Teething often causes fussiness and drooling, and sometimes parents notice small bumps or lumps in the neck or jaw area. These palpable bumps are often swollen lymph nodes, raising the question of whether tooth eruption directly causes this immune response. Understanding the function of lymph nodes and the nature of teething helps clarify this relationship. This article explains the role of lymph nodes, explores their connection to teething, and identifies the more common causes of swelling in infants and toddlers.
What Lymph Nodes Are and Why They Swell
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that function as filtering stations within the body’s lymphatic system. They are found in clusters throughout the body, notably in the neck, armpits, and groin. These nodes contain specialized white blood cells (lymphocytes) designed to trap and destroy germs like bacteria and viruses.
Swelling, medically known as lymphadenopathy, signals that the body is fighting an infection or reacting to localized inflammation. When an area is irritated, the draining nodes fill with immune cells and fluid, causing them to enlarge. Cervical and submandibular nodes in the head and neck constantly filter irritations and pathogens encountered through the mouth, nose, and throat.
The Connection Between Teething and Lymph Node Activity
Teething involves a localized inflammatory process as the tooth pushes through the gum tissue. This causes redness and swelling in the gums, representing a mild, non-infectious inflammation in the oral cavity. Since the lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw drain the mouth area, they process this localized gum irritation.
Due to this mild inflammation, a slight, temporary enlargement of the nearest lymph nodes may occur during active teething. Parents might notice subtle swelling of the glands under the chin or along the jawline. However, this reaction is minor and should not result in significantly large, hard, or persistent lymph nodes.
Pediatric experts agree that substantial or painful lymph node swelling is rarely caused by teething alone. If noticeable swelling occurs, it often signals a secondary factor coinciding with the teething period. Increased drooling and hand-to-mouth behavior can introduce common pathogens that trigger a more robust immune response.
More Likely Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes in infants and toddlers are most frequently caused by common, self-limiting viral infections. Teething often overlaps with the period when young children are exposed to new environments, such as daycare, and experience their first colds. Upper respiratory infections are the most frequent cause of lymphadenopathy in this age group.
Localized infections frequently cause nearby nodes to swell as they filter pathogens. For instance, a minor ear infection will enlarge the nodes behind the ear or in the neck. A scratch, bug bite, or skin infection on the scalp or face can also cause draining lymph nodes to become palpable as they contain the infection.
Tonsillitis or mild throat irritation can lead to noticeable swelling of the nodes along the front of the neck. These minor infections are significantly more probable causes of lymph node swelling than the mechanical process of tooth eruption. The location of the enlarged node often provides a direct clue to the infection source.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
Most cases of swollen lymph nodes in children are benign and resolve on their own, but certain characteristics warrant contacting a healthcare provider. Parents should seek medical advice if nodes remain noticeably enlarged for more than two to three weeks after any apparent illness has resolved. Nodes that are rapidly growing or larger than one centimeter may also require evaluation.
Concerning signs include nodes that feel hard, fixed, or immovable under the skin, rather than soft and easily movable. Swelling accompanied by unexplained high fever, night sweats, significant lethargy, or unintended weight loss requires prompt medical attention.