Did you notice your toddler’s gums look red and puffy?
Many parents worry when they see this.
You might wonder if something is wrong with your child.
The good news is that most swollen gums in toddlers are normal.
This usually happens when new teeth are coming in.
We call this teething.
In this article, you will learn what causes swollen gums.
You will also learn when to worry and when not to worry.
We will share safe ways to help your child feel better.
Most importantly, you will know when to call the dentist.
What Makes Toddler Gums Swell Up?
Most swollen gums happen because of teething, which starts around 6 months old.
New teeth push through the gums, making them red, tender, and puffy where they emerge; this is normal.
Other factors can cause swollen gums, such as inadequate brushing that allows germ buildup and rare gum disease.
When teeth aren’t cleaned well, injuries can occur from falls, hard brushing that hurts gums, or a lack of nutritious food.
Sometimes toddlers develop mouth infections from putting dirty toys or fingers in their mouths frequently.
Certain medications or allergic reactions can also cause temporary gum swelling in young children.
Normal Signs vs. Worrying Signs
It’s important to know the difference between normal teething and real problems.
Most gum swelling is part of growing new teeth.
But some signs mean you should call your dentist right away.
| NORMAL TEETHING SIGNS | CALL YOUR DENTIST, IF YOU SEE |
|---|---|
| Gums are puffy where teeth are coming | Gums that are swollen everywhere |
| Gums look red and feel tender | Gums that bleed |
| Your child drools more than usual | Fever over 100.4 degrees |
| They want to chew on things | White or yellow stuff coming from the gums |
| They might be fussy for a while | Red lines going away from the gums |
This table helps you decide if your child needs to see a dentist.
When in doubt, it’s always okay to call and ask questions.
Your dentist wants to help keep your child comfortable.
Should You Worry About Swollen Gums?
Most of the time, you don’t need to worry.
Swollen gums are normal when teeth are coming in.
Very few toddlers get real gum disease.
This happens when parents take good care of their child’s teeth.
Teething happens at different times for different kids.
Some children get their first tooth at 4 months.
Others don’t get teeth until they are 1 year old.
Both are normal.
The swelling usually goes away after the tooth comes through.
Keep brushing your child’s teeth even when their gums are sore.
This helps keep their mouth healthy.
Safe Ways to Help Your Child Feel Better
There are many gentle ways to make your child more comfortable during teething.
These methods are safe and work well for most children.
- Gentle gum massage: Wash your hands and use a clean finger to gently rub your child’s gums for about 2 minutes, several times daily.
- Cool relief: Refrigerate teething rings and offer cold spoons or wet washcloths. For kids over 1 year, try chilled soft fruit in a mesh feeder.
- Salt water rinses: For older toddlers who can spit, mix 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water and help them swish and spit it out once or twice daily.
- Pain medicine: Give children’s Tylenol or Motrin/Advil (for 6+ months) following bottle directions, but only for 1-2 days maximum.
- Other comfort: Provide more water, brush gently, avoid sugary drinks/snacks, and don’t let them sleep with milk or juice bottles.
Never use teething gels with benzocaine, teething tablets, or teething jewelry as these can be dangerous.
If pain continues after 2 days of medicine, call your dentist for advice.
Taking Care of Teeth During Teething
Keep brushing your child’s teeth even when their gums hurt.
Use a soft toothbrush made for babies.
Put a tiny bit of toothpaste on the brush.
It should be about the size of a grain of rice.
Brush twice a day – morning and night.
If your child fights tooth brushing, try to make it fun.
Sing songs or let them hold a favorite toy.
Some children like to watch you brush your teeth first.
When your child has teeth that touch each other, you can start flossing.
Ask your dentist to show you how.
When to Call Your Dentist
Knowing when to contact your dentist can help keep your child safe and comfortable.
Some symptoms need quick attention, while others can wait for regular visits.
Trust your instincts: if something seems wrong, it’s always okay to call.
Call Right Away If You See:
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Gums that bleed a lot
- White or yellow stuff coming from the gums
- Red lines going from the gums to other parts of the face
- Your child won’t eat or drink because their mouth hurts too much
- Your child can’t sleep because of mouth pain
Take your child to the dentist within 6 months of getting their first tooth.
If their first tooth comes after their first birthday, take them by age 1.
After that, go every 6 months.
Early dentist visits help catch problems before they get big.
Your child will also get used to going to the dentist.
The dentist will check if their teeth are growing correctly.
They will also teach you how to take care of your child’s teeth.
How to Stop Gum Problems
Start good tooth care habits early.
This helps prevent gum problems later.
Brush your child’s teeth twice every day.
Give them healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Don’t let your child go to sleep with a bottle.
If they need something to drink at night, give them water.
Take your child to the dentist regularly.
The dentist can put fluoride on their teeth to make them stronger.
Show your child that you take care of your teeth, too.
Children copy what their parents do.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Some parents think baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out.
But baby teeth are very important.
They help your child chew food properly.
They help your child learn to talk clearly.
They save space for the adult teeth that will come later.
If baby teeth get sick or fall out too early, it can cause problems.
The adult teeth might not grow in the right place.
Taking good care of baby teeth helps adult teeth stay healthy, too.
Good tooth habits learned early last a lifetime.
That’s a Wrap
Swollen gums are a normal part of teething, even if they look a little scary.
A cool chew toy, a gentle rub, or a little pain relief can really help.
Keep brushing those tiny teeth and don’t hesitate to call your dentist if something feels off.
Regular checkups build healthy habits early and help your child feel safe at the dentist.
Making dental care exciting from the start helps kids look forward to keeping their smiles sparkling.
With gentle care, patience, and lots of encouragement, those precious pearly whites will grow strong and healthy.
Remember, every tooth that comes in is worth celebrating, and soon your baby will have a beautiful smile that lights up the whole room!
For more tips on keeping your little one’s smile healthy, check out our other dental care guides for kids.
