Bigger Gums In Children Could Be An Indicator Of Leukemia

A case study that was published discussed how over-sized gums in children might be a possible indicator of leukemia.

Sometimes for a dentist, it can be difficult to properly diagnose a patient solely based on what is happening in their mouth. Because of this, dental professionals should remember possible causes outside of the mouth when diagnosing an issue. The dentists should consider looking into their patient’s individual medical background, as well as those of their family members when deciding on a diagnosis.

Regarding Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer which changes the number of white blood cells and has an impact on the body’s ability to fight infections. Leukemia forces the blood-forming tissues of the body to build irregular white blood cells which do not function properly and less of the kinds of blood cells which are used to convey oxygen or allow blood to clot. Death from this disease is frequently due to infection or blood loss.

According to Dentistry Today, dentists are frequently the ones who initiate the diagnosis of 25% of individuals who have myelogenous leukemia and 33% of those with myelomonocytic leukemia.

What about my children’s gums?

Bleeding or swelling gums, or gingivitis are typically the early signs of leukemia. The gum tissue could actually expand to the extent where the gums to conceal the crowns of the teeth in extreme cases. Other symptoms to be aware of include inexplicable reduction in weight and feeling weak.

How should leukemia be treated?

In addition to bone marrow transplants and blood transfusions, chemotherapy is believed to be the most effective means of fighting leukemia. These treatments have been proven to help with the swollen gums as well.

The website Everyday Health has advice on how to take care of your mouth with leukemia.

When looking for causal reasons, while having enlarged gum tissues does not automatically mean a child has leukemia, it is essential to be conscious of the possibility. Enlarged gums might likewise be the outcome of other factors such as puberty-based gingivitis, menstrual cycle-associated gingivitis, Crohn’s condition, lymphoma, ascorbic acid shortage, neurofibromatosis, and far more.

Give Dr. Faist or your primary care physician a phone call if your child appears to have abnormally large gums so a proper medical examination can be provided.