Why Does My Child Have Swollen Gums?

If you’ve noticed your child has swollen gums, you may be a bit understandably worried. Gum swelling can be a natural part of your child’s teeth erupting, or it could be an indication of some dental problem that will require more attention.

In any case, here are the top reasons why your child’s gum may have swollen:

1. Teething

When the child’s baby teeth start growing in, it’s perfectly normal for their gums to swell and even become tender. Usually, if this is the cause, the gums will only swell around the areas where the tooth is erupting, while the rest of the tissue will appear perfectly fine.

You can gently massage the child’s gums to relieve some of this discomfort and use a cold washcloth to clean the gums gently.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

Taking care of a child’s oral health should happen even before their baby teeth erupt. The child’s gum should be gently cleaned with a washcloth after every meal to prevent bacteria from affecting their gums.

Unfortunately, taking care of an infant's or child's oral health is not an easy task. Improper oral health allows bacteria to accumulate in the mouth and attack the child’s gums and teeth, even leading to gum swelling or tooth decay. To prevent this, you should clean the child’s gums and teeth after every meal.‍

3. Tooth Decay

Baby teeth are not risk-free when it comes to cavities. If the unwanted bacteria and food particles are not cleansed from the mouth, over time, they can start attacking the tooth and create a small hole known as a cavity.

This can also make the gums around the tooth become slightly swollen and tender. Unfortunately, if left unchecked, this small hole can grow and allow bacteria to move inside the tooth, where it can even become infected.

4. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a type of gum inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Over time, the bacteria that accumulate on the child’s tooth start affecting the gums, leading to swelling, pain, minor bleeds, and even gum recession.

Gingivitis can slowly develop into gum disease if left untreated, which can even cause permanent tooth loss.

What to Do If Your Child’s Gums Are Swollen

If you notice your child has swollen gums and is complaining of pain, the best thing you can do for them is to bring them in for a dental appointment.

A pediatric dentist in Marshfield who specializes in child dental care can consult the child and establish the cause of the gum swelling, as well as provide them with the best treatment path to restore their health.

Dr. Julie Hantson and Dr. Amanda Alon understand this is a scary time, but assure you your child is in very safe hands while at our practice.

So book a consultation for your child at Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry online today.

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