Teething is an extremely painful process for babies and toddlers, but it’s not the only explanation behind swollen gums in babies. Many other factors can cause your baby’s gums to swell that has nothing to do with tooth eruption. It is quite common for infants to have swollen gums if they have a high fever or an infection of some kind, so don’t assume teething will be the cause every time. This article covers symptoms of teething and do babies gums swell when teething.
What causes swollen gums in babies?
Sore gums are a common occurrence in babies. They are usually caused by teething, illness or poor oral hygiene. While there is no definitive explanation for why baby’s gums swell, it is likely due to the release of chemicals that cause the gums to become inflamed. The first sign that your baby is experiencing swelling is usually a small red spot on their gums, which may disappear after three days. If the spot doesn’t go away or gets bigger, you should contact your doctor immediately.
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Teething occurs when a baby’s teeth come through and start to push out the gum tissue. This can lead to inflammation and swelling in the gum tissue. Babies also experience swollen gums when they have a cold or an ear infection. When the body releases more than usual amount of mucus, it can build up pressure in the mouth and cause swelling. Swelling can also be caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth or using toothpaste with high concentration of fluoride (this can lead to tooth decay).
What are signs of teething in Babies?
Teething is the process by which an infant’s first set of teeth are replaced by permanent ones growing under the gums. It starts when a baby is around 3 months of age, and it lasts until the 18th month. Although it is a very natural process, sometimes it can cause pain and discomfort to your baby. It is one of the most common reasons for babies to cry.
If you are a new parents, you need to know how to recognize teething symptoms so you can help your little one through it. Here is a list of the most common signs of teething –
- Swollen gums – Teething causes the gum line to swell, which is why some babies have extra saliva in their mouths. If left untreated, this can lead to infection and even mild fever. The best way to treat swollen gums is with a soft clean wet cloth.
- Poor appetite – Babies may not feel like eating when they are teething. They may have a difficult time chewing and swallowing, which could lead to loss of appetite. This can be very dangerous when it happens for a long time, so you should look for ways to make your baby feel better.
- Irritability – Many babies cry when teething, so it is normal for infants to be irritable when they are going through this process. They might also have trouble sleeping, which can make them even fussier. It is important to know what causes this so you can try to find ways to help your baby.
- Excessive drooling – excess drool is quite common during teething
How do babies gums look when teething?
Teething can be a confusing time for both you and your baby. Your baby may seem irritable, cranky, or inconsolable. You may notice that your baby’s gums are red, swollen, and tender. It’s normal for your baby to drool more while teething, which can make it easy to get toothpaste or pacifier drops on your child’s clothes or skin. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.
Photos of Swollen babies gums
One of the most common things to see during teething is that babies’ gums will become red and swollen, which is what they are trying to do in order to break through the teeth. As the gums start to recede, they may also become sore so you need to keep an eye out for signs of chapped lips or sores on the surface of the mouth. You should consider letting your baby eat more often because when their body is running low on energy.
Why do babies gums swell when teething?
Teething is a very normal process, sometimes it can cause pain and discomfort to your baby. Here is a list of the main reasons
- The teeth are pushing against the gums and irritating them, causing them to swell and become red.
- The increased saliva in babies’ mouths helps soften the gums and baby’s teeth so they can emerge.
- The gums are also full of bacteria, which sometimes cause infections when they get into the bloodstream.
5 Simple ways to help a teething baby
Many things can help your baby with teething. The most important thing is keeping your infant healthy. Other than that, you can try the following to make your baby feel better. It is always a good idea to connect with pediatric dental care professional before you decide to help you little one during teething phase.
- Keep gums clean- Gently clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or gauze pad to keep them clean and free of bacteria. Make sure the cloth is clean and wash it after each use.
- Massaging gums – To help reduce the swelling, you can try gently massaging your babies gums with your clean finger. You can also put a cool compress on their cheeks and rinse their mouths with a warm, wet washcloth. If the swelling doesn’t go away, see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Offer a cold teething toy – Cold items help with swelling so you can put a cold teether in your baby’s mouth. You can use a popsicle, a piece of frozen fruit, or a bag of frozen vegetables.
- Offer baby a warm/hot teether – Warm items can help with pain so you can offer your baby a warm teether such as a clean washcloth with warm water, an herbal tea bag, or a piece of ginger root.
- Give your baby pain reliever – If your baby is very fussy and inconsolable, you should talk to your pediatrician about pain relief medication for teething. Do check with your baby’s pediatrician about any side effects. You may want to give them something like Tylenol or Motrin to ease their pain. Some people prefer to use baking soda directly on the gums. You can also warm some milk in the microwave and apply it to the gums manually with a spoon or a dropper. Just be careful not to burn your baby’s skin as this will likely increase their discomfort.
Conclusion
Teething is a normal process during which an infant’s first primary teeth grow under the gums. It is a very common reason for babies to cry. It starts when a baby is around 3 months old and ends when they are 18 months old. Teething can cause pain and discomfort to your baby. Many things can help your baby feel better while going through the teething process. Every child goes through natural teething process and it is natural be uncomfortable but if you notice anything other than common symptoms then it is recommended to consult child’s oral health professional to identify potential problems and take preventive care.