Sometimes, it’s all or nothing. Not everything in life is black and white but finding a bump on your gums could be one such situation. Maybe it’s nothing to worry about, or it could be a sign of a serious oral health issue. The only correct decision is to assume that it could be a health concern, at least in terms of you getting an examination by a professional. Read on to learn some potential reasons for the bump, plus evidence that you should see your emergency dentist in Conway as soon as possible.
Canker Sore
These small mouth ulcers can form at the base of the gums. While harmless, they can be painful, especially inside your mouth. Most canker sores heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. Over-the-counter analgesics can help with the pain.
Abscess
Bacterial infections cause these small collections of pus. It may feel like a soft, warm bump and a dental abscess can be very painful. If you have a periodontal abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible so they can remove the source of infection and drain the pus. If the infection is severe, it could require tooth removal or a root canal.
Cyst
A cyst is a small bubble filled with air, liquid, or other soft materials. A dental cyst can form on your gums. If large enough, they can put pressure on your teeth and lead to weakness in your jaw. In most cases, they are easy to remove with a straightforward surgical procedure.
Pyogenic Granuloma
This typically appears as a swollen lump that bleeds easily. They are usually soft, painless, and a shade of deep red or purple. It is believed that minor injuries or irritation cause them. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the lump.
Fibroma
This is a noncancerous lump that forms on irritated or injured gum tissue. They can also appear inside your cheeks, under dentures, on the side of your tongue, or the inside of your lips. Fibromas are painless and usually don’t require treatment, but if one is exceptionally large your doctor can surgically remove it.
Oral Cancer
A cancerous tumor can look like a small growth or lump. Other symptoms include a sore that won’t heal or bleeds, a white or red patch on your gums, a pain in your tongue or jaw, loose teeth, pain while chewing or swallowing, or a sore throat. If you are worried about a bump that might be cancerous, see your doctor as early as possible for a gum biopsy.
Mandibular Torus
This is a bony growth usually found on the inside of your lower jaw, around the sides of your tongue, or below or above your teeth. They can appear alone or in a cluster. They grow slowly, usually feel hard, and can take a variety of shapes but rarely require treatment.
Call Your Doctor ASAP If You Notice These Symptoms
Usually, a bump on your gums isn’t anything serious. However, call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to the bump:
- Red or white patches inside your mouth or on your lips
- A lump that doesn’t go away or bleeds
- A sore that won’t heal or gets worse
- Foul taste or bad breath
- Throbbing pain
- Fever
There is a difference between overreacting to a curious medical issue and making sure that you are okay. Don’t panic, but if you get a strange bump on your gums, do your due diligence to ensure that everything is fine. Your dentist in Conway can examine it to make sure all is well.
About the Practice
At American Dental Care, we put your needs first by customizing your treatment to get the results you desire. We can handle virtually any dental procedure at our office, so don’t worry about having to go anywhere else. Dr. Tommy Murph has more than 25 years of experience helping smiles in Conway. If you ever require an emergency dentist for a bump on your gums or another reason, we are open on Saturdays and offer same-day appointments, which you can schedule on our website or by calling (843) 488-4357.