Cysts on the Gums
Is a gum cyst dangerous? Everything you need to know about gingival cysts: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
Gum cysts, or gingival cysts, are a type of developmental odontogenic cyst. They consist of small sacs that form within the soft tissues of the gums, lined with gingival mucosa and filled with fluid or keratin. They are generally benign and do not affect the bone, only the soft tissue.
There are two main types of gum cysts:
- Gingival cysts of the newborn: Known as Epstein’s pearls, these are very small, whitish or yellowish cysts that frequently appear on the gums or palate of newborns. They are harmless and typically disappear on their own before three months of age.
- Gingival cysts of adults: These are slow-growing, expansile, oval-shaped lumps that usually appear in the vestibular area of the canines and premolars, most commonly between the fifth and sixth decades of life. They are very rare.
Symptoms
Gum cysts are usually asymptomatic, with their appearance being the only noticeable sign:
- Whitish or yellowish nodules measuring between one and three millimeters in diameter in the case of neonatal gingival cysts.
- Well-defined oval nodules less than one centimeter in diameter in adults. They may have a bluish hue due to venous content and typically do not cause pain.
Causes
In both infants and adults, these cysts originate from remnants of fetal tooth and associated structure development. During teething, some cells from the embryonic tissue that forms teeth (dental lamina) may become trapped in the gums after tooth eruption. If these cells proliferate, a cyst forms.
While in newborns this is a normal developmental phase, in adulthood, trauma, irritation, or infection can sometimes stimulate cell growth and contribute to cyst formation.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing gum cysts include:
- Age: Gingival cysts affect newborns and individuals between 40 and 60 years old.
- Presence of infection or inflammation.
- Genetics: Congenital predisposition to developing cysts due to hereditary factors.
Complications
Complications from gingival cysts are very rare, as they are generally benign and asymptomatic. However, in some cases, if they grow too large and are left untreated, they may exert pressure on the gums, teeth, and surrounding bones, causing pain, tooth displacement, or bone erosion. Additionally, the cyst may become infected, accumulate pus (abscess), and spread the infection to other parts of the mouth.
Prevention
Preventing gum cysts in newborns is not possible due to their congenital nature. In adults, although they also have a congenital origin, certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk of occurrence or associated complications:
- Maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup and associated gum irritation.
- Ensure dental prosthetics fit correctly to avoid gum damage.
- Treat any infections that appear in the mouth.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups for early detection of any cysts.
What Doctor Treats Gum Cysts?
Gum cysts are diagnosed and treated by specialists in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Diagnosis
Due to their similarity to other dental and maxillary cysts, a differential diagnosis of gum cysts requires two main tests:
- Physical examination of the oral cavity to observe the lump and check for the presence of pus or bleeding.
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, to ensure there is no bone involvement.
Treatment
Once confirmed, gum cyst removal is performed surgically:
- Excisional biopsy: A surgical procedure that involves removing the cyst and its superficial tissue through an incision. The extracted cyst is then analyzed in a laboratory to confirm its benign nature and rule out precancerous conditions.
- Post-surgical antibiotic administration to prevent infection of the treated tissues.
- Antiseptic mouth rinses to promote healing.
