Are your baby’s gums red and swollen? Unhealthy gums in infants can cause discomfort and lead to future dental problems. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Follow these 5 best ways to treat unhealthy gums in children and safeguard your baby’s smile.

Also, consult your pediatrician today for tailored advice and make gum care a vital part of your baby’s daily routine.

Follow our blog for more tips and remedies to treat dental infections.

Healthy VS Unhealthy Gums

Healthy gums are firm and pink and adhere tightly to the teeth, providing a strong foundation for oral health. They do not bleed easily during brushing or flossing and have a consistent texture without swelling or inflammation.

On the other hand, unhealthy gums may appear red, swollen, or tender and can bleed easily, often indicating the presence of gingivitis or more severe periodontal diseases. These conditions can result from poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque buildup and infection.

In advanced stages, diseased gums can cause receding gum lines, loose teeth, and chronic bad breath.

Maintaining healthy gums requires regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and a balanced diet to support overall dental health.

 

What are The 4 Main Reasons for Unhealthy Gums?

Let’s talk about the possible causes of your child’s swollen gums. There are several causes for toddlers’ gums to become swollen, sensitive, and irritated. 4 main causes are as follows:

1. 1.    Infant Teething

Teething is the most frequent cause of inflamed gums. Tenderness, oedema, and inflammation of the gums are normal during the teething phase.

This is most likely the cause of the swelling in the gums around your child’s teeth or in the areas of their mouth where their teeth are erupting.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene Leading To Bacterial Buildup

If you are not giving your child enough attention when brushing their teeth, germs in the mouth can irritate the gums and result in swelling.

Along with not feeding children after they’ve washed their teeth, you should also refrain from giving them a bottle to go to sleep and keep your diet free of sugar-filled meals and drinks.

3. Gingivitis:

Gum inflammation is known as gum disease. The gums enlarge, turn red, and even bleed. It is frequently brought on by inadequate oral hygiene or, less frequently, gum tissue damage.

A deposit of plaque and tartar between the teeth and gums is the initial stage of gum disease. Even though it is uncommon for children, it can happen if you don’t give their teeth the right attention.

Regular dental checkups and brushing of teeth help avoid it. A common cause of gingivitis is inadequate dental hygiene. Still, it can also result from:

• Gum damage
• Poor diet
• Stress
• Compromised defence mechanism

4. Periodontitis

A more severe gum disease, periodontitis, can develop over time if gingivitis is left untreated. It occurs due to issues with the tissue and bone that hold the tooth in the tooth socket and swollen gums. In extreme circumstances, this may result in the tooth falling out.

What do Unhealthy Gums Look Like?

The following are the typical signs of gum disease:

• Swollen gums
• Mouth sores
• Gum bleeding during flossing and brushing
• Gums that are tender when touched
• Shiny appearance to gums
• Gums purple /bright red appearance
• Red, puffy gums
• Gum tenderness
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Sensitivity to cold or hot foods
• Loose teeth, leading to abnormal spacing

Diagnosis of Gum Diseases in Infants

A pediatric dental examination is used to diagnose gum disease in infants by evaluating symptoms like redness, swelling, and bleeding.

A dentist may also look for risk factors in the baby’s medical history and do a plaque accumulation assessment. For successful treatment and to avoid more dental problems in the future, early identification is essential.

Causes of Gum Disease in Babies

Understanding the leading causes of gum disease in babies is the first step in preventing it. As a parent, you should be aware of the following prevalent causes:

The first line of defence against pediatric gum disease is knowing what causes it. The following are some typical reasons that parents need to be aware of:

1. Inadequate Dental Care

Inadequate oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease in youngsters. Gum disease develops due to plaque accumulation on teeth caused by irregular brushing and flossing. It’s vital to instill the value of consistent brushing and flossing in your youngster.

2. Sugar-Rich Diet

An abundance of sugar-filled meals and beverages in one’s diet may exacerbate gum disease. Sugar is the food for oral bacteria, producing acids that can irritate gums and cause infections.

3. Genetic Elements

Due to a hereditary tendency, gum disease may occasionally become more common in certain families. Should gum disease run in your family, there can be an increased danger for your child.

4. Changes in Hormones

Hormonal changes can sometimes increase gum sensitivity and susceptibility to gum disease, particularly during puberty.

 5 Best Ways to Treat Unhealthy Gums In Children

Keep in mind that gingivitis is reversible if caught early enough. Therefore, it would be wise for you to make an appointment with your pediatric dentist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this article. Consider the following 5 best ways to treat unhealthy gums in children:

• Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the best strategy to cure and/or prevent gum disease. An effective regimen must consist of the following:
• Use a medium-textured toothbrush that is less prone to damage to teeth or gums, and brush twice a day, first thing in the morning and right before bed. Schedule frequent dental check-ups.
• Always change your toothbrushes and keep your removable dental appliances clean.
• A dental practitioner will clean your teeth to get rid of the germs and the plaque causing that are gum diseases
• An antibacterial mouthwash may be recommended if necessary.

Best Ways to Treat Unhealthy Gums at Home

Apart from practising proper dental hygiene, children’s gingivitis can be cured with certain at-home treatments.

If your infant seems uncomfortable during teething, to cure gum disease without a dentist, these are the best ways to treat unhealthy gums at home naturally:

• Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or moist gauze. The pressure may lessen the pain for your infant.
• A saltwater rinse is one of the greatest natural cures. You should combine a half-teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm tap water.
• A teething ring that is chilled rather than frozen or a chilly spoon might comfort a baby’s gums. Keep your child away from sugary substances.

Ensure your youngster knows the instructions are to rinse their mouth with water (and gargle if they can). Never should they try to ingest the solution.

Give the mixture a good 15 to 30 seconds to swish it around before they spit it out. Two or three times a week, repeat this procedure.

Bottom Line

Maintaining healthy gums is critical for your baby’s general dental health. You can successfully prevent and cure swollen gums by upholding a gentle cleaning regimen, giving adequate hydration, and feeding a balanced diet full of vital nutrients. For early detection and treatment, routine dental exams are essential. Remember that today’s proactive actions will create the foundation for your child’s future healthy grin. Make gum health your top priority, and seek individual counsel from your paediatrician to maintain the healthiest gums for your child.

FAQ’S

How do you treat gum disease in babies?

Treatment involves gentle cleaning of the gums, proper hydration, and consulting a pediatric dentist for professional care.

How can I treat my child’s gum disease at home?

You can gently massage their gums at home with a soft, damp cloth and ensure they have a balanced diet rich in vitamins.

How do you relieve a baby’s gums pain?

You can relieve your baby’s gum pain by using a cool teething ring and gently massaging the gums with a clean finger.

How do you fix unhealthy gums?

Fixing swollen gums requires maintaining good oral hygiene, providing a nutritious diet, and seeking regular dental check-ups for professional advice.

How can you relieve painful gums?

Choose an over-the-counter medication. If your baby is very grumpy, give him or her over-the-counter pain relievers for babies or children, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or acetaminophen (Tylenol etc.).