What pediatric periodontal care services are available for my child?

If your child has been diagnosed with periodontal disease, regardless of stage, it may be a good idea to talk to the team of dentists at South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics about your concerns regarding the most appropriate treatment solutions. Our dentists can evaluate your child to get a proper diagnosis and then discuss possible pediatric gum disease and gingivitis treatments that can bring your child’s smile back to health!

What is done for patients with gingivitis?

Gingivitis is best described as the earliest stage of gum disease. It is often noticeable due to the development of red, swollen gums. Children may also notice blood when they brush or floss their teeth. At this point, it is critical to bring your child into the office of South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics to get a definitive diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options. In most situations, children will benefit from a deep dental cleaning and further education on caring for their smiles at home.

What is done for periodontitis?

For children with a diagnosis of periodontitis, further steps are needed to control the infection. Periodontitis cannot be cured but can be managed with the help of an experienced dental provider. This often requires deeper cleaning services such as scaling and root planing to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria from well below the gum line along the tooth roots. Children may also be given oral antibiotic medications, or our team may apply antibiotics directly to the gums to treat the infection. Once controlled, these children may need to come in more often for cleanings, perhaps every three to four months instead of every six.

Schedule a visit at South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today!

Call (949) 581 5800 to schedule an appointment with Drs. John De Lorme, or Sam Wu if you suspect your child has periodontal disease or even tooth decay. We can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss treatment options at our practice, conveniently located at 26302 La Paz Road, Suite #114, in Mission Viejo, CA. Our office serves patients in the surrounding cities of Rancho Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, and Ladera Ranch, CA.

Dr. John De Lorme

Dr. John De Lorme is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). He is a healthcare leader in his community, speaking at parent/child classes throughout South Orange County for the last 30 years. He attended Saint Mary’s College, University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital for his residency.

Dr. Samuel Wu

Dr. Samuel Wu, also an ABPD Diplomate, attended the University of California in Berkeley and Los Angeles and spent his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has a passion for medical missions to other countries. ‍

Dr. Chris Carter

Dr. Chris Carter completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dental school and residency at Oregon Health and Science University. He practiced general dentistry for five years before specializing in orthodontics. His experience at the University of California – Irvine’s Plastic Surgery Department allows him to craft smiles that perfectly complement each patient’s unique facial features.