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What Causes Redness Over The Gums Near A Erupting Tooth In Infants?

Posted on Sat, 9 May 2015

Question: My 2.4 year old baby lower cannine gums started showing signs of tooth eruption two months back.symptoms were swollen gums along with a red spot on behind gum...it stayed there now when the tooth has erupted not fully only tip has only visible red spot is still there.....red spot is very small and it is not dark red it is light red....one more thing it is on the back gums of both lower canine teeth.the spot behind the fully erupted teeth has changed its color to very light orange which looks normal to me....plz suggest

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
pericoronal inflammation, normal phenomenon, saline gargling

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
As far as the redness over the gums near a erupting tooth is concerned, it is common when the tooth erupts it has to penetrate through the gums and come out so during this process there will be inflammation of the gums which results in redness and pain(pericoronitis). Once the tooth erupts the gums will turn to coral pink color.
These are the possible causes and diagnosis based on the description of your problem. If you can upload the images of the gums and teeth I can give you exact diagnosis. Mean while you can just do saline gargling.
I hope i have answered your query. If any queries are there reply me back.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (48 minutes later)

I have uploaded the pictures u can view it...one more thing when he eats something more spicy and hot it looks more red though he is not in pain....

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Secondary to irritation by spicy and hot food, saline gargling

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback. The redness over the gums following consumption of spicy food is because of the irritation by the spicy food.

Regarding the images, I have not received the images. Please go through the instruction in the website and upload the images.

You can send the images to YYYY@YYYY to me.

In the meantime, You can do saline gargling, it will subside in 3-5 days.
I hope I have answered your query.

Take care.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar TS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)

i have send the pics on mail.i went to dentist regsrding this he has given rexidine m gel i applied it for 2-3 times and then left because i have seen no change....i m worried because it is there for 2.5 months and teeth is also not seems to coming fully or growing...it is not worrying my child at all

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
pericoronitis, rexidine, surgical

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback. I have gone through your images.
Nothing to be panic, it is secondary to erupting tooth resulting in pericoronitis. You can continue to use rexidine gel. Unless it results in pain nothing to worry. If it troubles then if has to be treated surgically. Do saline gargling. It takes little time for the tooth to erupt. Do not worry. If you are in doubt consult a pediatric dental surgeon and take an opinion.
I hope I have answered your query. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (10 days later)

hi doc i came up with new picture of my child gums and the red spot behind it just check it and let me know..for my piece of mind
no answer???i used rexidine gel but it doesnt seems to subside...probably it will go only when tooth will fully erupt....as he is small he is not able to gargil with salt....he is no pain he is not even bothered by it...otherwise he is good health

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
normal phenomenon, be calm.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feed back. I have gone through the images. Sorry for the delay.
As i described earlier it takes time for the tooth to erupt and gums will become normal once the tooth erupts. Nothing to be panic, it is normal. Since it is asymptomatic, no need to do anything. If it becomes symptomatic then consult a pediatric dental surgeon and get it evaluated.
I hope I have answered your query. Take care.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj