If a bump has appeared on your gums, you’re probably wondering whether you need to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. While some bumps are nothing to worry about, others could be a sign of a serious oral health issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Below is a closer look at 4 possible causes of a bump on your gums and what you can do about them.
1. Fibroma
The most common type of bump on the gums is a fibroma, which can appear on injured or irritated gum tissue. Fibromas may form as a result of wearing dentures, retainers, and other types of oral appliances.
While fibromas can be irritating depending on where they’re located, they are usually harmless and will eventually go away on their own without treatment. That said, they tend to look and feel similar to more dangerous types of bumps. As such, even if you think the bump on your gums is likely a fibroma, you should still have it examined by a dental expert to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of something more dire.
2. Abscess
If you have a badly infected tooth, a pocket full of pus known as an abscess may appear on your gums. Some of the symptoms of an abscess include red or swollen gum tissue as well as throbbing pain. Many patients find that the discomfort grows worse when they lie down.
Ignoring an abscess will give the infection a chance to spread to other parts of your mouth. It’s therefore best to have it dealt with as soon as possible. This typically involves draining pus from the abscess and removing the infection from the tooth via root canal treatment.
3. Oral Cyst
An oral cyst is basically a bubble on your gums that is filled with air, liquid, or other soft materials. While cysts are often benign, they can cause significant pain and swelling if they become infected. Furthermore, if a cyst grows large enough, it can weaken the jawbone and eventually cause you to lose your teeth.
If there’s a cyst in your mouth, you should have your dentist take a closer look at it. In some cases, it may need to be surgically removed.
4. Oral Cancer
The bump on your gums may be a sign of oral cancer if it’s causing you pain or is colored red or white. Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year; those who have the disease identified and treated in the earliest stages tend to have the best chances of surviving over the next five years.
A potentially cancerous bump should be looked at by a professional right away. A biopsy can be performed to diagnose the issue; if cancer is present, your doctor can help you explore your options for treatment, such as chemotherapy.
In short, a bump on your gums can potentially mean many things. The sooner you see your dentist, the sooner they can identify the true underlying cause of the issue and point you toward a solution!
About the Author
Dr. Kyle Schnackenberg graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and he served in the Air Force, helping two dental clinics earn the Air Force Medium Dental Clinic of the Year award. At his current practice in Orlando, Robinson Comprehensive Dentistry, he offers same-day and after-hours appointments for patients with dental emergencies. If you’re concerned about a bump on your gums, you can contact Dr. Schnackenberg to schedule a visit by calling (407) 894-4921.