Swollen gums during teething
Swollen gums can occur around a tooth that is erupting because the gum tissue is stretched and locally irritated.
The short answer
Swollen gums can occur around a tooth that is erupting because the gum tissue is stretched and locally irritated. During teething, a child may drool, chew more, and have tender gum tissue, but marked swelling, pus, fever, or illness needs dental assessment.
What happens to the gums during tooth eruption?
Teething is the movement of a developing tooth through the jawbone and gum into the mouth. The gum over the erupting crown can look raised or puffy, while other causes of swelling include plaque-related gingivitis, food trapped under the gum, trauma, decay, or infection.
How can you soothe and clean gums during teething?
Offer a clean, cool teething ring and gently wipe or brush the teeth and gums. Avoid numbing products or medicines unless a qualified clinician has confirmed the product and dose are suitable for the child, and do not rub aspirin on the gum.
When does teething swelling need a dentist urgently?
Contact a dentist for swelling that is one-sided, worsening, associated with pus, fever, facial swelling, refusal to drink, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. A child who seems unusually unwell needs prompt medical care.
What should you ask about swelling around an erupting tooth?
Ask which tooth is erupting, whether the swelling matches normal eruption, and how to clean the area. Ask which signs indicate infection and which pain-relief option is suitable for the child’s age and health.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step?
Offer a clean, cool teething ring and gently wipe or brush the teeth and gums.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.