Tomatoes star in pasta sauces, salsa and other ethic dishes. While tomatoes may not be the first food that comes to your mind when you think about food allergies, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that tomatoes commonly cause an allergic reaction. Gum swelling is typically related to a dental complication, but the inflammation only develops when you eat tomatoes, it is most likely the result of an allergy. In some cases your swollen gums may be related to a pollen allergy, according to MayoClinic.com.
Tomato Reaction
Tomatoes are safe for consumption and do not cause any reactions in most people. In some people, the immune system reacts to the tomato proteins as if they are going to harm the body. Your body responds to this mistake by creating immunoglobulin E antibodies, or IgE, according to MayoClinic.com. Theses antibodies trigger a reaction throughout the body that results in inflammation in soft tissues. Most food allergy symptoms are the result of swelling throughout the body that causes irritation or pain. Even a small amount of tomato proteins can trigger moderate to severe symptoms.
Gum Swelling
While gum swelling is not a common symptom, it is highly likely because your gums are soft tissues, which could be affected by an allergic reaction. Gum swelling may also be related to another allergic condition called pollen food syndrome, which occurs when your immune system confuses the proteins in tomatoes for a pollen that you're allergic to. Pollen food syndrome causes inflammation exclusively in your mouth, lips and throat and doesn't trigger other common allergy symptoms. The Allergy Clinic states that the most common symptoms of this allergy condition include swelling, blotching, redness and severe itching.
Treatment
A general food allergy that causes minor to moderate symptoms may respond well to a dose of an oral antihistamine. If your doctor suspects that you're experiencing a severe allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine. Epinephrine is synthetic adrenalin that helps to alleviate symptoms associated with anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. If the gum swelling is related to pollen allergy syndrome, you may be able to prevent symptoms by only eating cooked tomatoes.
Considerations
If your gums remain swollen and your symptoms do not improve within a few hours, call your dentist and health care provider. Dental complications may include a gum infection, gingivitis, malnutrition, sensitivity to toothpaste and scurvy, according to MedlinePlus.
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