It can be alarming to notice a bump on your gums – but how are you supposed to know if it’s a serious problem or not? Continue reading to learn a little more about some of the possible reasons why you might develop a bump on your gums, along with how your trusted emergency dentist can help.
What Are Some Possible Causes of Bumps on Gums?
Bumps that develop on gum tissue come in many sizes, shapes, and colors; however, you aren’t expected to identify the issue on your own! A dental consultation is the best way to get a definitive answer. That said, some common causes of bumps on gums include:
Oral Cyst
An oral cyst is a small, fluid-filled growth that can result from numerous causes, including oral injuries. Cysts can sometimes be painful for patients, and if left untreated, they might continue to grow and cause tooth movement or loss.
Fibroma
These bumps are generally hard and smooth, and there might be some pain and discoloration at the site of the bump. If you use dental appliances, like dentures or retainers, you may be at a higher risk of getting fibroma. However, they are often harmless and might resolve on their own; if they don’t, visit your dentist since they can look and feel similar to other harmful symptoms.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a small, pus-filled pocket that usually develops around an infected tooth, meaning it can be quite uncomfortable. They won’t heal independently and will worsen with time. They can result from impacted teeth, as well as sites where you’ve previously had dental work done.
Canker Sore
These are small, round, painful bumps that can develop on the gums, tongue, soft palate, lips, or inner cheeks. It’s not entirely known why these sores form, but it’s believed that they develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the mucosal cells inside the mouth. They normally heal on their own within a week or two.
Oral Cancer
Over 50,000 patients in the U.S. alone are diagnosed with oral cancer annually; however, despite its deadliness, it’s also among the most treatable forms of cancer if caught early enough. Symptoms of oral cancer include red or white bumps that are painful or bleed periodically – see your dentist immediately if you notice these bumps, regardless of your cancer risk.
How Are Bumps on Gums Treated?
The nature of the bump on your gums will determine how it is treated – however, these are not issues you should try to self-diagnose or cure yourself. After your dentist has examined your mouth and reviewed their findings with you, they’ll be able to come up with the best course of action for addressing the issue. While some bumps can seem harmless or only a little irritating, some may be symptoms of a more serious problem – in any case, it’s not worth gambling on your oral wellness!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Praveena Muddana, the team at Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Grafton and the surrounding area for many years. They offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, as well as emergency dentistry for those with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the practice to set up an appointment, please feel free to call today or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (262) 333-0540.