Most people learn to primarily brush and floss their teeth to maintain good dental health. However, your gums are just as important! Bacteria and plaque can accumulate there and cause inflammation or infection, which may require periodontal treatment. But what does it mean if you find a bump on your gums? Read on to learn what can cause this symptom and why you may need to see your dentist right away.
7 Reasons You Have a Bump on Your Gums
Finding a new bump on your gums can sometimes be unsettling. Here are five of the most common causes of this condition and what they indicate:
- Cyst: This is a small bubble typically filled with air, liquid, or some other soft materials. It can form around your gums and teeth, or even near the roots of buried or dead teeth. If a cyst grows large enough, it can place pressure on your smile and cause weakness in your jaw.
- Abscess: A periodontal abscess is a small collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. This condition is often painful, meaning you’ll need to see your dentist immediately so they can drain the source of the issue. If the infection is severe, then you may require a root canal or tooth extraction.
- Canker sore: This is a small ulcer that can form inside the mouth or gums. While they tend to go away on their own within a couple of weeks, they can cause discomfort while eating or drinking. Be sure to use OTC pain relievers to help you manage it.
- Fibroma: This is the most common cause of tumor-like bumps on the gums. They are noncancerous and dorm on irritated or injured gum tissue. Most of the time, they result from denture irritation or other oral devices. They are not painful, but cause hard smooth, dome-shaped lumps.
- Pyogenic granuloma: This is a bump that appears in the mouth. It looks like swollen, blood-filled lump that bleeds easily. We don’t know exactly why they develop, but it is believed that minor injuries and irritation play a role. They are soft, painless, and deep red or purple in color.
- Mandibular torus: This can be a single or a cluster of bony lumps in the upper or lower jaw. It can appear on the inside of your lower jaw, around your tongue, or near your teeth. A mandibular torus typically feels hard and smooth, and rarely needs treatment.
- Oral cancer: An uncomfortable bump on your gums can also indicate a cancerous tumor. If you aren’t sure if this is the case, schedule an examination with your dentist. They can take samples of the growth, examine it for cancer cells, and create a treatment plan to address your condition.
When Should You Visit Your Dentist?
While a bump on your gums isn’t always an emergency, you should visit your dentist if you experience more severe complications. This can include throbbing discomfort, a sore that doesn’t heal or gets worse, red/white patches, a bad taste in the mouth, sores that don’t stop bleeding, and a high fever. With their help, they can diagnose your issue and provide the necessary treatment.
Be sure to clean your teeth and gums regularly, and schedule a routine checkup every six months or sooner to maintain a healthy smile. And if you ever have questions about a sore or bump on your gums, your dentist will be more than happy to help!
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana is a proud member of the Dallas County Dental Association, and the American and Texas Dental Associations. He earned his dental degree from New York University and regularly seeks continuing education to stay on top of the latest advances in the field. He offers multiple comprehensive treatments, including gum disease therapy, to protect your smile. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 469-202-9624.