Gingivitis is the first level of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection that progresses over time and can become more advanced with age. To ensure healthy teeth as an adult, good oral health habits should be established as a child. For example, parents may want to reward children with visits from the tooth fairy not just when a tooth is lost, but also when a child receives a clean bill of health from the dentist. Evidence shows that periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene.
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Replace toothbrushes every few months or when the bristles begin to look frayed. Floss daily to break up the bacterial colonies between teeth that can cause periodontal disease. And, seek dental care for professional cleanings, as well as screenings for periodontal disease. The AAP is a 7,000-member organization of dentists specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tissues surrounding the teeth and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is one of eight specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.