Eruption Cyst Baby: Is It As Scary As It Sounds?

Eruption cyst. The term sounds kind of scary, doesn’t it? However, it is not a serious condition. You will often hear the term eruption cyst baby while talking to some other moms, and think it is some serious condition that needs treatment right away.

Eruption cysts are somewhat common in kids. Teething is a tough time for parents and babies. Some go through the milestone easily, while some struggle. Some face late teething, and some get through it on time.

For some, the signs of teething are not like the common ones. Some face eruption cysts. Let’s dig deep into this teething side effect.

Eruption Cyst Baby: What Are Those?

An eruption cyst or eruption hematoma is a sac filled with fluid that forms on the gum tissues above the tooth before the teeth come out. These cysts are mostly translucent or somewhat blueish. This depends on what the sac is filled with; blood, cystic fluid, or both.

If the lesion has blood in it, then it is called an eruption hematoma. However, people often use the terms eruption hematoma and baby tooth eruption cyst interchangeably, and both conditions are treated similarly.

An eruption cyst forms over any erupting tooth, and that includes both primary and permanent teeth. They often show up near the molars. However, baby molar eruption cysts or eruption cysts in general are known to disappear on their own even if it is not diagnosed.

Causes of Eruption Cyst

When fluid accumulates in between the crowns of the growing tooth, an eruption cyst forms. It can also form around the dental follicle, meaning, the special tissues around the developing tooth.

Even though there are various theories about why this happens, there is no specific reason found that causes eruption cyst. Research suggests that it happens because of trauma, early cavities, genetics, or if there is no space for the teeth to move.

You will notice one when your baby is teething, but you cannot still see the new tooth.

Symptoms of Eruption Cysts in Babies

It might sound scary and painful. But all they do is make the gums tender without causing any pain. You will notice a small yellow, blueish, clear, or white-tinged bubble on their gums.

The soft sore tissue will sit just above the growing tooth, and you will feel a squishy, balloon-like bump. The gums around this also turn red and swollen, which irritates the baby.

Sometimes the fluid gets mixed with blood, giving it a purple, pink, or red color. However, this is not an indication of the cyst getting worse.

Are Eruption Cysts Harmful?

Eruption cysts are not harmful. They are in a benign condition and mostly don’t even require treatment. You only need to be concerned if your baby is uncomfortable and showing signs that they are in pain.

Encryption Cyst Baby Treatment

In the majority of cases, a baby doesn’t require any treatment for an eruption cyst. An eruption cyst baby is a rare side effect while teething, but not serious. Once the teeth grow, they go away on their own. It just pops when the teeth push through it.

If the tooth is growing slowly, or stuck in the gum, that means it is going to be a while before you get rid of the cyst. In this case, it is better to consult your pediatric dentist. They will keep a regular check on the cyst and wait for a few weeks or months.

When seen on an X-ray, the fluid looks like a dark shadow around the new tooth. You only need to consult a doctor if the cyst is somehow blocking the tooth from erupting. The doctor might suggest removing the tissue to allow the growth of the teeth properly.

“Unroofing” is another form of treatment. This means opening the top of the cyst to make the tooth free. Surgical treatment is extremely rare.

Preventing Discomfort From Eruption Cysts

There is not much to do about eruption cysts. They go away on their own and mostly don’t cause any issues. However, to get them relief from any discomfort you can get them chilled teething rings. Get them one of the best pacifiers and get it chilled.

Most cysts resolve naturally. However, it is beneficial to keep an eye on them to check if something is wrong with your baby.

When to Consult a Pediatric Dentist

If the eruption cyst lasts more than a few weeks, or you start to notice something unusual on the gums, consult a doctor immediately. If you see their gums bleeding or white pus on their gums, take them to a doctor or consult one without wasting any time.

Dental health needs attention at all stages and at every age. Babies can also get cavities. Before your baby turns 2, you need to take them to the dentist regularly. Even if your baby does not have teeth, clean their gums softly with a sterile soft cloth.

Once they develop their small, tiny teeth, use a soft-bristle toothbrush for your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions parents ask when discussing eruption cyst baby. The questions are mentioned below.

Sit Back & Relax

Eruption cysts are generally harmless fluid-filled bubbles on the baby’s gum that happen when a baby is teething. This is common in young children, but relatively rare in babies. The moment these cysts burst the fluid or blood inside drains out.

This makes space for the underlying tooth to erupt and there is no need for any treatment. Unless necessary, the doctors do not drain it themselves to make space for the tooth to develop.