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Small Cysts In Your Newborn's Mouth: Should Parents Be Worried?

17 August 2021 by Harold Coleman

You might think that your child's first experience with pediatric dentistry won't be necessary until their first set of teeth begins to erupt. This is true for most young children, but there are times when even a newborn needs dental attention. This might feel counterintuitive since how can a dentist help a patient who doesn't have teeth? What does it mean when your baby develops a series of small white cysts on their gums shortly after birth?

A Natural, Harmless Development

Dental lamina cysts may be alarming to discover, but they're rarely a cause for concern. These small white cysts are the physical manifestation of embryonic tooth development. They're a natural development and don't cause any discomfort to your baby. They should be monitored, however, intervention is generally unnecessary. Most dental lamina cysts are simply reabsorbed back into the surrounding tissues and will not impede the development of your child's teeth.

Monitoring Your Baby's Gums

It's natural for new parents to be concerned about the development of an abnormality, and it can be prudent to report these concerns to your child's pediatrician. Further assessment can be necessary when dental lamina cysts don't disappear. If this is the case, you might be referred to a pediatric dentist. 

Dental Assessment

Seemingly chronic lamina cysts (those which are not reabsorbed back into the surrounding tissues) may have initially been miscategorized. A dentist may need to check for the presence of natal teeth (embryonic tooth development that resulted in actual tooth growth). Natal teeth are small and may be misshapen, meaning that they can be mistaken for dental lamina cysts. 

When Natal Teeth Are Identified

Natal teeth are typically weak since they lack the comprehensive root structure seen in primary (baby) and secondary (adult) teeth. Natal teeth typically require extraction. Their lack of a strong root structure means they can easily detach and be swallowed, and they can also cause discomfort during breastfeeding. Once removed, the development of your child's primary teeth shouldn't be disrupted.

As a parent, you may well be anxious when you spot a series of small cysts in your newborn baby's mouth. It's important to remember that dental lamina cysts are benign and harmless and will typically disappear of their own accord. Should the cysts linger, a pediatric dentist may need to check that the cysts aren't in fact evidence of natal teeth, although the extraction of natal teeth is a simple, harmless process.

For more information, contact a local pediatric dental care clinic.

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