Red and swollen gums in children can be due to gingivitis or apiculitis, or viral gingivostomatitis.
Gingivitis, caused by food debris, soft tartar or plaque in the crevices of the teeth, manifests itself as red, swollen and bleeding gums or bleeding from eating. Red and swollen gums can be eliminated by effective brushing or ultrasonic cleaning.
Inflammation of the nerve of the teeth does not drain the inflammation in the roots of the teeth, which can also lead to redness and swelling of the gums, and requires root canal treatment for relief.
Viral gingivostomatitis is a reaction of systemic symptoms in the mouth due to a viral infection, where the gums are red and swollen throughout the mouth rather than a single tooth, and requires antiviral treatment.
Red and swollen gums in children are most often seen as a result of gingivitis or apiculitis, but can also be viral gingivostomatitis, which requires a visit to the dentist.