Teething is a natural phase marking the emergence of a baby’s first set of teeth. This milestone often causes discomfort, with swollen gums being the most common physical symptom. This guide explains the cause of the swelling and provides safe, effective relief methods for your child.
The Physiology of Gum Inflammation
Swollen gums result from the mechanical pressure and inflammation caused by the tooth pushing through the dense gum tissue. The developing tooth, already formed beneath the surface, moves upward toward the mouth. This physical force, known as eruptive pressure, irritates the delicate tissues covering the jawbone.
This triggers a mild inflammatory response, causing the gums to become red, tender, and swollen as fluid accumulates. Sometimes, the tissue may appear bluish or bruised (a temporary hematoma) due to pressure on tiny blood vessels. This natural reaction is the primary source of teething discomfort.
Practical Relief Methods for Discomfort
Relief focuses on counteracting gum pressure and inflammation. A simple, effective method is gently massaging the affected area with a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad for a couple of minutes. The counter-pressure temporarily overrides the uncomfortable sensation, offering a soothing distraction for your child.
The application of cold temperatures is highly effective at reducing swelling and dulling pain. Offer a chilled, firm rubber teething ring or a clean, dampened, and refrigerated washcloth. Only chill these items in the refrigerator, not the freezer. Frozen objects can become too hard and potentially cause bruising or damage to the delicate gum tissue.
Always ensure that any teething toys are solid and BPA-free. They should not contain liquid or gel fillings that could leak if punctured.
When considering topical treatments, parents should exercise caution and avoid certain products. The Food and Drug Administration advises against topical gels containing the local anesthetic benzocaine. These can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious side effect in infants. Homeopathic teething tablets or gels, which may contain unregulated amounts of toxic substances like belladonna, should also be avoided entirely.
For intense or persistent pain, systemic pain relievers may be appropriate after consulting with a pediatrician for proper dosage. Acetaminophen is often the first choice for infants, and ibuprofen may be an option for babies over six months of age. These medications reduce the body’s overall inflammatory response. They should only be used for one or two days at a time to prevent potential side effects on the liver or kidneys. Always base the dosage on your child’s current weight, and never exceed the recommended frequency.
Recognizing When to Seek Professional Help
While swollen gums and mild irritability are normal, certain symptoms indicate an illness requiring medical attention. A slight temperature elevation is sometimes noted during teething, but a true fever is not typical. Contact a healthcare provider if your child’s temperature reaches \(100.4^{\circ}\text{F}\) (\(38^{\circ}\text{C}\)) or higher, as this suggests an underlying infection.
Other systemic symptoms not caused by teething include vomiting, diarrhea, and a body rash. Persistent refusal to drink fluids or feed can quickly lead to dehydration and requires prompt evaluation. Signs of dehydration include fewer wet diapers, an absence of tears when crying, or excessive lethargy.
Seek professional guidance if the gum swelling appears unusually severe, extends far beyond the immediate area, or is accompanied by significant bleeding. Swelling that persists long after the tooth has broken through the surface warrants a professional dental examination. These signs may indicate an issue beyond simple teething discomfort, such as an infection or an unrelated oral condition.