5 Common Reasons for Your Child's Swollen Gums
Posted on: 24 March 2023
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As a child's teeth start coming in, you may notice that their gums swell and become tender. This is perfectly natural, but there can sometimes be a more serious underlying cause, especially if gums are swollen in areas where teeth are not in the process of erupting.
As such, it's important to take your child to the dentist if you notice any swelling that goes beyond erupting teeth. Here are just five reasons why it might be happening.
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common type of gum inflammation that occurs when plaque and tartar cause bacteria to accumulate around the gums. Over time, bacteria can even penetrate beneath the gum line. When this happens, the gums will become irritated, generally growing swollen and tender. Gingivitis is relatively easy to treat, but it can develop into periodontal disease if left untreated.
2. Infection
If you notice your child's gums are only swollen near one or two teeth, they could be suffering from a tooth infection. When a lot of bacteria is present, gums will swell as part of the body's natural reaction. Infected teeth can be very serious and may even require extraction if not treated in good time.
3. Overzealous Brushing
Your child should be brushing their teeth to prevent oral health issues, but they can sometimes get a little carried away. Children will often brush much harder than they need to, and this can actually wear away tooth enamel over time. It can also irritate the gums and cause them to swell, so check your child isn't brushing too vigorously if you notice any swelling.
4. Poor Oral Hygiene
On the other hand, your child may not be brushing at all, or they may be brushing incorrectly. This will allow bacteria to build up and plaque to harden into tartar. The gums will often react by swelling, even if infections or gingivitis have not yet developed. As such, swollen gums are often the first sign your child isn't properly brushing their teeth.
5. Poor Nutrition
Most children receive all the nutrition they require for good oral health. However, vitamin deficiencies can sometimes cause gums to swell; vitamins B and C are particularly important for healthy gums. If swollen gums cannot be explained by any of the issues listed above, it might be worth consulting a local dentist to check that your child is getting all the nutrients they require.