Have you ever noticed your baby’s gums develop a small lump and wondered what it may be? Well, it could be an eruption cyst. The word “eruption cyst” sounds dramatic, but it is not a severe condition. It is a prevalent issue in a child's growth that most parents have not heard about until it shows up. This blog explains everything you need to know about eruption cysts, so you know when to visit a dentist and what to anticipate.
What It Is
At times when a baby's tooth is almost erupting through their gum tissue, a soft and fluid-filled bump can form on the gums’ soft tissue. This is known as an eruption cyst. This swelling is usually harmless. In most cases, it is noticeable right before an adult or baby tooth emerges from the gums.
The bump develops when fluid builds up in the tissues surrounding the growing teeth. Sometimes it may appear bluish or dark—this is called an eruption hematoma, which occurs when slight bleeding happens in the cyst, usually due to the force from chewing or minor bumps. Many times, these cysts resolve on their own after the tooth breaks through the gums.
How They Form
Eruption cysts develop when the dental follicles (the soft tissues surrounding a tooth) become filled with fluid as the teeth are nearly breaking through the soft gum tissue. This occurs as the teeth move upward towards the surface, forming a gap that can, at times, expand and be noticeable as a bump.
Dental experts have yet to fully comprehend why eruption cysts occur only in some babies, not all. However, the bump might develop based on how the fluid and tissue react to the growing tooth. If blood is present in the fluid, likely due to slight trauma or chewing, it results in an eruption hematoma.
Eruption Cyst Symptoms
You might notice a round, smooth, or slightly raised fluid-filled lump on your baby's gums, often in a place where a tooth is almost coming in. The bump might appear white, bluish, clear, or dark purple, particularly if bleeding is happening underneath the surface. Its size can range from a few millimeters to one centimeter in diameter. It is most prevalent toward the rear of your baby's jaw. An eruption cyst is usually painless, but if it becomes irritated or the baby bites on it, it may become sore. Other symptoms might include swelling, tenderness, and pain in the impacted area.
An Eruption Cyst Can Become Infected: Watch Out for the Symptoms
Even though it is uncommon, an eruption cyst can become infected, particularly if bacteria enter the area or it is irritated with chewing. Symptoms of infection might include increased swelling, redness, pus, tenderness, swollen lymph nodes, or your baby developing a fever, feeling generally unwell, or experiencing discomfort. Should you notice any of these signs in your baby, take them to undergo a prompt dental evaluation to manage the infection safely.
It is essential to realize that not every child with an eruption cyst experiences symptoms. You may not even notice that your child has this fluid-filled bump until the dentist detects it during a regular dental examination. However, should you notice symptoms in your child, it is essential to seek dental care.
Prevalence and Etiology
The following characteristics help describe the prevalence and etiology of eruption cysts:
Affected Teeth and Location
Eruption cysts are commonly seen in the upper jaw (maxilla). An eruption hematoma, a variation of eruption cysts containing blood, frequently grows in the area of the first permanent molar or the primary second molar.
Nature and Commonality
An eruption cyst is a benign developmental cyst that generally accompanies the breaking through of permanent or primary teeth. Typically, it is deemed a usual occurrence during tooth eruption and is not morbid unless it becomes infected.
Occurrence in Children and Infants
Eruption cysts in newborn children can occur because of the existence of neonatal or natal teeth, though this is somewhat rare. In older children who have developed both permanent and baby (deciduous) teeth, eruption cysts can also form during the normal eruption of teeth.
What to Expect If Your Child Has an Eruption Cyst
Whereas an eruption cyst may look quite unusual, it is generally harmless. If you believe your baby has one, it is wise to inform their pediatrician. They might want to examine the child periodically to ensure the cyst does not lead to infections or other problems.
Once your baby's new tooth begins to erupt through the soft gum tissue, the cyst will rupture (pop) naturally. As the tooth breaks through, the tissue surrounding it heals. If your baby has developed an eruption cyst that persists for more than one month, your dental professional might suggest a minor surgical procedure. This will help discharge the fluid in the lump and stimulate the new tooth to erupt.
When to See a Dentist
As mentioned, eruption cysts are harmless and pose no cause for alarm. However, some symptoms warrant consulting a dentist. You want to inform your child's dental professional if the following is true:
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The cyst is larger than usual and remains that way for months or weeks
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The cyst causes pain. Your baby experiences discomfort or pain when they bite on the affected area.
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The cyst bleeds
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Is infected. You can tell this when your baby has a fever, the cyst oozes pus, or the area is red or swollen, and the swelling is spreading.
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Lasts more than 14 days
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The tooth has not erupted, although the bump has been present for a while.
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Your child experiences trouble eating. You want to see a dentist immediately if your baby appears to have difficulty drinking or eating due to swelling or pain.
Also, inform the dentist if you are unsure whether it is a cyst or something else. Dental professionals can efficiently run tests, confirm the diagnosis, and ensure the child does not experience complications. A dental check-up can reassure you and help you avoid unnecessary concerns.
Tests and Diagnosis for Eruption Cysts
A dental professional can notice an eruption cyst during a routine dental check-up. They may then conduct an X-ray to ensure the teeth underneath the gums are okay. X-ray imaging can also help them rule out infection.
Eruption Cyst Treatment
In many instances, eruption cysts are harmless and resolve on their own as the tooth erupts through the gum. Generally, the tooth sprouts through the soft gum tissues in a few weeks or days, and any related discoloration or swelling disappears naturally. However, treatment might be required if the eruption cyst:
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Becomes infected
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Leads to discomfort because of the biting force from the opposing teeth
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Persists without indications of resolution
Various treatment options exist, including:
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Marsupialization. Rarely, when the cyst is large or recurs, the dentist can open it up and stitch its edges to the adjacent gum tissues. This can assist the tooth in erupting and allow the cyst to shrink.
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Surgical exposure. This involves making a tiny cut into the swelling to aid tooth eruption. This procedure is straightforward. It is performed under local anesthesia and provides instant relief. The dentist drains the cyst or removes it wholly to enable the tooth to emerge properly.
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Antibiotics. Should the cyst be infected and the baby exhibit systemic symptoms like malaise or fever, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics. And if the cyst is causing discomfort or pain, your dental professional might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or a topical anesthetic to numb the impacted region.
In general, treating eruption cysts entails a “wait and see” approach. It is safe to allow an eruption cyst to burst as the new tooth breaks through the gums. The fluid in the cyst is generally harmless. It should drain itself without causing any problems. However, when the place looks swollen or red, or your baby appears to be uncomfortable afterwards, you want to consult a dental professional so they can check for any infection. Your child's pediatrician may examine your child every few weeks until the new tooth emerges.
Special considerations:
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During any treatment, it is essential to safeguard the airway, particularly in younger children.
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In newborns, a simple eruption cyst generally does not need local anesthesia during treatment.
Generally, many eruption cysts do not need treatment and heal without complications. Routine dental checkups can help monitor the child’s condition and ensure proper dental health.
Eruption Cyst Complications
Most eruption cysts go away on their own. However, at times, they can lead to complications such as swelling, tenderness when chewing, infection, and bleeding. Should an eruption cyst last longer than 14 days, it is best to inform your dental professional. Another complication may arise when you or the dentist mistake it for another form of lesion. This is a serious complication because the dentist may accidentally cut into a blood vessel of a lesion, causing heavy bleeding.
Can Eruption Cysts Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no established way to avert eruption cysts since they are part of the normal process of tooth eruption in some babies. Routine visits to the dentist can help identify and control them early enough if they occur.
Eruption Cysts Cannot Delay Tooth Eruption
When a child has an eruption cyst, it does not usually prevent a new tooth from breaking through the gums. However, in some cases, they can slow down the process. This will likely happen if the bump is larger or there is swelling, and it exerts force on the baby’s gums. If your baby's tooth has not erupted after some time has passed, you want to take them for a dental exam.
Eruption Cysts vs. Dentigerous Cysts
It is essential to differentiate an eruption cyst from a dentigerous cyst. Even though both are types of cysts associated with tooth development, they develop in different places. Eruption cysts develop in the soft tissues directly overlying the erupting tooth. It appears when the tooth has already erupted through the jawbone.
On the other hand, a dentigerous cyst grows around a tooth that has not yet erupted. That is, the tooth is still developing in the jawbone. Dentists generally identify dentigerous cysts on radiographic exams and might occasionally necessitate surgical intervention.
Differential Diagnosis
Rarely, other conditions such as certain tumors and blood vessel growths can resemble eruption cysts, particularly in newborns. A dental professional can often distinguish these conditions from an eruption cyst with a simple examination. This may include pressing slowly on the region, which might help the dentist see whether it changes color. If the color changes, it may indicate a blood vessel problem instead.
Tips for Parents
The following tips can help parents manage eruption cysts in their babies.
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Comfort measures. To relieve discomfort during teething, offer your child chilled teething rings or a damp, clean washcloth to chew on.
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Communication. Do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician if you have concerns. Communicating clearly can relieve worry and ensure your baby's best dental health.
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Watch and wait. Mostly, eruption cysts heal naturally. However, you want to keep an eye on your baby's dental health throughout teething.
Note that eruption cysts do not occur due to poor brushing, flossing, or hygiene practices. They arise naturally when a tooth erupts through the gum tissues and develop based on how the tooth and the gum tissue interact, and not by food or plaque. Maintaining proper dental hygiene remains essential for general oral health, but an eruption can occur even in the mouths that are correctly cared for.
Find an Experienced Dental Professional Near Me
Eruption cysts are generally a usual occurrence in children. However, it is reassuring to have a reliable dentist on hand in case something happens. If you have noticed a lump on your baby's gums or if you have concerns regarding how their teeth are erupting, we at Lasting Impressions Dental Spa are here to assist. We provide expert advice and gentle care for dental patients of all ages seeking dental services in Encino, and we will take care of your child in the best possible way. Contact us today at 818-751-5100 to share your child's situation.
