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The good news? Kids have been getting fewer cavities. The not-so-good news? They’ve been getting more gum disease.
A study published earlier this year in BMC Oral Health found that from 1990 to 2021, periodontal disease kept rising globally among people aged 10 to 24. In fact, the number of young people dealing with oral health problems jumped more than 17%, from 549.2 million cases in 1990 to 643.3 million in 2021. The disability and life impact from these problems rose more than 22%.
But statistics tell only a partial story. For teens, gum problems can affect everything from self-confidence to long-term health.
Why Teen Gums Are Having Such a Hard Time
There’s no single factor that can explain these changes. Many factors are likely playing a role, starting with diet. Recent CDC data shows that Americans get more than 55% of their total calories from ultra-processed foods. For kids, it’s even worse. We’re talking about chips and savory snacks, candy bars, sugary drinks, fast food, and ready-to-eat meals that are loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives galore.
These kinds of foods do more than feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth. They also fuel inflammation throughout your body, including your gums. Meantime, the gums are starved of nutrients they need to stay healthy and fight off infection.
Chronic stress adds more fuel to inflammation’s fire – thank you, stress hormone cortisol – and today’s kids appear to be more stressed than ever. Seventy percent of American teens identify anxiety or depression as major issues among their peers, and 75% of high school students report experiencing boredom, anger, sadness, fear, or stress in school. One study found that when teens are overwhelmed, they’re way more likely to skip brushing and have a higher risk of oral disease.
They’re also apt to make worse food choices, further fueling inflammation. While some kids skip meals when stressed, others eat their feelings. Those feelings usually come in the form of ultra-processed comfort foods. It’s another blow to the gums.
Teen girls have an extra challenge, as the hormonal roller coaster of their puberty affects gum health directly. Rising estrogen and progesterone levels increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Many teen girls notice that their gums get more tender or bleed more easily around their period. That’s those hormones at work.
Other modern challenges affect both boys and girls, excess screen time being a big one. A 2023 study found that kids who spent more than 2 hours a day on screens were way more likely to snack between meals than those who spent less (87.2% vs. 12.2%). They were also more likely to buy sugary snacks and drinks (92.1% vs. 7.6%) and regularly consume things like chips, chocolate, and packaged juices (93.5% vs 6.1%). Those kinds of choices are less than kind to the gums. Another study found that daily video gamers were over 3.5 times more likely to have severe gingivitis compared to non-gamers.
And these are just some of the biggest factors that can affect teens’ periodontal health, along with things like obesity and low rates of physical activity compared with previous generations. Both of these have been repeatedly associated with gum disease, as well.
Back-to-school season can make the going tougher. Schedule changes throw off established routines, making it easier to skip oral health care. Stress levels are high as everyone adjusts to new classes and teachers and academic demands. Navigating the fraught social territory of high school brings pressures of its own. Meals away from home tend not to be the most nutritious, whether they’re coming from a school lunch program or fast food joints and bodegas near campus.
A Real-World Approach to Better Gum Health for Teens
The best news is that you have control over your gum health, and small changes can make a very big difference.
- Instead of rushing your brushing, think of it as a 2-minute break from everything. Put on a favorite song or a funny video or just mindfully meditate on the task at hand. The main thing is to take your time – 2 minutes, morning and evening. (Be sure to clean your tongue, too!)
- Cleaning between your teeth matters, too. It removes the plaque and other gunk that brushing can’t reach. If you’re not a fan of floss, try using a Waterpik or interdental brushes, both of which many find easier and more comfortable to use. Whichever method you choose, use it once a day every day.
- Oil pulling can give your teeth and gums some extra love. All it takes to reduce harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation is to swish some organic coconut oil around your mouth for 5 to 15 minutes before you brush in the morning.
- Include some natural hygiene products in your routine. If you like using a mouthwash, try an alcohol-free sage rinse, which research has shown can significantly help tame gum disease. Aloe vera gel can soothe irritated gums and fights bacteria naturally. Ozonated oil is an even more powerful antimicrobial and can be applied easily along your gum line.
- Bringing a healthy lunch from home gives you way more control over what you’re eating than relying on school or off-campus options. After you eat, rinse with water or chew some xylitol gum to clean your mouth.
- When you need a snack, reach for things like raw veggies, nuts, or cheese. These foods naturally support oral health instead of feeding the bad bacteria. Instead of energy drinks or sugary soda, stick with water or sugar-free herbal teas.
- Find healthy ways to relieve or deal with stress. Regular exercise is a great option, as it also benefits periodontal health. Even short walks between classes or deep breathing can be helpful for letting go of the tension.
- Get enough good quality sleep. Try to establish a consistent bedtime routine that’s screen-free and includes your evening oral care.
- Girls can pay extra attention to their gum health through certain times of their monthly cycle. If you notice tenderness in your gums, be extra gentle with your cleaning. Eating more anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, fish, and berries can be helpful, too.
- Use your phone to help instead of hurt. Set reminders for oral care or use apps that track healthy habits.
- Regular dental exams and cleanings are your best defense against gum problems. We can catch any issues early, when they’re easier to treat, and help you stay on track with your oral health. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to see us. Professional cleanings are needed to remove hardened plaque that brushing at home can’t remove.
That said, understand the warning signs so you can get help quickly if something does come up between visits. Bleeding gums, bad breath that won’t go away, swollen or tender gums, or gums that look like they’re pulling away from your teeth all mean it’s time to call us. Following the tips outlined above, though, and stay consistent with your oral care, and you’re much less likely to run into these problems.
