Braces for a Child with Receding Gumlines
Recently a good friend of mine asked about putting braces on young children. Her nine-year-old granddaughter had been taken to an orthodontist for an evaluation for braces. The granddaughter already had signs of receding gums. This is an early age to have this situation arise. So, she asked me for some research to see if there were other options.
Receding Gumlines caused by Traumatic Occlusion
I contacted the orthodontist who I usually refer to for guidance. He mentioned that receding gums could be caused by traumatic occlusion. Traumatic occlusion is closing down very strongly and grinding the teeth. It is a heavy bite, heavier than it should be. Consequently, it can cause gum recession and/or wear on the biting surface of the tooth. The recession happens because the tooth will flex and cause capillary damage at the gum line. This can kill the capillaries slowly over time and causes recession.
In some cases the teeth may even be mobile. If the teeth are showing recession starting now, braces may allow the tissue to improve. In some cases if you wait until 10 or 11, the tissue won’t regenerate.
Dental Evaluation for a Child
Crossbites, where the lower teeth are outside the upper teeth when closed, can be addressed early. For other conditions it’s good to have the mouth evaluated when young, even at age 7, but frequently it is advisable to wait until 10-12 to start treatment.