It can be alarming to look into the bathroom mirror and notice a bump on your gums! You might feel like panicking, but you shouldn’t stress out; the issue is much more common than you probably realize and can result from a wide variety of things. That said, it’s still in your best interest to contact your dentist promptly so that you can get to the bottom of what’s caused the issue and commit to treatment if necessary. Here are some of the common causes for bumps appearing on your gums, along with some signs for when you should see your emergency dentist about it.
7 Common Causes for Bumps on Gums
Here are 7 of the most common causes for bumps on gums and how they’re generally handled:
- Cyst – Cysts are small bubble-looking bumps filled with air, liquid, or other soft materials. They often grow slowly and rarely cause any symptoms, although they can sometimes become infected and swell up, causing discomfort. However, this is usually easily treatable through a small surgical procedure.
- Abscess – Abscesses are caused by bacterial infections and can be quite painful. They’re filled with pus and will need to be drained before they can be treated.
- Fibroma – Fibromas are noncancerous lumps that develop on irritated gum tissue. They’re usually painless and feel like hard, dome-shaped lumps or dangling skin tags. Normally, they don’t require any treatment but can be removed if necessary.
- Canker sore – A canker is a painful ulcer that can form at the base of the gums. However, they usually heal on their own within a week or two, and over-the-counter painkillers can be used for relief.
- Pyogenic granuloma – These are swollen, blood-filled bumps that are usually removed via surgery. Even though dentists aren’t sure what causes them, it’s thought that minor injuries play a role, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
- Mandibular torus – This is a common bony growth that can appear in the upper or lower jaw, occurring either alone or in clusters. They grow slowly and often don’t require treatment.
- Oral cancer – A cancerous tumor might appear as a small growth or lump, and your dentist can perform a quick gum biopsy to determine if the growth is malignant. Associated symptoms usually include tongue and jaw soreness, loose teeth, trouble chewing and swallowing, and red or white patches on the gums.
When Should I See My Dentist About a Bump on My Gums?
Bumps can appear on your gums without warning, and the cause is rarely obvious! Even though it’s possible that the bump on your gums might be nothing direly serious, you should still contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Throbbing mouth pain, swelling, and/or fever.
- Sores that don’t heal or progressively worsen.
- Red or white patches inside your mouth or on your lips.
- Lumps that don’t disappear after a few weeks.
- Constant bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.
It’s also worth noting that routine dental exams often include an oral cancer screening, so you shouldn’t hesitate to go see your dentist whether you’ve noticed a bump on your gums or not!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard has proudly served patients and families in the Rancho Bernardo area for several years. Dr. Howard received his dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and is a member of numerous professional dental organizations. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of comprehensive treatments, so if you have any questions about the article or have a bump on your gums, feel free to contact him today to schedule an appointment and get the help you need.