Gum Cysts In Children Vs. Adults: What You Need To Know

Imagine your little one playing happily when suddenly they complain of having a strange bump on their gum. You take a better look, and there it is—a soft, balloon-like lump that wasn’t here before. Or maybe while brushing your teeth one evening, you notice a small swelling on your gums. It feels tender to your touch. You’ll become confused, maybe even slightly concerned. What is this mysterious bump? Could it be something serious?

These lumps are often dental cysts. It generally happens in children and may be found in adults also, though usually with various interpretations. For children, the cysts will typically develop at the time the new teeth erupt, like a natural part of the teething process. With adults, they can often result from some infection, injury, or other dental malady. 

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What Causes Cysts on Gums?

Dental cysts, also known as gum cysts, are small, fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the gums or around the roots of teeth. Their causes vary according to whether they occur in children or adults.

1. Development of Teeth in Children: In the early stages, when the teeth start to erupt, a fluid-filled sac can form over a developing tooth. It can push against the gum and cause a bulge that can be seen with the naked eye. These are referred to as “eruption cysts,” and they occur relatively common in young children. Though they can look threatening, they are often harmless and will heal on their own once the tooth has erupted through the gum completely.

2. Dental caries and infection in adults: For adults, though, the story is rather different. Gum cysts in adults are usually an outcome of dental caries or infections. When this occurs, bacteria accumulate with pus, forming an abscess. If left untreated, the infection spreads by producing a cyst. Also, gum cysts occur if there’s a root canal infection, an impacted wisdom tooth, or an alignment of the teeth to place pressure on the gum.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene for Children and Adults: Failure to take proper care of the oral cavity allows a sticky film of bacteria to accumulate on the teeth and gums. If ignored, this bacterium will cause infections, inflammation, and cysts. Good brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist prevent most gum cysts.

4. Trauma or Injury: Sometimes, trauma or injury to the mouth can lead to cyst formation. For example, if a child or adult accidentally injures their gums while chewing, it can create a small area of inflammation where fluid builds up, eventually forming a cyst.

Can it be treated?

Fortunately, gum cysts can almost always be treated. Some may even resolve on their own, particularly in children, when eruption cysts disappear as the new tooth emerges. More frequently though, they must be treated to avoid an infection and other more dangerous complications, especially in adults.

If your cyst does not go away, is tender, or begins to swell, see a dentist immediately. A dentist should be able to evaluate a cyst and determine the best course of treatment based on the classification and origin of the cyst. 

Treatment for Gum Cysts

After determining the cause and nature of the gum cyst, a dentist can advise a suitable treatment. Some common treatments are as follows: 

• Draining the Cyst: This is one of the small and fluid-filled cysts that can be drained to eliminate the pressure or discomfort created by the cyst. It is an easy and painless procedure in which the fluid is slowly released and the swelling reduces.
• Root Canal Therapy: For cysts caused by infected teeth, a root canal may be required. The infected tissue that is inside the tooth will be removed, which assists in preventing the spread of the infection. Once the infection has cleared, then the cyst often reduces in size and disappears.
• Antibiotics: If the cyst is infected, a course of antibiotics can be prescribed to assist in removing the bacteria. This can be especially helpful in cases where the cyst is painful, swollen, or causing discomfort. Antibiotics work to control the infection and prevent it from spreading to other areas.
• Surgical Removal: When the cyst has become very big, and the lesion recurred frequently or is not treated with some of the treatment options stated above, its removal requires surgery. The procedure may be extensive, but complete removal can eliminate the reappearance of a cyst.
• Good Oral Hygiene: The best approach, especially for children prone to eruption cysts, and adults having dental problems, is preventive care. Brushing, flossing, and going to dental check-ups can prevent the further development of new cysts and improve the present ones.

Conclusion

Gum cysts are rather intimidating to look at and even feel. However, with proper care, they become manageable. In children, many of the cysts are merely a part of tooth development and resolve by themselves. In adults, good oral hygiene and a quick response to dental infection prevent the problem of cysts.

If you can see a bulge in your or your child’s gum, panicking does not do you any good. Do see a dentist. You will find out that the early steps make all the difference- preventing further complications and keeping your mouth healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)