Your 18-month-old's gums might be bleeding primarily due to developing gum disease.
Potential Causes of Bleeding Gums in Toddlers
Here's a breakdown of the most common reasons:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: This is the most frequent culprit.
- If your child's teeth aren't cleaned correctly, plaque builds up.
- Plaque contains harmful bacteria that attacks the teeth and gums.
- This bacterial attack leads to redness, swelling, pain, and bleeding in the gums (Reference: 18-Dec-2023).
- Developing Gum Disease: (Reference: 18-Dec-2023) Bleeding gums can be an early sign of gingivitis.
What to Do
- Improve Oral Hygiene:
- Brush your child's teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste (pea-sized amount).
- Ensure you're cleaning along the gumline gently but thoroughly.
- Consult a Dentist:
- Schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist. They can diagnose the cause of the bleeding and recommend the best treatment plan.
- The dentist can also provide guidance on proper brushing techniques.
- Avoid Irritants:
- Temporarily avoid giving your child hard or crunchy foods that could further irritate the gums.
