What to Do If Your Child’s Gums Are Swollen

What to Do If Your Child's Gums Are Swollen | Junior Smiles of Stafford
What to Do If Your Child’s Gums Are Swollen | Junior Smiles of Stafford

Every parent would panic upon seeing swollen gums in toddlers, especially if they keep complaining about how sore their mouth is. Is this normal? Do you need an emergency appointment with the dentist for this? This question must be wandering in your mind: What to do with your child’s swelling of gums, and what could be its causes?

You just landed on the right page as this blog explains the possible causes of gum swelling and what you can do to help your child ease the pain! You must know how this happens so you can take care of your child’s gums in a more informed way.

What Causes Swollen Gums?

Most of the time, you should not be worried about swollen gums. Teething is a natural occurrence, and if your toddler’s gums are swollen and sore, this is probably due to this. However, below are also some other causes for this.

Teething

Gum swelling, soreness, and inflammation during teething are entirely normal, and should not be feared. Maintain correct brushing habits for your youngster to prevent the growth of bacteria in their mouths. In time, the gums will return to their normal size as the tooth erupts from the bone. A fever is the only sign that your child is teething that necessitates medical attention.

Check your child’s mouth to determine whether the cause of their swollen gums is due to newly-erupted teeth.

Gingivitis

Signs of gingivitis include swollen, reddish-brown, painful, and bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. In addition, their breath may be unpleasant. If you experience any of these signs, you should seek immediate assistance from a board-certified pediatric dentist.

This is somehow associated with poor hygiene, such as a diet high in sugar. However, don’t worry yet as this is the first stage of gum disease, and with proper care, you can treat and reverse it. Take action and set a dental appointment now!

Improper Oral Hygiene

Food particles can become lodged between the gums and teeth if people don’t brush and floss regularly. Swelling occurs due to the immune system’s response to these foreign substances. Gum disease can develop if the bacteria that live on food particles between the gums and teeth are not controlled.

How To Deal With Swollen Gums

Getting an appointment with your experienced family dentist is the first and most crucial step. They will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s mouth to establish the reason for the swelling. Additionally, the dentist will recommend a treatment plan based on the root cause.

Here are some treatments you can use to help your toddler!

Tea Tree Oil Rinse

Make your child a tea tree oil rinse. Three drops of tea tree essential oil diluted in eight ounces of warm water will help reduce swelling in your child’s gums. Twice or three times daily for 30 seconds each, have your youngster swish this mixture in their mouth and then spit it out. Rinse your hands with water afterward to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

Try this at home as tea tree oil possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, just like seawater does. However, the oil can be dangerous if swallowed; you should only use this treatment on older children.

Press a Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress gently also helps soothe your child’s swollen gums. Having your child chew on little pieces of ice will help soothe swollen gums around the tooth, which can be uncomfortable for them.

Saltwater Rinse

Salt helps kill the presence of bacteria, and the warm water soothes aches, making it a good combination. You can alleviate most dental issues with a simple saltwater rinse. Regardless of how often your child wishes to brush their teeth, you can allow them to do so.

Make your toddler warm salt water. One teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of warm water are all that’s needed. Spit it out after 30 to 60 seconds of swishing it around in their mouth.

Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about swollen gums

Although swollen gums in toddlers can be alarming, it is usually nothing to worry about. By getting an appointment with a pediatric dentist, you can help determine the cause of the swelling and begin treatment if necessary. Our goal is to make your child’s dental appointments a pleasant and stress-free experience.

Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?

Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.

About Us

Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices. 

Where Are We Located?

963 Garrisonville Rd #103

Stafford, VA 22556

Phone: (540) 699-2441

Fax: (540) 699-2464

Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com

Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)

How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford

Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.