What to Do When Your Child's Toothbrush Turns Red

Even as parents and caregivers work with young children to instill proper dental hygiene procedures, the odds of the kids developing cavities are high. Thus many a parent is not terribly surprised to notice the tell tale red of bleeding gums on their child's toothbrush and even as this is sometimes cause for alarm in the household, more often than not the child will simply be admonished to pay more attention to brushing and an appointment with the dentist may or may not be scheduled at the parent's leisure.

Unfortunately, this approach may adversely affect the child's overall health, especially since the red on the child's toothbrush might be an indicator of more serious problems than just a failure to brush long enough to sing the ABCs - twice. Here are five steps parents must take when their child's toothbrush turns red, as bleeding gums may be serious warning signs.

Make an appointment with the dentist.

Granted, this sounds like a given, but considering how many adults are less than stellar in the consistency of their own dental visits, the odds of their ensuring that the children are seeing the dentist regularly are somewhat low. For the best possible dental care, visits should be spaced no more than six months apart.

Review oral hygiene procedures and tools.

Is the child's toothbrush adequate for her or his age and oral development? Sure, junior might love Spiderman but if the only toothbrushes this causes mom or dad to buy are made for a two year old toddler and junior just celebrated his fifth birthday, the odds are good that the toothbrush he is using is not fitted for his specific needs. The oral hygienist at the dentist's office can point parents and caregivers in the right direction of which oral hygiene tools to purchase.

Review medications the child is taking and read the label on the toothpaste.