What should be done for a 5-year-old child with swollen and painful gums?

When a 5-year-old child experiences swollen and painful gums, the first step is to observe and identify the specific cause. Possible causes include teething, gingivitis, or dental caries. According to the different causes, the following measures can be taken: 1. **Teething**: If the swelling and pain are caused by teething, rinsing with normal saline can help relieve the discomfort. Usually, no special treatment is required. 2. **Gingivitis**: If the swelling and pain are due to gingivitis, it is recommended to use medications such as metronidazole under a doctor's guidance and promptly remove dental calculus and plaque from the teeth. 3. **Dental Caries**: For swelling and pain caused by dental caries, if the affected area is small, treatment options may include silver diamine fluoride application or inlay restoration. Additionally, to prevent swollen and painful gums, parents should encourage their children to develop good oral hygiene habits, including brushing teeth twice daily, rinsing the mouth after meals, and properly using dental floss. If the gum swelling and pain persist or worsen, prompt medical attention should be sought.