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Finding a lesion, bump, or bruise on your child’s body can be very frightening for a parent, especially when the onset is sudden and has no obvious cause. If you were to look at your crying toddler and see a bluish-purple lump on their gums, you might be fairly unnerved. Hematomas which result from tooth eruption are somewhat common with teething babies and toddlers. The Riverside, CA dentists at Riverside Dental Group would like you to understand what causes eruption cysts, and why you should try not to worry too much about them.

Eruption Cysts

Your baby’s teeth grow inside a protective enclosure located in his jawbone. When his primary teeth have reached full development, they will emerge through the bone, starting with the very top of the tooth crown. With teeth literally piercing through gum tissues, it’s no wonder that bruises or marks might occur sometimes, though often they are minor and barely noticeable. While teething tends to be an exciting milestone for most families, when fluid leaks from the protective enclosure and accumulates between the tooth and gum tissues, your baby might end up with an ugly eruption cyst. These hematomas will appear dark red, brown, bluish-purple, or translucent and slightly swollen.  When you’re not familiar with eruption cysts, the happy occasion of a child cutting a tooth is marred by a moment of parental panic.

How are Eruption Cysts Treated?

As disconcerting as an eruption cyst appears, most of these hematomas will not require any special treatment. Your child’s tooth will break through the hematoma and emerge from your gums just like any normal teething experience. The bruise generally heals on its own, and probably won’t even cause your baby any discomfort. Still, don’t hesitate to call your Riverside, CA dentists to check in and remain on the safe side. Describe the appearance and symptoms and we will instruct you as to whether or not you should bring your baby in to see us. Occasionally, the excess fluid from the eruption cyst stops the tooth from poking through your baby’s gums. In these rare cases, a minor procedure under local anesthesia might be necessary to release the tooth.

Dental Checkups from Riverside, CA Dentists

Contact Dental Associates of Riverside at (951) 369-1001. Our family dentist office serves patients throughout Riverside County, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley.