A gum cyst is a sac of tissue, usually filled with fluid or semi-solid material, that forms within the soft gum tissue or the jawbone. While most are benign, their growth can exert pressure on surrounding structures, sometimes leading to discomfort, swelling, or bone damage. Because a cyst can sometimes resemble other, more serious oral lesions, any lump or swelling in the gums warrants professional dental evaluation and diagnosis.
Identifying Key Visual Features
A common gum cyst presents initially as a small, slightly raised bump or nodule on the gum line. The size is variable, ranging from a tiny spot to a larger, noticeable swelling. This round or oval shape indicates a fluid-filled sac has developed beneath the tissue surface.
The color of the cyst often provides clues about its contents and status. A typical cyst may appear pale pink, matching the surrounding gum tissue, or it might be whitish or yellowish if the contents are non-bloody fluid or pus. If the cyst contains blood, it can take on a distinct bluish or dark, purplish hue.
The texture of a gum cyst is usually smooth, and it may feel firm or slightly compressible, depending on the internal fluid pressure. A lack of significant pain is common unless the area becomes inflamed or infected, at which point the bump may become tender, red, and warm.
Common Types and Their Distinct Appearance
Eruption Cysts occur exclusively in children over a tooth that is about to emerge through the gums. These cysts are characterized by a soft, dome-shaped swelling that is frequently translucent, blue, or blue-black due to the accumulation of blood within the cystic fluid.
Gingival Cysts form directly within the soft tissue of the gum and do not involve the underlying jawbone. They typically appear as small, well-defined, slow-growing nodules, most frequently found on the gum tissue near the roots of the canine and premolar teeth. These superficial cysts may also present with a bluish tint if they contain venous content or are close to the surface.
Periapical Cysts, also known as radicular cysts, arise from an infection at the root tip of a tooth. Because they form deep within the jawbone, they may not be visible until they grow large enough to cause significant localized swelling or bone expansion that pushes the gum tissue outward. When visible, this deep-seated cyst causes noticeable swelling and redness in the gum tissue adjacent to the affected tooth.
What Causes Gum Cysts to Form?
Gum cysts originate from distinct biological mechanisms, primarily categorized as inflammatory or developmental. The most prevalent cause is an inflammatory response to a long-standing infection, often stemming from untreated tooth decay or trauma that causes the tooth’s pulp to die. This infection stimulates the proliferation of epithelial remnants of Malassez, leading to the formation of the periapical cyst at the root apex.
Developmental cysts form from epithelial tissue left behind during tooth formation. This category includes gingival cysts, which arise from the remnants of the dental lamina trapped in the soft gum tissue. Dentigerous and eruption cysts also fall into this group, forming when fluid accumulates around the crown of an impacted or erupting tooth.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
Any persistent lump or swelling on the gums should prompt a visit to a dental professional. While many small cysts are asymptomatic, diagnosis cannot be made by visual inspection alone, as other serious lesions can appear similar. The dentist will require diagnostic imaging, such as dental X-rays, to confirm the presence of a cyst and determine if it involves the underlying jawbone or is associated with a tooth root.
Immediate attention is warranted if the cyst is accompanied by signs of acute infection, such as increasing pain, tenderness, or the discharge of pus. Symptoms requiring prompt evaluation include rapid growth of the lump, numbness in the face or jaw, or a sudden loosening or displacement of nearby teeth. Treatment typically involves removal of the cyst and addressing the underlying cause, such as performing a root canal for an infected tooth.