Many people think that periodontal disease is an adult problem. However, studies indicate that gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is nearly universal in children and adolescents. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are rarer in children than in adults, but can occur.

To ensure healthy teeth as an adult, you must establish good oral habits as a child. Parents can encourage good oral health habits at home. For example, parents may reward children with visits from the tooth fairy or the Tooth Fairy not only when they drop a tooth, but when the child passes the dental examination.

Types of periodontal diseases in children
Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It usually causes the gums to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be prevented and treated well by following a regular routine of brushing, flossing and professional dental care. However, if it is not treated, can progress over time towards a more serious forms of periodontal disease.

Aggressive periodontitis can affect healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in adolescents and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors (front). It is characterized by severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients are very little dental plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin more or less at puberty and may involve the entire mouth. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums and large accumulations of plaque and tartar. Over time can cause teeth to become loose.

Periodontitis associated with systemic diseases occurs in children and adolescents and adults. Conditions that make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include:
* Type 1 Diabetes
* Down Syndrome
* Papillon-Lefevre syndrome

For example, a study of 263 Type 1 diabetics between 11 and 18 years of age, 10% had periodontitis evident.