Teething and Lymph Nodes Explained
Teething is a natural developmental stage for infants, marked by the emergence of primary teeth through the gums. This process typically begins around six months of age and continues until all 20 primary teeth have erupted, usually by age three. As a tooth pushes through the gum tissue, it can cause localized inflammation and discomfort.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands integral to the body’s immune system. Distributed throughout the body, including the neck, armpits, and groin, they filter lymph fluid, carrying waste products, cellular debris, and immune cells. Within these nodes, immune cells like lymphocytes identify and neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
Teething’s Link to Swollen Lymph Nodes
Teething can cause a mild, localized inflammatory response in the surrounding gum tissue. While not an infection, this irritation can stimulate the nearby lymphatic system.
Lymph nodes, particularly those in the neck and under the jaw, drain fluid from the oral cavity and surrounding facial structures. When the gums are inflamed due to teething, the lymph nodes may become slightly more active as they process the inflammatory byproducts. This increased activity can result in the nodes feeling mildly enlarged or palpable. This type of swelling is usually temporary, subsides as the tooth emerges, and is typically not tender or accompanied by other significant symptoms.
Other Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in Children
While teething can cause minor lymph node changes, infections are a more common cause of noticeable swelling in children. Lymph nodes play a role in fighting off pathogens.
Common viral infections like the common cold, influenza, or mononucleosis often result in widespread or localized lymph node enlargement. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, ear infections, or skin infections, also cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. For example, a bacterial throat infection might cause significant swelling in the neck nodes.
Less common conditions, including certain autoimmune disorders or, rarely, malignancies, can also lead to swollen lymph nodes. Differentiating the cause depends on the size, tenderness, and duration of the swelling, alongside other symptoms.
When to Consult a Doctor
Parents should monitor any swollen lymph nodes in their child and seek medical advice if certain signs are present. A doctor should be consulted if a lymph node is very large, measuring more than a centimeter in diameter, or if it rapidly increases in size.
Nodes that are very tender to the touch, red, or warm to the touch may indicate an infection requiring treatment. Also, medical attention is warranted if the swollen lymph node is fixed or hard, rather than movable and slightly rubbery.
If the swelling persists for several weeks after teething symptoms have subsided, or if it is accompanied by a high fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or a general feeling of illness in the child, a medical evaluation is advisable. These signs could point to underlying conditions requiring professional diagnosis and care.