Caring for your baby’s swollen gums: 6 effective solutions
The appearance of the first teeth in babies is an important milestone in their development. However, this process can be accompanied by discomfort and pain due to swollen gums. As parents, it is important to be prepared to help alleviate our little ones’ discomfort.
In the following article, we will explore various effective solutions for swollen gums in babies, from natural methods to products recommended by dental professionals.
Swollen gums in babies are a very common symptom caused by the eruption of baby teeth. The first baby teeth usually appear from 6 months of age and usually last up to the age of 2 years.
The gums, which are subject to a lot of change due to the formation and subsequent eruption of the teeth, can become inflamed, causing discomfort to the baby.
In addition to the redness, small white spots may appear on the surface of the gums, related to the teeth that are about to erupt.
The most common consequence of tooth eruption and gingival inflammation in babies can be excessive drooling, putting objects in the mouth, moodiness and irritability or pain in the gums.
But what can we do for our babies?
- Gentle massage of the gums:
Gently massaging your baby’s gums can help relieve inflammation and pain. Wash your hands thoroughly and, with a clean finger, gently rub the swollen gums in circular motions. This can provide temporary relief and distraction for your baby.
- Refrigerated teething rings:
Teething rings are toys specially designed for babies to chew on during the teething process. Some teething rings can be chilled in the refrigerator, which provides an additional soothing effect on inflamed gums. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and supervise your baby while using them.
- Rubber or silicone teething rings:
Rubber or silicone teethers are another popular option for soothing swollen gums. These toys are designed for babies to chew on, providing gentle, soothing pressure on the gums. Look for teethers that are safe and suitable for your baby’s age.
- Cool, wet washcloths:
A simple and effective home remedy for soothing swollen gums is to use a clean cloth that has been dampened and cooled. Wrap the cloth around your finger and gently rub your baby’s gums. The cold and gentle pressure can help soothe the pain and reduce swelling.
- Consult your paediatrician or paediatric dentist:
If your baby’s swollen gums persist or seem to be causing significant discomfort, it is important to consult your paediatrician or a paediatric dentist. He or she will be able to assess the situation and provide additional recommendations, as well as check for other oral health problems.
- Pain relievers and teething gels:
In some cases, the paediatrician or dentist may recommend the use of specific pain relievers or teething gels. These products are designed to relieve pain and inflammation in babies’ gums. It is important to follow the instructions and dosage recommended by your healthcare professional and use these products with caution.
Inflammation of the gums during the eruption process is a common experience for many babies.
As parents, we can provide relief and comfort using a variety of effective solutions. From gentle massage and teething to the use of gels or pain relievers recommended by health professionals, there are options available to help our little ones cope with this stage of development.
Remember to always consult a paediatrician or paediatric dentist at Udemax Clinics for personalised advice to ensure your baby’s optimal oral health.
Make an appointment at Udemax Clinics, at Arcdental, your children’s clinic located in Zona Colegios, or at Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. Or call us on .
Clinicas Udemax
At Clinicas Udemax we offer the youngest patients in the family a personalised service provided by a team of specialists in children’s and teenagers’ dental cases. Our objective is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments at these ages to guarantee the development of a healthy mouth, establishing the foundations of an adequate oral health that will allow the adult to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.
It is important in our clinic to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team specialised in paediatric dentistry techniques and preventive and corrective orthodontics that continues to be trained to apply the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.
