Is there a bluish lump or bubble on your baby’s gums? If your baby is teething, chances are it is just an eruption cyst. We are all aware of the signs of teething — irritability, rubbing ears, drooling, and more. However, there are some symptoms that are less common, including eruption cysts. While eruption cysts are more common in children before the permanent teeth come in, they may appear in babies, too. They are harmless lesions that look like bluish lumps on the gums. Learn all about eruption cysts and why your baby has them in this blog!
What is an Eruption Cyst in a Baby?
When the teeth reach full development, they start to erupt from the baby’s teeth by cutting through their gums. First, the crown of the tooth appears, and the remaining structure follows. Bruises and cuts are to be expected in the gums when the teeth are piercing through them. In some cases, the protective closure that the tooth is in leaks fluid, which collects between the tooth and gum tissues. Consequently, you will notice fluid-filled sacs or cysts on the gums of your baby before the tooth cuts through, known as an eruption cyst.
Also known as congenital eruption cysts, they usually go away on their own once the tooth shoots through. An eruption cyst can appear before the eruption of both primary and permanent teeth. In some cases, the eruption cyst contains fluid as well as blood, and it is known as an eruption hematoma.
Reasons Behind Blue Lump on Baby’s Gums
A cyst or sac appears before the fluid collects around a tooth that is about to erupt, though the reason behind eruption cysts is unknown. They are closely associated with inflammation, trauma, minor injuries, and trauma. Still, there is no definitive cause behind their appearance.
Eruption Cyst Symptoms
So, what are the symptoms of an eruption cyst in a baby? Well, apart from the obvious blue bubble, your baby will have tenderness in their gums. Plus, the bubble is not always blue; it could be clear, yellow, or even whitish; it might be pink, red, or purple if it contains blood as well. You may even notice that the gums around the cyst are swollen and red. They appear one at a time, and you may even notice multiple eruption cysts at a time. Visit a pediatric dentist if you have any queries!
Can I Treat an Eruption Cyst in a Baby?
Generally, eruption cysts go away without any treatment. You may need treatment if the cyst gets an infection or does not go away. Visit a pediatric dentist right away if you suspect an infection or the eruption cyst won’t disappear. In some cases, the cyst can delay the growth of teeth; the dentist will cut it. It is rare, but surgical treatment is also required in some situations.
What’s the Takeaway?
An eruption cyst in babies is nothing to be alarmed about since they are harmless fluid-sacs that go away on their own. If they don’t disappear or become infected, you will need to visit a dentist.
At Vintage Smile Family Dentistry, we are here to ensure your baby has healthy teeth. Dial (281) 251-7770 to get in touch with us now, or head to our dental clinic at 10300 Louetta Rd Ste 132, Houston, TX 77070, United States.