What Does a Bump on Your Gums Mean?

Finding a bump on your gums can be very concerning. Not only can the bump itself cause quite a bit of discomfort, but it could also be a symptom of a potentially serious dental emergency. It’s important to have an idea of what a bump on the gums can mean so that you can deal with it appropriately. Here’s a closer look at 4 possible reasons for a bump on the gums.

1. Oral Cyst

An oral cyst is basically a growth filled with fluids or other soft materials. It can appear in different parts of the mouth, including the gums. Not only can cysts be painful in certain circumstances, but they can eventually lead to infections, tooth loss, and damage to the jaw.

You should have a cyst examined as soon as possible. In many cases, it’s best to have it removed before it can cause any serious long-term damage.

2. Abscess

An abscess is a pocket full of pus that appears on the gums near a tooth that’s suffering from an infection. Oftentimes, an abscess can cause throbbing pain that only grows worse over time; it may also be accompanied by redness or swelling of the face and/or gum tissue.

It’s essential to have an abscess treated before the infection has a chance to spread any further. In addition to draining the pus from the abscess, your dentist may need to perform a root canal treatment on the infected tooth, if not remove it altogether.

3. Fibroma

A fibroma is a hard, smooth bump that can potentially appear on irritated or injured gum tissue. You are generally more likely to develop a fibroma if you wear some form of dental appliance, such as a retainer.

The good news is that a fibroma is typically harmless and will usually go away on its own over time. That said, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a fibroma and a more dangerous type of bump. You’ll therefore want to have your dentist take a look at the bump to determine what’s causing it; after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your mouth.

4. Oral Cancer

A painful bump on your gums (or one that is red or white) could potentially be a sign of oral cancer. This is a very dangerous disease that is estimated to kill roughly one person every hour. Virtually anyone can get oral cancer, although you might have a higher risk for it if you smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

Any bump that you suspect might be oral cancer should be examined right away. People who have oral cancer diagnosed while it’s still in its earliest stages tend to have a much higher survival rate.

About the Author

Dr. Fana went to the University of Louisville for his dental degree. He has also completed a residency in general dentistry at the University Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. He offers same-day appointments for patients with urgent dental problems, such as a bump on the gums that might be the result of a tooth infection. To schedule an emergency consultation with  Dr. Fana, contact Compass Dental in Savannah by calling (912) 352-3955.