Why Is There a Bump on My Gums?

Something or nothing? That simple phrase describes the approach of many people when they detect something unusual going on with their health. You may be inclined to brush off a new development if it is not affecting how you feel but playing it safe and getting examined by a professional is always the wise call.

Keep reading to learn about potential reasons you could have a bump on your gums, as well as signs you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Cyst

A cyst is a small bubble filled with air, liquid, or other soft materials. A dental cyst can form on your gums. If large enough, they can put pressure on your teeth and lead to weakness in your jaw. In most cases, they are easy to remove with a straightforward surgical procedure.

Abscess

Bacterial infections cause these small collections of pus. It may feel like a soft, warm bump and a dental abscess can be very painful. If you have a periodontal abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible so they can remove the source of infection and drain the pus. If the infection is severe, it could require tooth removal or a root canal.

Canker Sore

These small mouth ulcers can form at the base of the gums. While harmless, they can be painful, especially inside your mouth. Most canker sores heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. Over-the-counter analgesics can help with the pain.

Fibroma

This is a noncancerous lump that forms on irritated or injured gum tissue. They can also appear inside your cheeks, under dentures, on the side of your tongue, or on the inside of your lips. Fibromas are painless and usually don’t require treatment, but if one is exceptionally large your doctor can surgically remove it.

Pyogenic Granuloma

This typically appears as a swollen lump that bleeds easily. They are usually soft, painless, and a shade of deep red or purple. It is believed that minor injuries or irritation cause them. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the lump.

Mandibular Torus

This is a bony growth usually found on the inside of your lower jaw, around the sides of your tongue, or below or above your teeth. They can appear alone or in a cluster. They grow slowly, usually feel hard, and can take a variety of shapes but rarely require treatment.

Oral Cancer

A cancerous tumor can look like a small growth or lump. Other symptoms include a sore that won’t heal or bleeds, a white or red patch on your gums, a pain in your tongue or jaw, loose teeth, pain while chewing or swallowing, or a sore throat. If you are worried about a bump that might be cancerous, see your doctor as early as possible for a gum biopsy.

Six Symptoms to Keep an Eye Out For

Usually, a bump on your gums isn’t anything serious. However, call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to the bump:

• Fever
• Throbbing pain
• Foul taste or bad breath
• A sore that won’t heal or gets worse
• A lump that doesn’t go away or bleeds
• Red or white patches inside your mouth or on your lips

A mysterious bump is probably nothing, but when oral cancer is a potential reason, you can never be too careful. Your dentist in Rockledge can examine the issue to ensure your safety!

About the Author

Dr. Sowmya Kumar was in her mid-thirties with two kids when she found her drive to pursue a dental career. These days, she is thrilled about her decision to have the opportunity to lead the team at Premier Walk-In Dental. If you have a bump on your gums or some other mysterious oral health issue, she can conduct an examination so you don’t have to wonder any longer. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (321) 631-4334.