Medical Conditions

Tooth Abscess in Babies

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect tooth abscess in babies, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

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.

Key takeaways

  • 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.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby has mild gum swelling at the site where a new tooth is erupting, which is normal teething
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby has facial swelling near the jaw or cheek, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could indicate a spreading dental infection requiring emergency treatment
  • 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)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Tooth abscesses are extremely rare at this age since most babies do not yet have teeth. If there is swelling on the gums, it is more likely a condition like an Epstein pearl, eruption cyst, or Bohn's nodule, which are harmless. Any unusual oral swelling in a very young infant should still be evaluated.

3-6 months

Dental abscesses remain uncommon since teeth have only recently erupted or have not yet appeared. A swollen gum in this age range is more likely related to normal teething. However, if there is a pus-filled bump or the baby has fever with gum swelling, seek dental evaluation.

6-12 months

As more teeth erupt, the possibility of trauma-related or decay-related abscess increases, though it is still relatively uncommon. If a tooth was injured from a fall or if early childhood caries has progressed, an abscess can develop. Signs include a red or white bump on the gum near a tooth, facial swelling, and the baby being unusually fussy.

12 months+

Dental abscesses become more common in toddlers, particularly those with untreated early childhood caries. Signs include a visible pimple-like bump on the gum that may drain pus, swelling of the cheek or jaw, fever, and refusal to eat. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, drainage, and treatment of the underlying cause, which may include extraction of the affected tooth.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby has mild gum swelling at the site where a new tooth is erupting, which is normal teething
  • A small, painless bluish bump appears over an erupting tooth, which is likely an eruption cyst
  • White bumps on the gums of a newborn, which are usually Epstein pearls and are harmless
  • The gums appear slightly red after vigorous teething on hard objects
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You notice a persistent red bump or pimple on the gum near a tooth that does not resolve within a few days
  • Your baby has a tooth that appears dark or damaged
  • Your baby seems to have pain localized to one area of the mouth and is favoring one side while eating
Act now when...
  • Your baby has facial swelling near the jaw or cheek, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could indicate a spreading dental infection requiring emergency treatment
  • A bump on the gum is draining pus, your baby has a high fever, or your child appears systemically ill with swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing or breathing

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Tooth Abscess in Babies.

Things to mention

  • You notice a persistent red bump or pimple on the gum near a tooth that does not resolve within a few days
  • Your baby has a tooth that appears dark or damaged
  • Your baby seems to have pain localized to one area of the mouth and is favoring one side while eating

Observations to share

  • You notice a persistent red bump or pimple on the gum near a tooth that does not resolve within a few days
  • Your baby has a tooth that appears dark or damaged
  • Your baby seems to have pain localized to one area of the mouth and is favoring one side while eating

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby has facial swelling near the jaw or cheek, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could indicate a spreading dental infection requiring emergency treatment
  • A bump on the gum is draining pus, your baby has a high fever, or your child appears systemically ill with swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing or breathing

My notes

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

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 tooth abscess in babies normal?
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.
When should I call the doctor about tooth abscess in babies?
Your baby has facial swelling near the jaw or cheek, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could indicate a spreading dental infection requiring emergency treatment A bump on the gum is draining pus, your baby has a high fever, or your child appears systemically ill with swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing or breathing
When is tooth abscess in babies normal?
Your baby has mild gum swelling at the site where a new tooth is erupting, which is normal teething A small, painless bluish bump appears over an erupting tooth, which is likely an eruption cyst White bumps on the gums of a newborn, which are usually Epstein pearls and are harmless
What causes 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. Common explanations include: Your baby has mild gum swelling at the site where a new tooth is erupting, which is normal teething. A small, painless bluish bump appears over an erupting tooth, which is likely an eruption cyst.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about tooth abscess in babies?
You should mention tooth abscess in babies at your next visit if: You notice a persistent red bump or pimple on the gum near a tooth that does not resolve within a few days. Your baby has a tooth that appears dark or damaged. Your baby seems to have pain localized to one area of the mouth and is favoring one side while eating.
Is tooth abscess in babies normal at 0-3 months?
Tooth abscesses are extremely rare at this age since most babies do not yet have teeth. If there is swelling on the gums, it is more likely a condition like an Epstein pearl, eruption cyst, or Bohn's nodule, which are harmless. Any unusual oral swelling in a very young infant should still be evaluated.
Is tooth abscess in babies normal at 3-6 months?
Dental abscesses remain uncommon since teeth have only recently erupted or have not yet appeared. A swollen gum in this age range is more likely related to normal teething. However, if there is a pus-filled bump or the baby has fever with gum swelling, seek dental evaluation.
Should I go to the ER for tooth abscess in babies?
Seek emergency care if your baby has facial swelling near the jaw or cheek, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could indicate a spreading dental infection requiring emergency treatment, or if a bump on the gum is draining pus, your baby has a high fever, or your child appears systemically ill with swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing or breathing. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does tooth abscess in babies go away on its own?
In many cases, tooth abscess in babies resolves on its own, especially when your baby has mild gum swelling at the site where a new tooth is erupting, which is normal teething. By 12 months+, dental abscesses become more common in toddlers, particularly those with untreated early childhood caries. Signs include a visible pimple-like bump on the gum that may drain pus, swelling of the cheek or jaw, fever, and refusal to eat. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, drainage, and treatment of the underlying cause, which may include extraction of the affected tooth.
AAPDAAPMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on Pulp Therapy for Primary and Immature Permanent Teeth. AAPD
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Dental Emergencies. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]Mayo Clinic. Tooth Abscess: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic

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

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Resources

Ear Infection TriageTeething GuideWell-Baby Visit PrepBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of tooth abscess in babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has facial swelling near the jaw or cheek, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could indicate a spreading dental infection requiring emergency treatment.

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

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