In the Know for You to Know

You’ve seen your gums bleed when you brush your own teeth, and don’t think twice about it. After all don’t everyone’s gums bleed?

Then you notice when you brush your toddler’s teeth their gums also bleed. Sure you’ve missed a few brushings but why would their gums bleed? Now when you look at their gums they don’t look so good.

Your toddler’s gums bleeding isn’t something you want to overlook.

Today we’re breaking down the basics for you to understand why this is happening, how to treat it, and how to prevent bleeding gums for your toddler.

Is It Normal For A Toddler’s Gums To Bleed?

In a word, No.

If you notice your child’s gums are bleeding when you’re brushing their teeth this is something to pay attention to.

It’s important to check and see if their gums are red, swollen, or tender. This is something to talk about with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

What Causes Bleeding Gums For Toddlers?

There are a few reasons why you toddler’s gums are bleeding ~

• Plaque – Plaque is a film that forms everyday on their teeth from eating and drinking. With regular twice daily brushing and nightly flossing the plaque accumulation can be controlled.
  When the plaque is left to sit on your toddler’s new teeth it also
  attaches onto gums and makes the gums red, swollen and tender
  so they bleed when you do brush.
• Mouth Breathing – Children who suffer with allergies, chronic nasal congestion, or enlarged tonsils become mouth breathers. When toddlers breathe through their mouth, their gums are exposed to the air which causes their gums to become dry, red, swollen and irritated; so when you brush their teeth their gums bleed. 
  If your child is having a hard time breathing through their nose this is something to discuss with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
• Toothbrush – A soft bristle toothbrush is the way to go as it allows for a kinder, gentler, more effective toothbrushing. It’s also important to make sure that the toothbrush is the correct size to fit their mouth so you can brush all around their mouth easily.
• Daily Routine – Sometimes children are fussy and you just want to put them to bed, even if it means not brushing their teeth. While this may happen on a rare occasion, it’s best not to let this become the usual. If this does happen more often than not, plaque continues to accumulate on top of plaque which leads to bleeding gums and tooth decay (aka cavities).

Are Bleeding Gums And Gingivitis The Same Thing?

Yes, bleeding gums and gingivitis are the same thing. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth which leads to bleeding gums..

What Are The Signs Of Gingivitis In Toddlers?

When plaque sits on the teeth without being removed the gums become red, swollen, irritated and begin to recede away from the teeth.

Plaque irritates the gums and it is the consistent irritation that causes the bleeding.

What you need to look for ~

1. Blood on their toothbrush or in the sink if they can spit out,
2. Swollen, red, tender, inflamed and irritated gums,
3. Bad breath – plaque that isn’t brushed away causes bad breath.

Can A Toddler Have Gum Disease?

Yes, a toddler can have gum disease.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease (aka periodontal disease). This causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.

At this mild stage gingivitis is reversible with regular dental care and good at home consistent twice daily home care.

How To Treat And Prevent Bleeding Gums For Toddlers?

The best way to prevent your toddler’s gums from bleeding is to keep to a daily routine of twice a day toothbrushing with a soft bristle brush and nightly flossing.

While you’re brushing their teeth, angle the toothbrush slightly towards the gums and brush in gentle circles all around their mouth, including their tongue.

Plaque also sticks to the tongue so remember to brush their tongue as well.

What to do ~

1. Establish a consistent, daily toothbrushing and flossing routine,
2. Use a soft bristle toothbrush in the correct size for your toddler’s mouth,
3. Maintain a balanced diet, cut back on sugary foods and drinks which increase plaque and tooth decay.

What To Remember

Your toddler’s bleeding gums is definitely something you want to pay attention to.

Plaque forms in the mouth everyday, even in toddler’s mouths. Beginning a regular toothbrushing and flossing routine with your child when they are young helps you both grow into it together.

Does your toddler have bleeding gums? How is your family’s daily toothbrushing and flossing routine going? What special tricks have you come up with to keep your routine going? What struggles are you having in your routine? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!