How to differentiate mumps from gum swelling

Mumps and gingival swelling are two distinct conditions that can be clearly differentiated in the following ways: 1. **Location of onset**: Mumps primarily occurs in the parotid gland area, located near the earlobes on both sides of the face, spreading outward with the earlobe as the center. Gingival swelling, however, occurs in the gum area above the alveolar bone. 2. **Symptoms**: Symptoms of mumps include redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the parotid region, which may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, and loss of appetite. Gingival swelling mainly presents as redness, swelling, and pain in the gum area, which may be accompanied by purulent symptoms such as gum bleeding and increased pain. 3. **Causes**: The causes of mumps are diverse, including infectious, immunological, and obstructive factors, with bacterial and viral infections being the most common. Gingival swelling is usually caused by local irritants such as dental plaque and tartar. The two conditions differ in both symptom presentation and etiology, and careful differential diagnosis allows for accurate distinction.