Picture this: you’re brushing your teeth before bed one night. However, it feels like there’s a small, stubborn piece of food stuck on your gums. Could it be leftover food from dinner? You take a closer look and realize it’s not food, but rather a small bump that has formed on your gums. You’ve never seen anything like it before! Don’t panic, there are several common factors that can cause a bump or two on the gums. While most are nothing to be alarmed about, there are times when a bump on the gums is a warning sign of a serious dental emergency! Read on as we go over the four most common causes of a bump on the gums and when you should call your Beverly dentist.
1.) Oral Fibroma
The most common cause of gum bumps is an oral fibroma. This is a noncancerous bump that usually develops when the gum tissue has been irritated by a denture, clear aligner, retainer, or some other oral appliance. Fortunately, oral fibromas are typically painless and pose no threat to your well-being. However, if it becomes a problem, your dentist, doctor, or specialist can surgically remove it.
2.) Canker Sore
If the bump on your gums hurts, it could be a canker sore. These tiny ulcers form on the soft tissues inside the mouth, and while researchers aren’t positive as to what causes them exactly, they’ve been linked to stress and poor oral hygiene. Canker sores are harmless, but they can be quite painful and can potentially become infected. In most cases, they’ll heal on their own in a week or so and can be managed in the meantime with oral rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and topical oral numbing gel.
3.) Periodontal Abscess
Do you have an intense toothache near the bump on your gums? Does the pain increase when you lie down, radiate throughout your mouth, or increase when biting down? These are all common symptoms of a periodontal abscess. When bacteria collect near the roots of the teeth, pus can accumulate under the gums and create a small bump. Not only are periodontal abscesses incredibly uncomfortable, but they can lead to serious complications if left untreated, so you need to call your dentist right away.
4.) Oral Cancer
In rare cases, a small bump on the gums could be oral cancer. Other signs of oral cancer include strange white, red, or other colored patches of tissue, random bleeding in the mouth, pain in the mouth, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Your dentist carefully checks for the earliest warning signs of oral cancer during each of your dental checkups so that treatment can be recommended as early as possible.
When to Call Your Dentist About a Bump on the Gums
For the majority of cases, a bump on the gums is nothing to worry about and will resolve itself over time. However, if you experience any of the following alongside it, you may have a dental emergency and should call your dentist right away:
- Intense, throbbing, or long-lasting pain or toothache
- Fever, fatigue, or swelling in the mouth
- A foul taste in the mouth
- Bleeding or discharge around the bump
- The bump doesn’t go away after three or more weeks
Remember, your gums are just as important to your smile as your pearly whites! If you’re concerned about a bump on your gums, don’t hesitate to give your dentist a call.
About the Practice
Dr. Blake, Dr. Staniek, Dr. Lau, and the rest of our talented team here at Beverly Farms Dental are dedicated to helping smiles of all ages achieve optimal oral health. We focus on preventive care and take a proactive approach to dentistry to prevent potential issues like a bump on the gums. For patients who may be facing a dental emergency, we offer same-day emergency appointments to get your oral health back on track right away. You deserve a healthy smile and confidence in your oral health, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns about your gum health! We can be reached online or at (978) 927-3515.