Healthy gums are meant to look pink, firm, smooth, and beautiful, so when you develop a bump in this tissue, you’re right to become concerned. Unfortunately, in addition to often being painful, multiple issues can cause this unsightly symptom, and regardless of the name of the problem, your dentist needs to be the one to diagnose and treat this bump safely and quickly. However, having an idea of the types of causes for a bump on your gums can help you understand the urgency and importance of getting it examined as soon as possible.
Oral Cancer
Sadly, oral cancer is the sixth most common form of this challenging disease, and it is often caught in later stages, leading to one death per hour per day. This deadly cancer can manifest as a bump on soft tissues, not just gums, and is often white or red and painful, and it typically bleeds periodically or doesn’t heal after two weeks. You do not have to have family history of cancer to develop it, which is why regular checkups and examinations with your dentist are essential for early detection and treatment.
Oral Cyst
A cyst is a growth filled with fluid in gum tissue. Without treatment, the cyst will continue to get larger, potentially pushing your teeth painfully and shifting them out of alignment. Oral cysts are most common in those who have wisdom teeth that are impacted or need to be removed or from oral injuries that have not healed properly.
Fibroma
Perhaps the most frequently occurring, fibroma bumps are quite benign and harmless, but they can mimic many of the same signs as more serious bumps. They result from friction with oral appliances like retainers, dentures, clear aligners, and more. Although fibromas can eventually go away on their own, you should still have them examined sooner than later to make sure they aren’t more dangerous for your oral health.
Abscess
As with infections in the rest of the body, cavities can result in an accumulation of pus, especially near the root of a decaying tooth. Abscesses are typically painful and throbbing, get even worse with time and without treatment, and can even lead to sepsis in the mouth when left untreated, a potentially life-threatening situation. Your dentist can tell you whether treatment like root canal treatment or extraction can resolve your abscess.
In all these cases, your course of action remains the same: have a dentist examine the bump. The risks to your health are simply too great to try addressing the problem yourself; in fact, DIY dental care in this case will only exacerbate the pain and problem. If you see a bump on your gums, call your dentist right away to regain healthy gums and a strong smile.
About the Author
Dr. Devarshee Patel stands in the top 6 percent of dentists in the United States and Canada as a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction earned with years of clinical experience and dedication to continuing education. At Titanium Dental & Implants, she welcomes same-day appointments for emergency situations like bumps on gum tissue. For those who experience anxiety at the dentist’s, nitrous oxide sedation can provide more relaxation and comfort. If you discover a bump on your gums, please call our Fort Worth office at 817-367-9333 or visit our website here.