Eruption Cysts in Infants: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Quick Answer
Don't panic! Eruption cysts (also called teething cysts) look scary but are harmless and usually resolve on their own without any treatment. They appear as bluish-purple or clear bubbles on your baby's gums when a new daant (tooth) is about to come through. In most cases, the cyst bursts naturally when the tooth erupts. No medical intervention is typically needed.
What is an Eruption Cyst?
Watch: Teething is natural—just massage your baby’s gums, no medicine needed! #babynama #teething #newborn
An eruption cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms over a tooth that's about to break through the gum. Think of it as a little "water bubble" on the masoodhe (gums) where the daant is trying to come out.
Key Facts Parents Should Know:
Very common: Happens in many babies during teething (daant aana)
Usually harmless: Looks worse than it is
Self-resolving: Goes away on its own in most cases
Painless: Rarely causes significant discomfort
No infection risk: It's not an infection
What Does an Eruption Cyst Look Like?
The appearance can vary:
Type
Appearance
Cause
Clear/translucent
See-through, dome-shaped swelling
Clear fluid inside
Bluish-purple
Blue or purple bump
Contains some blood (called eruption hematoma)
Reddish-brown
Darker colored bump
Blood mixed with fluid
Common Locations:
Usually appears where front teeth (incisors) come in
Can occur where molars erupt (less common in infants, more in toddlers)
Most common on lower front gums
Age-Specific Information
Babies 4-12 Months (First Teeth)
Most eruption cysts occur during this time
Usually over the lower front teeth first
May see one or two at a time
Resolves within 1-2 weeks typically
Toddlers 12-24 Months
May occur with lateral incisors or first molars
Molars can have larger cysts
Same self-resolving pattern
Children 6-9 Years (Permanent Teeth)
Can occur when adult teeth come in
More common with first permanent molars
Same treatment approach - usually observation
Causes of Eruption Cysts
Eruption cysts happen naturally during teething. Here's why:
Normal teething process:
When a tooth pushes up toward the gum surface, fluid can accumulate between the tooth and gum tissue
Soft tissue separation:
The dental follicle (protective covering around the tooth) separates slightly
Fluid fills this space, creating the cyst
Blood vessel involvement:
Sometimes small blood vessels break, causing blood to mix with fluid
This creates the blue-purple color (eruption hematoma)
Risk Factors (Don't Worry - These Don't Mean Problems!):
Early tooth decay (rare in infants)
Crowded teeth
Thick gum tissue
Genetics - some families see this more often
Symptoms to Watch For
Normal Signs:
Bluish-purple or translucent bump on gums
Soft, fluid-filled swelling
Baby may touch or bite at the area
Slight increase in drooling
Mild fussiness
Signs That Everything is Okay:
Bump is soft, not hard
No spreading redness
No fever
Baby is eating normally
No pus or bad smell
When to See a Doctor
You Can Wait and Watch If:
Bump is small (less than 1 cm)
Baby is comfortable
No fever
Eating normally
Been there less than 2 weeks
See Your Pediatrician or Dentist If:
Cyst lasts more than 2-3 weeks without the tooth coming through
Baby seems very uncomfortable or refuses to eat
There's spreading redness or swelling beyond the cyst
You see pus or there's a bad smell
Baby has fever
Multiple large cysts at once
The cyst is very large (bigger than a pea)
You're just worried and want reassurance!
Home Care for Eruption Cysts (Gharelu Upchar)
What You CAN Do:
Cold Teething Toys:
Offer chilled (not frozen) teether
Helps soothe the area
Pressure may help tooth break through
Gentle Gum Massage:
Clean your finger with soap and water
Gently rub the area around (not directly on) the cyst
Can provide relief
Chilled Cloth:
Wet a clean cloth, chill in fridge
Let baby chew on it
Cold Foods (for 6+ months):
Chilled banana or cucumber
Cold apple slices
Frozen fruit in mesh feeder
Keep Mouth Clean:
Wipe gums with clean, wet cloth after feeds
Helps prevent any secondary infection
What NOT to Do:
Don't pop or puncture the cyst: This can cause infection
Don't apply numbing gels with benzocaine: Not recommended for babies
Don't use ice directly: Too cold can damage delicate gum tissue
Don't apply honey: Not safe for babies under 1 year
Don't ignore it if symptoms worsen: Trust your instincts
Medical Treatment (When Needed)
In rare cases where the cyst doesn't resolve or is very large:
Simple Incision:
Done by a pediatric dentist
Quick procedure under local anesthesia
Small cut allows fluid to drain
Tooth usually erupts soon after
Minimal discomfort
When Surgery is Recommended:
Cyst persists more than 4-6 weeks
Tooth is not erupting
Cyst is infected
Very large cyst causing feeding problems
Reassurance: Most eruption cysts NEVER need treatment. They burst on their own when the tooth pushes through.
Preventing Eruption Cysts
There's no proven way to prevent eruption cysts since they're a natural part of teething. However, good oral care helps overall:
Clean gums daily:
Even before teeth appear
Use soft, wet cloth
Limit sugary foods:
No fruit juice in bottles
No sugar on pacifiers
Regular dental check:
First visit by age 1
Teething toys:
Safe pressure on gums may help teeth come through smoothly
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: 'Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.'
FAQs
Q: Is an eruption cyst the same as a tooth abscess?
A: No! An eruption cyst is harmless and not an infection. A tooth abscess is an infection that causes fever, pus, and needs treatment. Eruption cysts are soft, not painful, and don't have pus.
Q: My baby's cyst is dark purple. Should I be scared?
A: No need to worry! A dark purple or blue cyst means there's a little blood mixed with the fluid (called an eruption hematoma). This is normal and will resolve just like a clear cyst.
Q: Will the cyst damage my baby's tooth?
A: Not at all. The tooth is safely developing underneath. Once the cyst resolves and the tooth erupts, everything will be completely normal.
Q: How long does an eruption cyst last?
A: Most eruption cysts resolve within 1-2 weeks when the tooth erupts. Some may last up to 3-4 weeks. If it persists longer, consult a dentist.
Q: Can eruption cysts happen with every tooth?
A: They can, but usually don't. Most babies get them only once or twice during the teething process, or not at all.
Q: Should I take my baby to the dentist for an eruption cyst?
A: For most eruption cysts, no dental visit is needed. See a dentist if the cyst lasts more than 3 weeks, is very large, appears infected, or if you're worried.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatric dentist. Last updated: January 2025
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