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Tooth Troubles
Gums that are tender, swollen or uncomfortable. This page explains what gum soreness is and what a dentist may do. It does not work out the cause in your child — that needs an examination.
Gums become sore when they are inflamed. The AAPD describes the inflammatory response to plaque biofilm as an age-dependent phenomenon, and gum inflammation as extremely common in childhood — it states that gingivitis occurs in half the population by the age of four or five and peaks at nearly one hundred per cent at puberty.
Common does not mean unimportant. It means gum soreness is usually something with a recognised cause and a recognised response, rather than something rare or alarming.
Sore gums often mean the gums need a bit more looking after. Brushing gently right where the tooth meets the gum helps, even if it feels tender. Tell a grown-up if it keeps hurting.
The instinct when gums are sore is to brush that area less. That is usually the wrong way round, though how to handle it depends on why they are sore — which is the bit that needs a dentist. Ask them before changing your child’s routine.
Several routes, and they are not distinguishable from a description:
The last of those is the one to be alert to. General tenderness across the gums is a different picture from one sore, swollen spot, and it is worth saying which you are seeing when you ring.
Three things the AAPD makes clear about gums in children.
The AAPD states gingivitis occurs in half the population by age four or five and peaks at nearly one hundred per cent at puberty. Sore gums in a child are usual rather than unusual.
The AAPD states that assessment of periodontal status should form part of a routine dental visit and oral examination — so gums are looked at whether or not you raise them.
The AAPD describes bleeding on probing as the best parameter for monitoring gum health over time, and notes that bleeding in young children even at a few sites indicates susceptibility. See Bleeding gums.
An examination of the gums as well as the teeth. The AAPD describes periodontal examination and risk assessment as important parts of a comprehensive oral evaluation in children.
Mention general tenderness at the next checkup, and ring sooner if it is not settling, if it is affecting eating, or if your child is uncomfortable enough to notice it regularly.
Ring promptly — rather than waiting — if there is a distinct swelling rather than general soreness, if there is facial swelling, or if your child seems unwell. See Facial swelling.
Should we avoid brushing where it is sore? Ask your dentist before changing anything. Plaque at the gum line is one of the recognised routes to gum inflammation, so avoiding the area may not help — but that depends on why it is sore, and this page cannot establish that. A phone call will get you an answer specific to your child.
Usually not, and they are still worth mentioning. The AAPD notes that destructive periodontal disease is uncommon in children while gum inflammation is nearly universal by puberty. Which you are looking at is for a dentist to determine.
It could. Gums are commonly tender where a tooth is coming through, in babies and in older children getting permanent teeth. See Teething.
Ask your dentist before using one, particularly for a child — products vary and many are not intended for children. This page does not recommend products.
Bleeding is the sign dentists pay most attention to. The AAPD describes bleeding on probing as the best parameter for monitoring gum health longitudinally. See Bleeding gums and mention it when you ring.
That is a different picture and worth saying clearly when you call. See Bumps or pimples on gums.
Every clinical statement on this page comes from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry documents below.
This website is for education only and does not replace care from your dentist, physician, or emergency services.