Gum irritation is very common and usually caused by buildups of plaque and bacteria along the gumline. This can cause bleeding and redness of the gums, but what if you notice that there’s a bump there? There are all sorts of reasons why this can occur. While this isn’t usually a medical emergency, it is something to mention to your dentist to rule out more serious issues. Continue reading to learn about the most common causes of bumps on the gums.
Cyst
A cyst is a small bubble that is filled with liquid, soft materials, or even air. Dental cysts can for on the gums, usually around the roots of dead or buried teeth. They grow over time and aren’t usually a serious issue. However, larger cysts can put pressure on your teeth and lead to weakness in the jaw over time. In most cases, dental cysts are easy to remove with a straightforward procedure.
Abscess
This is also known as a “periodontal abscess.” They are caused by bacterial infections. An abscess feels like a soft, warm bump. They are generally painful and filled with pus. Here are some of the more common symptoms:
- Throbbing pain
- Pain on one side that spreads to the ear, jaw, and neck
- Pain that worsens when laying down
- Redness and swelling in the gums and face
Canker Sore
These are small mouth ulcers that can form at the base of the gums. They are harmless, but they can be painful when inside the mouth. Typically, they appear as white or yellow spots with a red border, are either flat or slightly raised, and are tender. Most of the time, canker sores heal on their own within a week or two. Over-the-counter analgesics can be applied to minimize pain in the meantime.
Fibroma
This is the most common cause of tumorlike bumps on the gums. They are noncancerous lumps that form on irritated or injured gum tissue. When they happen on your gums, it’s usually due to irritation from dentures or other oral devices. Fibromas don’t cause any pain and they feel like hard, smooth, dome-shaped lumps. They can be either darker or lighter than the rest of your gums. In most cases, fibromas don’t require treatment, but doctors can surgically remove it if it is large.
Pyogenic Granuloma
This is a red bump that develops in your mouth. It appears as a swollen, blood-filled lump that bleeds easily. It is unsure what causes them, but it is believed that minor injuries and irritation play a role. These are usually soft, painless, and deep red or purple.
Oral Cancer
This refers to cancer in any part of the mouth. A cancerous tumor on your gums could look like a small growth, lump, or thickening of the skin. Other symptoms include, a white or red patch, tongue pain, jaw pain, loose teeth, and pain when chewing or swallowing. If this is a concern, a gum biopsy can be taken. This is when a doctor takes a sample of the bump and examines it for cancer cells.
Bumps on the gums aren’t typically serious, but it is a good idea to get them checked out by your dentist to be safe. This way, you can ensure that your smile is in good health!
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over 25 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and South Carolina Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Conway, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.