Also known as: gingival overgrowth, enlarged gums, excess gum tissue, gums covering teeth, overgrown gum tissue, gum tissue over teeth

Gum overgrowth in children happens when the gum tissue looks thicker, fuller, or extends farther over the teeth than expected. It may affect one area or several teeth, making the teeth look shorter or harder to clean. Some children have little discomfort at first, while others may notice tenderness, bleeding during brushing, trapped food, or irritation when chewing.

This symptom often means the gums are reacting to plaque, inflammation, eruption changes, repeated irritation, or another underlying tissue pattern that should be evaluated. When gum tissue stays enlarged, it can trap more bacteria, make brushing harder, and raise the risk of bleeding, decay, and ongoing discomfort. Early evaluation helps identify the cause and determine whether the tissue needs to be cleaned, monitored, or reduced to support healthier gums and teeth.

Possible Causes of Gum Overgrowth

Gum overgrowth is commonly associated with:

  • Plaque buildup and chronic gum inflammation – When plaque stays along the gumline, the tissue can become irritated, swollen, and enlarged, sometimes making the gums appear thick or overgrown around the teeth.

  • Erupting or partially erupted teeth – As teeth come in, the surrounding gum tissue may look fuller or bunch up over part of the tooth, especially if eruption is delayed or uneven.

  • Medication-related tissue changes – Certain medications can cause the gums to enlarge or thicken, making them harder to clean and more likely to trap bacteria.

  • Naturally thick tissue or repeated irritation – Some children naturally have denser gum tissue, while others develop overgrowth from chronic rubbing, mouth breathing, or ongoing local irritation.

Treatments for Gum Overgrowth

Depending on the cause of gum overgrowth, treatment may include:

  • Exams & Cleanings – A dental exam and professional cleaning can help identify what is causing the excess gum tissue and remove plaque or tartar that may be making the gums more inflamed or enlarged.
  • Fluoride Treatment – If gum overgrowth makes brushing harder and plaque collects around the teeth, fluoride can help strengthen enamel and lower the risk of decay while the gums are being managed.
  • Laser Dentistry – In select cases, laser treatment can gently reduce or reshape excess gum tissue, making the area easier to clean and improving access to the tooth as it erupts.

When to See a Dentist

Consider scheduling an appointment if your child:

  • Has gums that look enlarged, thick, or are covering part of one or more teeth
  • Bleeds easily or feels sore when brushing around the gums
  • Has trouble cleaning around the affected area or food keeps getting trapped
  • Shows worsening overgrowth, irritation, or changes in how teeth are erupting

Related Symptoms

Concerned About Gum Overgrowth?

Gum overgrowth can make teeth harder to clean and may be a sign that the gums need professional attention. We’d love to evaluate your child’s symptoms and make their visit comfortable, positive, and stress-free. Schedule an appointment today and get the answers you need.