Once the baby teeth start to erupt, usually between 6 months and 1 year old, the child can experience several side effects. Tender and engorged gums are indicative of teething and swelling while the pain typically subsides once the tooth breaks out. Nevertheless, in some circumstances, blisters or cysts on the gums can indicate that the infant is ill or has an infection. A doctor should be consulted if you have any concerns if an infant is suffering from swollen gums. In doing so, the appropriate treatment can be started to prevent complications from worsening. If you want to properly manage the symptoms, you can enroll in a first aid course today.
Normal swelling
If the gums are inflamed and red while there is a tooth that is starting to erupt underneath, than it is simply normal swelling. If there is no tooth coming out from the area, check the spot where the gums are evidently inflamed. The gums are usually swollen in the spot where the tooth is about to erupt. The bottom front teeth usually erupt first and then followed by the top front teeth. This will be followed by the teeth on other side of the front teeth and lastly the first molars and the canine teeth. In case the gums are swelling where the next tooth will erupt, it is just normal swelling.
Treatment for normal swelling
Always remember that swelling cannot be cured but there are ways to ease the pain by rubbing the gums with a clean finger or a clean washcloth. In some cases, babies can be given teething rings. It is recommended not to freeze the teething ring since it can cause more pain for the infant. All you have to refrigerate it or offer it at room temperature.
You can also provide an over-the-counter pain medication. Just remember not to rub the infant’s gums with alcohol since it is not safe and cannot treat the pain or reduce the swelling.
Atypical swelling
In some circumstances, the infant might be suffering from atypical swelling on the gums. Just remember that this swelling might not indicate a problem. In case you will notice a blue-colored cyst swelling where the tooth is about to erupt, the baby might have an eruption hematoma which is a bruised area in which the tooth is pushing through.
The red-colored sores and swelling can be caused by herpes virus. Due to the variety of the causes for swelling, a doctor should be consulted if there is abnormal swelling or sores on the gums.
When to consult a doctor
There are warning signs that can indicate that the swelling on the gums might be linked to a serious issue. A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible if the swollen gums is accompanied by fever, rash on the palms or soles of the feet, swollen or reddened tongue or throat and blisters or white patches on the body or face. Always remember that these symptoms are connected to viral infections. In case the throat, tongue or lips of the child rapidly swell, he/she might be suffering from an allergic response and it is vital to call for emergency assistance right away.