A bump on your gums can seem harmless at first, especially compared to other dental problems. Shouldn’t you only worry when you’ve gotten cavities, gum disease, or tooth infections? Even so, lumpy gums are worth taking seriously; they can point to oral health issues that require treatment. Failing to have them checked can cause serious trouble for your smile down the line. All that said, keep reading to learn the potential causes (and solutions) for a bump on your gums.
What Can Cause “Gum Bumps”?
While a bump on your gums can have varying causes, some are more common than others. The most prevalent ones include:
Fibroma
Sometimes the “gum bump” can be an oral fibroma, especially when it seems tumor-like. In that case, you have a non-cancerous lump that formed on injured or irritated gum tissue. The injuries or inflammation to said tissue often stem from dentures or similar devices.
If oral fibromas have an upside, it’s that they’re painless. A doctor or dentist must only remove them surgically in special cases.
Oral Cyst
Another possibility is that your bump is an oral cyst, which is a fluid-filled growth that forms on gum tissue near your teeth. Such a “bubble” frequently occurs around the roots of dead or buried teeth. However, an oral cyst only causes problems like pain or swelling when infected; it’ll then put pressure on your teeth. A dentist will then advise having it surgically removed.
Periodontal Abscess
If you’re unlucky, perhaps your gum bump is a periodontal abscess. The latter amounts to a bacterial infection of your gums that takes the form of a soft, warm lump. This lump usually carries symptoms like:
- Throbbing pain that emerges suddenly and gets worse
- Aches that worsen when you lie down
- Pain on one side that spreads to the ear, jaw, and neck
The best way to address a periodontal abscess is through endodontic work, usually a root canal or apicoectomy.
When Do They Need Treatment from a Dentist?
While many “gum bumps” are harmless, some point to severe oral trouble. You should thus see a dentist for your own if it features the following:
- Severe bleeding
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- An unhealing, worsening oral sore
- Throbbing pain
- Foul-tasting or foul-smelling breath
Given their expertise, a dentist can treat the underlying causes of lumps that show the signs above. They’d then ensure your smile remains safe.
About the Practice
JC Endodontics – Root Canal Specialists is based in New York, NY. Led by Drs. Jacobson, Chubak, Forghani, and Choi, our practice seeks to keep your teeth safe, stable, and pain-free. We thus offer a wide range of endodontic services, from standard root canal therapy to apicoectomies and more. If your tooth hurts or faces a risk of failure, our team can and will help! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (212)-737-6112.