Eruption Cyst In Babies: Causes, Signs, Risks, And Treatment
They seem like a boil on the gums and usually do not require treatment.
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Eruption cysts in babies may occur when the tooth emerges from the gums. These cysts may vary in size and usually have a bluish-purple appearance. You may identify them as a small, soft lump on your baby’s gums.
Though you may be disturbed by the eruption cysts on your baby’s delicate gums, they are usually harmless and resolve spontaneously without the need for any treatment (1).
This post informs you about the signs, causes, risk factors, and management of eruption cysts in babies.
Signs And Symptoms Of Eruption Cysts
The following are the common signs and symptoms of eruption cysts in babies (2) (3) (4).
- They are translucent, elevated, dome-shaped, and compressible boil-like structures seen on the gums’ surface.
- The color ranges from normal to blue to reddish-brown or black, depending on the amount of blood accumulated in them.
- They are soft to touch and usually appear a few days before the tooth is about to erupt.
- The size of the cyst usually depends on the size of the tooth. A cyst might sometimes enclose more than one tooth. In such scenarios, the cyst might appear bigger.
- The cysts usually measure approximately 0.6cm in diameter.
- These cysts can be either on one side of the mouth or on both sides. It is also is possible to have more than one eruption cyst at a time.
- They are more commonly seen in the lower jaw in the molar tooth region.
- Eruption cysts are mostly asymptomatic. In some cases, there could be pain associated with eruption cysts, but it is usually due to secondary factors such as trauma or infection.
What Causes Eruption Cysts In Babies?
An eruption cyst occurs when the dental follicle separates from the tooth’s enamel, creating a follicular space. The follicle gets separated due to fluid or blood accumulation between the tooth’s enamel and the follicle (4).
A dental follicle is a loose connective tissue that surrounds the developing tooth. The dental follicle plays a crucial role in the formation of the tooth and its supporting structures (5).
Risk Factors For Eruption Cysts
The exact cause of eruption cysts in babies is unknown. However, research suggests that the following factors may increase the risk of eruption cysts in babies (6).
- Early decay of teeth
- Trauma
- Infection
- Less space available in the jaw for the eruption of the tooth
How Common Are Eruption Cysts In Babies?
Eruption cysts are more common in permanent teeth when compared to deciduous or primary teeth (4). In the pediatric population, these cysts are more commonly seen in the age group of six to nine years. However, they may occur in babies, too (4). Overall, eruption cysts are rare in babies.
Treatment For Eruption Cysts
Eruption cysts do not usually need treatment since they disappear following a tooth eruption or by themselves. In most cases, the cyst ruptures spontaneously, helping in tooth eruption.
Surgical intervention is needed when the eruption cyst hurts, bleeds, or becomes infected. The pediatric dentist may choose gentler treatment options for babies, such as removing the cyst’s top layer to permit speedy tooth eruption. If the cyst grows constantly or hinders tooth eruption for several days, partial excision of the cyst’s tissue may be considered. It involves draining the cyst’s fluid and exposing the tooth’s crown.
The surgery may be done the traditional way or with laser diodes. Laser cutting is a pain-free procedure that causes less bleeding and helps in faster healing.
When To Take The Baby To A Dentist?
Take your baby to a dentist if you notice any gum swelling that lasts for more than two weeks or if any swelling makes the baby uncomfortable, causing feeding problems. A baby should first visit the dentist when the first tooth erupts (around six months of age) or by the first birthday. Like adults, babies should also have a dental checkup every six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do eruption cysts last in babies?
Eruption cysts may resolve spontaneously as the tooth erupts or may require some minor procedures under medical supervision. Reported cases in babies show that it may take 60 days to go away (1) (2).
2. Are eruption cysts dangerous?
No, eruption cysts are harmless and rarely occur in babies. However, if they are associated with pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, they may need to be treated through minor surgery to drain the contents and help the tooth to erupt (2) (7).
3. How can eruption cyst be prevented?
There is not much to do to particularly prevent eruption cysts. However, maintaining proper oral hygiene may help to prevent its severity.
Eruption cysts in babies develop when the tooth enamel and dental follicle separate. Although most cysts heal without medical intervention, surgery is required when the eruption cyst hurts, bleeds, or becomes infected. Do not press the cyst or try to burst it yourself since it may worsen it. The cyst usually disappears once the tooth erupts. If you see any swelling or boil-like formations in your baby’s gums that last longer than two weeks, or if your infant is having feeding issues, you should contact a pediatric dentist.
Infographic: Types Of Teeth Anomalies In The Baby
Teething problems are typical in babies when it’s time for their teeth to erupt. These erupted teeth are called primary teeth, baby teeth, or milk teeth. However, once erupted, you may find some anomalies in primary teeth, which might be caused due to genetic or environmental factors.
In this infographic, you’ll learn about different types of dental anomalies in babies and some complications that come with them
![anomalies of baby teeth [infographic]](https://cdn2.thebridalbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Anomalies-Of-Baby-Teeth-360.jpg.avif)
References
2. Alline J de Oliveira et al.,Eruption Cyst in the Neonate;International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
3. Management Considerations for Pediatric Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology;American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
4. NB Nagaveni et al.,Eruption cyst: A literature review and four case reports;Indian Journal of Dental Research
5. Tao Zhou et al,.Dental Follicle Cells: Roles in Development and Beyond;Stem Cells International Journal
6. Aditya Joseph et al.,Eruption cyst: A case report;Saudi Journal of Oral Sciences
7. Preeti Dhawan et al., Eruption cysts: A series of two cases; Dental Research Journal (2012)
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