
What Causes Swelling On Gums?

Question: My son has a small area of swelling on his gum. Earlier today it looked like an ulser but now its risen into a red ball. It has bled a little but it doesnt hurt
Hi,
Can you tell the age of your son? If he is at teething age, then, most probably might be due to tooth coming out. Otherwise might be gum infection.
You can send a picture of his swollen gum too for a more specific advice.
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Can you tell the age of your son? If he is at teething age, then, most probably might be due to tooth coming out. Otherwise might be gum infection.
You can send a picture of his swollen gum too for a more specific advice.
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


He's 8 years old
Brief Answer:
Gingivitis,prescription antibiotics to start...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back ,
Thank you for providing the photos.
From the photo, it seems to be gum infection (gingivitis). I was trying to see if there is another tooth after the one where the ulcer appeared, but couldn't. Can you please send another photo with open mouth, so, I can see the teeth at the place where the bloody gum is? Or, at least, can you tell whether he is having the teeth on the swollen gum besides the one that is well-visible?
Try not to squeeze the blood and do not cut the swollen gum.
If I was his caring doctor would advise to:
- start oral antibiotics
- apply blue-methylene solution orally
- keep a good oral hygiene
- avoid citrus/spicy foods/drinks
- avoid giving hot foods/drinks
- apply honey locally and advise your son not to split; should keep honey as long as he can for at least 20 minutes. Then, he can drink water
As he needs to start oral antibiotics, which are prescription drugs, should get him checked by the dentist first in order to evaluate:
- if teeth root is being infected too
- if there is abscess/pus coming out
as he might need to undergo special dental procedures.
Wish fast recovery! Let me know if I can be of further help!
Dr.Albana
Gingivitis,prescription antibiotics to start...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back ,
Thank you for providing the photos.
From the photo, it seems to be gum infection (gingivitis). I was trying to see if there is another tooth after the one where the ulcer appeared, but couldn't. Can you please send another photo with open mouth, so, I can see the teeth at the place where the bloody gum is? Or, at least, can you tell whether he is having the teeth on the swollen gum besides the one that is well-visible?
Try not to squeeze the blood and do not cut the swollen gum.
If I was his caring doctor would advise to:
- start oral antibiotics
- apply blue-methylene solution orally
- keep a good oral hygiene
- avoid citrus/spicy foods/drinks
- avoid giving hot foods/drinks
- apply honey locally and advise your son not to split; should keep honey as long as he can for at least 20 minutes. Then, he can drink water
As he needs to start oral antibiotics, which are prescription drugs, should get him checked by the dentist first in order to evaluate:
- if teeth root is being infected too
- if there is abscess/pus coming out
as he might need to undergo special dental procedures.
Wish fast recovery! Let me know if I can be of further help!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


I dont know if this photo helps. Hes not in any pain with it . We only knew of it when he cleaned his teeth and saw blood so then looked and noticed it.
Brief Answer:
No problem...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Ok, then, definitely, he has gingivitis. Get him checked by dentist to start oral antibiotics. Sometimes, they do not give pain, but infection is still there. You can give acetaminophen to reduce inflammation/swelling until starting antibiotics.
Do not worry, it will be gone within a few days after starting antibiotics.
Do not forget to encourage him to have a good oral hygiene. Advise not to have sweets or sugary foods at bedtime.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
No problem...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Ok, then, definitely, he has gingivitis. Get him checked by dentist to start oral antibiotics. Sometimes, they do not give pain, but infection is still there. You can give acetaminophen to reduce inflammation/swelling until starting antibiotics.
Do not worry, it will be gone within a few days after starting antibiotics.
Do not forget to encourage him to have a good oral hygiene. Advise not to have sweets or sugary foods at bedtime.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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