Why Does My Child Have Swollen Gums? 4 Common Causes Of Gum Swelling In Kids

If you’ve noticed that your little one’s gums are looking swollen, you may be wondering what could be causing this issue, and what to do about it. In this blog from Arctic Dental, we’ll take a look at the four most common causes of gum swelling and kids, and help you learn a bit more about what causes gum swelling in children.

1. Teething Is Causing Their Gums To Swell

If your child is still getting their baby teeth, or they’re starting to lose some baby teeth and get their adult teeth, their gums may be swelling because of teething. Some gum inflammation and swelling are to be expected as their new tooth begins to erupt. 

If you’re only noticing swollen gums in areas where new teeth are emerging, this is likely the cause of your child’s issue. There’s no need to do anything special to treat swollen gums due to teething. Just maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing 2-3 times a day and flossing once per day. And that brings us to the next potential cause of swollen gums in kids.

2. They’re Not Brushing And Flossing Properly

This is particularly common in older kids who have begun brushing and flossing on their own, usually around the age of 5-6. If your child isn’t brushing regularly or for long enough, they may not be removing enough food particles and bacteria from their mouths. As bacteria build up on your child’s gums, they will become irritated. This may make their gums look swollen and discolored. 

If you think your child isn’t maintaining proper oral hygiene, it’s a good idea to supervise them and make sure they are brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and using the proper brushing technique. You should also make sure you take your child to the dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and checkup.

3. They Have Gingivitis, The First Stage Of Gum Disease

If your child’s gums are swollen, it’s possible that they have gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease, which occurs when plaque and tartar build up between their teeth and gums. When this happens, the gums will swell, and you may also notice other symptoms like bad breath (halitosis), or their gums may bleed easily when your child brushes or flosses.

Gingivitis is not very common in kids. However, it can happen due to a combination of poor oral hygiene and an unhealthy diet. Some other risk factors can also contribute to gum disease in children, such as dry mouth (xerostomia) and poor nutrition. 

Gingivitis is a serious oral health issue, and requires special treatment. If it’s not treated in time by a pediatric dentist like Dr. Jarod, the damage done by gum disease can be irreversible. If you think that your child may have gingivitis, get in touch with our team as soon as possible.

4. Your Child Has An Infected Tooth

If your child only has swollen gums near one of their teeth, it’s possible that the tooth may be infected. Tooth infections can happen if the tooth is damaged by a very deep cavity or an oral injury, and the “pulp” that keeps the tooth alive becomes infected.

Since infected teeth have a lot of bacteria, this can cause the nearby gum tissue to become swollen and inflamed. If you notice gum inflammation near one tooth and your child also complains of tooth pain or sensitivity, they could have an infected tooth.

Worried About Swollen Gums In Muscatine? Come To Arctic Dental For A Checkup!

If your child’s gums are swollen and you’re worried about their oral health, Dr. Jarod and the team at Arctic Dental are here to help. We specialize in pediatric dentistry in Muscatine. Once you schedule an appointment at our office, Dr. Jarod can get to the bottom of things, diagnose your child, and make sure they get any further dental care they need for a healthy mouth. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (563) 607-5979 for the help you need.