating a healthy diet and consuming a lot of water.

All of these habits promote healthy teeth and gums. Be sure that your son or daughter is properly caring for their mouths.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Some treatment methods include:

  • Scaling or root planing — This is a deep cleaning process that involves removing the plaque and tartar from the tooth’s surface and from below the gum line.
  • Antibiotics — Antibiotics may be prescribed in addition to the scaling or root planing procedure. Antibiotics kill the bacteria and prevent it from spreading to your body. This allows the gums to heal.
  • Surgery — This is sometimes needed during advanced stages of periodontitis.
  • Gingival grafting — This type of gum graft replaces diseased gum tissue with healthy gum tissue.