Children usually start teething at the age of 6 months. Teething may be the period of discomfort for many babies. You might notice bleeding from the gums at some times. Then it is the right time for you to know about swollen gums in babies.
Dental care is very important for both children and adults. It is required to know about the teeth and gum care before the first baby tooth appears.
This article discusses the causes of swollen gums in babies. It presents the home remedies for swollen gums in babies.
Swollen Gums In Babies:
Swollen gums is one of the symptoms of teething in baby which usually occur between the 6 and 24 months. Children often place the fingers and the things in their mouth to comfort themselves.
Improper oral hygiene may lead to swollen gums in both adults and babies.
Causes of Swollen Gums in babies:
Here are a few causes of swollen gums in babies:
1. Gingivostomatitis:
It is a common infection of the mouth and gums. The major symptoms are mouth or gums swelling. This infection may occur due to the bacterial or viral infections.
This infection is more common in children. It makes the child uncomfortable to eat or drink.
2. Periodontal Disease:
It is a severe bacterial infection which destroys the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. This infection occurs when there is a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that sticks to the teeth. If it prevails for longer periods, it becomes harder then it is called calculus or tartar.
3. Poor Dental Hygiene:
Dental hygiene is one of the main reasons for the swollen gums in babies. If your baby goes to sleep with sweetened milk in the mouth, the acid formations may break down the tooth enamel quickly. If the milk is not swallowed or carried away by the saliva, then it stays around the mouth causing severe damage. Sweets from the milk may feed the bacteria in the mouth and combine with the plaque that deposits on the gum and teeth.
4.Vitamin Deficiency:
Deficiency of some of the vitamins may cause swollen gums in babies. Lack of supply of nutrients especially vitamin B and C can cause gum swelling. Drop of vitamin C below the required levels may lead to Scurvy in babies.
5. Other Reasons:
Other reasons may include
● dry mouth or gums
● injury to the gums.
Signs & symptoms of swollen gums in babies:
When your baby’s gums are swollen, they may experience the below symptoms:
● Red, swollen, or sore gums.
● Bleeding from the gums
● Bad breath
● Pus between the teeth and gums
● You may notice the change in the jaw alignment
Home remedies for swollen gums in babies:
Sore or tender gums may offer extreme pain to your baby. Here are a few home remedies to get rid of swollen gum sin babies:
1. Massage your baby’s gums:
Massaging is a great way to soothe the sore gums in your baby. The pressure rejuvenates your baby’s gums. Gently rub along the gums of your baby.
Studies suggest that massaging with coconut oil or sesame or olive oil on the gums all around the teeth helps to secure the gums from swelling.
2. Teething ring:
Biting the harder things may make your baby feel better. Teething rings offer your baby ample comfort. You can also place the ring in the freezer before giving it to the baby.
3. Frozen Foods in a Mesh Feeder:
Bananas, apples, and carrots can be frozen and place them in a mesh feeder. This remedy will help to make your baby get rid of pain.
Crush up the food that is frozen before shifting it into the mesh feeder to avoid choking hazards.
4. Wooden Toys:
Offer your baby hard and natural wooden toys. The hardness helps your baby to get relief from the sore gums.
5. Ginger:
Research team from the Korea University concluded that ginger is a natural ingredient that helps to prevent the tooth decay. Ginger helps in promoting oral health. It is a source of an anti-inflammatory substance called gingerols.
Peel the ginger and rub it over your baby’s gums for 2-3 minutes.
6. Cloves:
Cloves contain antioxidants that kill the bacteria. They contain many oils with soothing and warming properties.
Ground the cloves and mix this powder with water, oil, or unsalted butter. Store in the fridge to form a paste. Rub this against the gums of your baby.
7. A wash Cloth:
Take a washcloth and chill and dip it in the cool water and squeeze the excess water and allow your to chew on it for cooling. The cooling sensation makes your baby get relief from the swollen gums.
8. Fruit Popsicles:
Make the homemade natural popsicles naturally at home. Allow your baby to chew on the cool and hard popsicles for some relief.
9. Essential Oils:
Essential oils help to promote oral health. Clinical research indicates that clove oil helps in relieving tooth pain and bad breath. It helps to fight against the mouth and throat infections.
Here are a few essential oils to promote the health and texture of the teeth.
● Clove Oil
● Thyme Oil
● Oregano Oil
● Tea Tree Oil
● Peppermint oil
● Cinnamon oil s found to be more effective than clove oil in treating the dental issues.
10. Catnip Tea:
It has calming effects on the body. It contains nepetalactone which promotes relaxation, boosts mood, and reduces anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness.
Add the few amounts of Catnip to chamomile oil and allow it to freeze. Make it into small chips or popsicles or soak it in the washcloth.
11. Honey:
Honey has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that help to kill the bacteria.
Take a small amount of honey on your finger and gently massage it around your baby’s gums.
Note: It is not recommended to use honey for the babies below one year as they are at the risk of botulism.
12. Vanilla Extract:
It has antioxidant properties and effective medicine with healing properties. It contains alcohol that helps to relieve the pain.
Dip a small cotton ball in the vanilla extract and dab it over the swollen gums for the relief.
13. Cold Spoon:
Put a spoon in the freezer and give it to your baby after 15 minutes. The coldness makes your baby get relief from the pain offered by the swollen gums.
14. Tea bags:
Some teas contain a compound called Tannis that helps to decrease the gum pain. Green tea, Hibiscus tea, and black tea are the source of tannins and are effective to get rid of extreme gum pain.
Dip the tea bad in the warm water and allow it to come down to the broom temperature. Place it over the swollen gums and dab it gently for 5 minutes.
Note: It cannot be used for the babies below 2 years as they can not tolerate the bitterness offered by the tea bags when they are placed in the mouth.
15. Aloe vera:
This is one of the best swollen gum remedies for babies. Aloe vera is effective in controlling the bacteria that cause the cavities. Aloe vera gel contains the elements with anti inflammatory properties.
Take some Aloe Vera gel and apply it gently over the swollen gums that can make your baby to get relief from the pain offered by the chronic swollen gums.
16. Azadirachta indica (Neem Leaves):
Neem leaves are a great way to prevent the buildup of plaque and stop the bleeding from the gums.
Massage your baby’s swollen gums with the toothpaste made from the Neem Leaves. It is safe to use for the babies above the age of 2 years.
17. Almond Extract:
Almonds are not the rich source of sugar. They can not accumulate much plaque on teeth when chewed.
Mix a few drops of almond with water. Massage this solution around and on the gums of your baby with the cotton ball or with your finger. Repeat this procedure twice a day on a regular basis for effective results.
18. Over the Counter Medication:
If your baby is experiencing the extreme pain use the medication containing acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Avoid the teething medications that contain the pain reliever benzocaine.
These products are associated with the severe conditions that lead to reduction of oxygen in the blood.
In conclusion, the severity of the swollen gums may range from mild to severe and may offer painful and uncomfortable situations. Consult your pediatrician before trying any home remedy.
It is quite normal for some babies to have swollen gums while teething. The swelling may appear in the form of bubbles.
