Teething is a stage for infants, often causing parental concern due to discomfort and potential complications. One concern is the possibility of an abscess. Understanding teething and abscess development helps parents distinguish normal symptoms from those needing medical attention. This article clarifies the relationship, guiding caregivers.
The Teething Process Explained
Teething refers to the process where an infant’s primary teeth emerge through the gums. This milestone typically begins around 6 months of age, though it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth, followed by the four upper front teeth. By 2 1/2 to 3 years, most children will have all 20 primary teeth.
Infants commonly exhibit several symptoms as teeth break through the gum line. These include swollen, tender, or red gums, increased drooling, fussiness, irritability, and a desire to chew on objects. Some babies might also experience a slight increase in temperature, generally below 100.4°F (38°C). While these symptoms can cause discomfort, they are a normal part of the teething process.
Understanding Abscesses in Infants
An abscess is a collection of pus from a bacterial infection. Pus consists of bacteria, white blood cells, and dead tissue, accumulating as the body fights infection. Abscesses can occur in various body parts, including skin (cutaneous) or mouth (dental or gum).
In infants, an abscess typically appears as a swollen, tender area that may be red or discolored. Unlike the general inflammation seen during teething, an abscess is a distinct, often painful, pocket of infection. Dental abscesses specifically involve pus formation around a tooth or in the gum tissue, often presenting as a pimple-like bump. Abscesses do not resolve on their own and require professional medical intervention.
Teething and Abscess Development
Normal teething itself does not directly cause abscesses. While teething involves teeth breaking through gums, causing inflammation and discomfort, this differs from a bacterial infection leading to pus. Teething may result in slightly swollen, tender gums, but these transient symptoms subside as the tooth emerges. A true abscess, whether dental or cutaneous, results from a deeper bacterial invasion.
Minor irritation and gum changes from teething differ from the infection needed to form an abscess. However, gum tissue can become vulnerable to bacteria if oral hygiene is not maintained. This increased vulnerability could lead to an infection, but teething itself does not generate the abscess. Therefore, while teething can cause gum changes, it is not a direct cause of abscess development.
Common Causes of Infant Abscesses
Since teething does not directly cause abscesses, understanding common reasons for infant abscesses is important. Dental caries (tooth decay), even in primary teeth, is a frequent cause of dental abscesses. Untreated cavities allow bacteria to reach the tooth’s inner pulp, leading to infection and abscess formation. Poor oral hygiene, where bacteria and food particles are not adequately removed, also increases the risk of gum infections and abscesses.
Beyond dental issues, trauma or injury to gums or skin can introduce bacteria, leading to an abscess. This could be from a fall, a sharp object, or even a scratch. Skin abscesses often result from common skin bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus, entering breaks in the skin. Less commonly, underlying medical conditions affecting the immune system can make an infant more susceptible to abscesses.
What to Do If You Suspect an Abscess
If you suspect your baby has an abscess, prompt medical attention from a pediatrician or pediatric dentist is important. Key signs include localized swelling, redness, and warmth more pronounced than typical teething discomfort. A visible pimple-like bump on the gums or skin may contain or leak pus.
Other symptoms include tenderness, persistent pain causing irritability, difficulty eating, and a fever above 100.4°F (38°C). Facial swelling, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw, or a foul taste/bad breath can also indicate an oral abscess. Medical professionals will diagnose and treat the abscess, which may involve draining pus and prescribing antibiotics.