Periodontitis is a gum disease that leads to loss of bone that normally supports the teeth. With infection of the gums, the spongy bone decays and retreats. The result is loosening of the teeth, and of course the risk of the infection taking more serious forms. Now Periodontitis generally affects people who are over 30 or 40 years of age. But certain forms of chronic periodontitis can actually affect young adults as well. And this form is called Juvenile Periodontitis. Children and often young adults aren’t all that particular about dental hygiene and this can actually make the condition considerably worse!

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Credit Source: Bing.com

While in most instances this condition is the same as adult periodontitis, on a few counts, it differs and that’s why we are about to take a close look at the disease.

What causes periodontitis in young adults?

Periodontitis is usually caused by a worsening of gingivitis due to inadequate care and treatment. And periodontitis in juveniles is no different. If we were to try and distinguish its causes in individuals who are young, we can usually point to a few:

  • Inadequate dental hygiene
  • Heredity
  • Problems with the immune system

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Credit Source: Bing.com

Those children who inherit the condition from their mothers can start having infection and bone loss from a young age. And whatever the cause, it needs to be detected and treated. And so, here are…

The symptoms of periodontitis in juveniles

Unlike the usual symptoms of adult periodontitis, in juveniles, the condition usually doesn’t present any symptoms till the disease has progressed considerably. What’s more is that in young adults, the condition can actually affect either a single tooth or be generally present across the jaw. And since it doesn’t present any symptoms, we suggest you take your kids for regular dentists’ appointment. This will result in the condition getting diagnosed before it progresses enough to preset symptoms and become untreatable.

Also among young adults, periodontitis is actually more common in girls.  

And let’s say that periodontitis is detected…

How will it be treated?

If you waited till symptoms like red, swollen ad painful gums and bad breath started appearing, chances are that you will need surgery to treat the condition in the same way that adult periodontitis is treated.

However, in case the condition is diagnosed in the early stages, the doctor may advise the person to be more mindful of how they brush and floss. Since improper dental hygiene is the starting point of gingivitis that leads to periodontitis, this may actually help to curb the condition.

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Credit Source: Bing.com
Also, when you visit the dentist, they may choose to remove the affected tissue and clean out the area so that the infection can be contained. But thereafter, depending on the severity of the condition, the dentist may advise either following better and preventive dental hygiene:

  • Proper brushing
  • Regular flossing
  • Use of anti-bacterial mouthwash
  • Oral antibiotics to contain the infection

…or going in for the conventional treatment options.

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Credit Source: Bing.com

 

The worst part of Juvenile Periodontitis is that it doesn’t show any symptoms till it is considerably late. And if you waited for that long before setting up that dentist’s appointment, it can actually result in the loss of a tooth for your daughter or son – one that they’ll have to do without for the rest of their lives. So don’t let periodontitis get the better of their childhood – stay on your guard and ensure that your young adult has healthy teeth!

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Juvenile Periodontitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
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Juvenile Periodontitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
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While you thought it impossible, even young adults can get affected by periodontitis. But the symptoms and treatment differ! Find out how!
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