While many dental issues are clearly dangerous, some are tricky to figure out. That especially applies to a problem like a bump on your gums. While such a lump can be (and often is) harmless, it can just as well point to a severe health condition. The good news is your Concord dentist can show whether your own needs professional care. So, read on to learn why you have a bump on your gums and whether it needs dental treatment.
What Causes Bumps on Gums?
A bump on your gums can have a wide range of causes, including the following:
An Oral Cyst
Sometimes, the lump stems from an oral cyst – a fluid-filled growth that forms on the gums around your teeth. This tiny bubble occurs around the roots of a dead or buried tooth, rarely causing symptoms unless infected. If an infection does occur, the cyst can cause some pain and swelling around your bump. It can also put pressure on your teeth and cause jaw weakness if it’s large enough.
Fibroma
Oral fibromas are one of the most common causes of tumor-like bumps on gums. In essence, they’re noncancerous lumps that form on injured or irritated gum tissue. They often come about due to irritation from dentures or other oral devices.
If there’s a bright side, it’s that fibromas are painless; they often don’t even need treatment. Still, doctors can surgically remove them when needed.
An Abscess
If you’re a tad unlucky, your gum bump could point to a periodontal abscess. The latter is a bacterial infection in your gums that takes the form of a soft, warm lump. As it progresses, it’ll cause symptoms like:
- Throbbing pain that emerges suddenly and gets worse
- Pain on one side that spreads to the ear, jaw, and neck
- Aches that gets worse when you lie down
Canker Sore
If your bump forms at the base of the gums, it could be a canker sore. This lump is a type of small mouth ulcer that’s harmless but often painful. In particular, it features signs like white or yellow spots, severe tenderness, and pain while eating or drinking.
When Does a Bump Need Dental Care?
While a bump on your gums likely isn’t serious, call your dentist quickly if it features the following:
- Throbbing pain
- Foul-tasting or foul-smelling breath
- An unhealing, worsening oral sore
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- A bleeding lump
If the bump on your gums is a big deal, don’t panic. Just see your dental provider for a smooth and easy treatment!
About the Practice
Charm Smile Dental is based in Concord, NH. Led by Drs. Patel and Homsi, our practice’s core aim is to provide patients with top-level dentistry. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your (and your smile’s) specific wants and needs. With this approach, you can trust you’ll leave our office with thriving teeth and gums! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (603)-228-0123.