Medical Conditions

Could My Baby Have a Dental Abscess?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect could my baby have a dental abscess, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually from an untreated cavity. Signs include a visible bump or boil on the gum near a tooth, swelling of the face or cheek, pain (especially when chewing), fever, and foul taste in the mouth. A dental abscess needs prompt treatment by a dentist because the infection can spread. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, and addressing the underlying tooth problem.

Key takeaways

  • A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually from an untreated cavity. Signs include a visible bump or boil on the gum near a tooth, swelling of the face or cheek, pain (especially when chewing), fever, and foul taste in the mouth. A dental abscess needs prompt treatment by a dentist because the infection can spread. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, and addressing the underlying tooth problem.
  • Usually normal when: Mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in
  • Call your doctor if: Your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines, a dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually from an untreated cavity. Signs include a visible bump or boil on the gum near a tooth, swelling of the face or cheek, pain (especially when chewing), fever, and foul taste in the mouth. A dental abscess needs prompt treatment by a dentist because the infection can spread. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, and addressing the underlying tooth problem. At 0-3 months, dental abscesses do not occur in babies without teeth. However, gum cysts (Epstein pearls or Bohn nodules) can appear on newborn gums and may look concerning but are completely harmless and resolve on their own. If you notice any unusual growth or swelling on your newborn's gums, have your pediatrician examine it. It is generally considered normal when mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in
Your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing
A small bluish cyst over an erupting tooth (eruption cyst) that resolves on its own
A gum abscess is draining pus and your child appears ill or has high fever
Your baby chews on things and drools during normal teething
You notice a small bump or boil on the gum near a tooth

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Dental abscesses do not occur in babies without teeth. However, gum cysts (Epstein pearls or Bohn nodules) can appear on newborn gums and may look concerning but are completely harmless and resolve on their own. If you notice any unusual growth or swelling on your newborn's gums, have your pediatrician examine it.

3-6 months

With teeth just starting to emerge, abscesses are extremely rare. Any unusual swelling on the gums at this age is more likely related to teething (eruption cyst) or a benign cyst. An eruption cyst appears as a bluish swelling over an erupting tooth and resolves on its own.

6-12 months

As more teeth erupt, dental trauma (falls while learning to walk or stand) can damage a tooth, which may later develop an abscess. If your baby bumps a tooth and it becomes discolored weeks later, this may indicate the nerve has been damaged. Watch for gum swelling above the discolored tooth.

12-24 months

Dental abscesses become possible, especially if cavities develop. Signs include a pimple-like bump on the gum, facial swelling on one side, refusal to eat (especially hard foods), drooling, fever, and irritability. If you see a bump on the gum that releases pus, or facial swelling, contact your dentist promptly.

2-3 years

Children with early childhood cavities are at risk for dental abscesses. The primary teeth most commonly affected are the upper front teeth and the molars. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, pulp therapy (baby tooth root canal), or extraction of the affected tooth. Untreated abscesses can affect the developing permanent teeth underneath.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed could my baby have a dental abscess and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you notice a small bump or boil on the gum near a tooth.
  • Mention if a previously injured tooth has become discolored and the gum above it is swollen.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in
  • A small bluish cyst over an erupting tooth (eruption cyst) that resolves on its own
  • Your baby chews on things and drools during normal teething
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You notice a small bump or boil on the gum near a tooth
  • A previously injured tooth has become discolored and the gum above it is swollen
  • Your child has persistent tooth pain or avoids chewing on one side
Act now when...
  • Your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • A gum abscess is draining pus and your child appears ill or has high fever

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice could my baby have a dental abscess — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Tooth Abscess in Babies

A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form around a tooth. In babies and toddlers, it usually results from untreated tooth decay. Signs include a visible swelling or bump on the gum (sometimes called a gum boil), facial swelling, fever, irritability, and refusal to eat. A dental abscess is a medical urgency that requires prompt evaluation and treatment by a dentist, as the infection can spread.

Early Childhood Cavities (ECC)

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic diseases in young children, affecting about 23% of children under age 6 in the United States. ECC is caused by bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, that produce acid when exposed to sugars. Baby teeth are especially vulnerable because their enamel is thinner. Early detection and treatment are critical because untreated cavities can cause pain, infection, and damage to developing permanent teeth.

My Baby's Tooth Was Knocked Out or Loosened by a Fall

If a baby tooth is knocked out, do NOT try to replant it (unlike permanent teeth). Apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop bleeding. If a tooth is loosened or displaced, see a dentist within 24 hours. If a tooth is pushed up into the gum (intruded), see a dentist promptly as this can affect the permanent tooth developing underneath. Save any tooth fragments for the dentist to examine.

Baby Chipped or Knocked Out a Tooth

Dental injuries are common in toddlers who are learning to walk and run. A chipped baby tooth usually just needs smoothing by a dentist. A knocked-out baby tooth should NOT be reimplanted (unlike permanent teeth), as reimplanting can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. A tooth that has been pushed up into the gum (intruded) needs dental evaluation but often re-erupts on its own. The most important step is controlling bleeding and watching for infection.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is could my baby have a dental abscess normal?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually from an untreated cavity. Signs include a visible bump or boil on the gum near a tooth, swelling of the face or cheek, pain (especially when chewing), fever, and foul taste in the mouth. A dental abscess needs prompt treatment by a dentist because the infection can spread. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, and addressing the underlying tooth problem.
When should I call the doctor about could my baby have a dental abscess?
Your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing A gum abscess is draining pus and your child appears ill or has high fever
When is could my baby have a dental abscess normal?
Mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in A small bluish cyst over an erupting tooth (eruption cyst) that resolves on its own Your baby chews on things and drools during normal teething
What causes could my baby have a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually from an untreated cavity. Signs include a visible bump or boil on the gum near a tooth, swelling of the face or cheek, pain (especially when chewing), fever, and foul taste in the mouth. A dental abscess needs prompt treatment by a dentist because the infection can spread. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, and addressing the underlying tooth problem. Common explanations include: Mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in. A small bluish cyst over an erupting tooth (eruption cyst) that resolves on its own.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about could my baby have a dental abscess?
You should mention could my baby have a dental abscess at your next visit if: You notice a small bump or boil on the gum near a tooth. A previously injured tooth has become discolored and the gum above it is swollen. Your child has persistent tooth pain or avoids chewing on one side.
Is could my baby have a dental abscess normal at 0-3 months?
Dental abscesses do not occur in babies without teeth. However, gum cysts (Epstein pearls or Bohn nodules) can appear on newborn gums and may look concerning but are completely harmless and resolve on their own. If you notice any unusual growth or swelling on your newborn's gums, have your pediatrician examine it.
Is could my baby have a dental abscess normal at 3-6 months?
With teeth just starting to emerge, abscesses are extremely rare. Any unusual swelling on the gums at this age is more likely related to teething (eruption cyst) or a benign cyst. An eruption cyst appears as a bluish swelling over an erupting tooth and resolves on its own.
Should I go to the ER for could my baby have a dental abscess?
Seek emergency care if your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if a gum abscess is draining pus and your child appears ill or has high fever. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does could my baby have a dental abscess go away on its own?
In many cases, could my baby have a dental abscess resolves on its own, especially when mild gum swelling around an erupting tooth that resolves as the tooth comes in. By 2-3 years, children with early childhood cavities are at risk for dental abscesses. The primary teeth most commonly affected are the upper front teeth and the molars. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, pulp therapy (baby tooth root canal), or extraction of the affected tooth. Untreated abscesses can affect the developing permanent teeth underneath.
AAPMAYO CLINICNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Dental Emergencies. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Tooth abscess: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic
  3. [3]National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dental Abscess. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Could My Baby Have a Dental Abscess?.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed could my baby have a dental abscess and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you notice a small bump or boil on the gum near a tooth.
  • Mention if a previously injured tooth has become discolored and the gum above it is swollen.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You notice a small bump or boil on the gum near a tooth
  • A previously injured tooth has become discolored and the gum above it is swollen
  • Your child has persistent tooth pain or avoids chewing on one side

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • A gum abscess is draining pus and your child appears ill or has high fever

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Teething GuideWell-Baby Visit PrepBaby Sign Language GuideBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of could my baby have a dental abscess are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has facial swelling (especially around the eye or under the jaw), fever with dental symptoms, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

Share:FacebookX

Was this page helpful?

Related Medical Concerns

Tooth Abscess in Babies

A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form around a tooth. In babies and toddlers, it usually results from untreated tooth decay. Signs include a visible swelling or bump on the gum (sometimes called a gum boil), facial swelling, fever, irritability, and refusal to eat. A dental abscess is a medical urgency that requires prompt evaluation and treatment by a dentist, as the infection can spread.

Early Childhood Cavities (ECC)

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic diseases in young children, affecting about 23% of children under age 6 in the United States. ECC is caused by bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, that produce acid when exposed to sugars. Baby teeth are especially vulnerable because their enamel is thinner. Early detection and treatment are critical because untreated cavities can cause pain, infection, and damage to developing permanent teeth.

My Baby's Tooth Was Knocked Out or Loosened by a Fall

If a baby tooth is knocked out, do NOT try to replant it (unlike permanent teeth). Apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop bleeding. If a tooth is loosened or displaced, see a dentist within 24 hours. If a tooth is pushed up into the gum (intruded), see a dentist promptly as this can affect the permanent tooth developing underneath. Save any tooth fragments for the dentist to examine.

Baby Chipped or Knocked Out a Tooth

Dental injuries are common in toddlers who are learning to walk and run. A chipped baby tooth usually just needs smoothing by a dentist. A knocked-out baby tooth should NOT be reimplanted (unlike permanent teeth), as reimplanting can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. A tooth that has been pushed up into the gum (intruded) needs dental evaluation but often re-erupts on its own. The most important step is controlling bleeding and watching for infection.

My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal

Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.

Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies

Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.