Even though you can’t always see inside your mouth, there’s a pretty good chance you are intimately familiar with how it feels. Thus, if a strange bump suddenly appeared on your gums, you’d probably notice it, and maybe even be concerned about what it is and how it got there. But while there are many things that could be causing it, urgent diagnosis from your dentist is the best way to ensure that your mouth stays safe and heals properly. Here are a few reasons you may be experiencing a bump on your gums, and why it’s so important to see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Cysts
Dental cysts can be harmless and painless but can also be the opposite. They are basically bubbles of air, fluid, and other materials that grow along your teeth in your gum tissue. Most of the time, they will form around the roots of dead or buried teeth, and they may only hurt if they become infected. In some cases, larger cysts can put pressure on your teeth and even cause damage to your jaw. The good news is that they can be easily removed by your dentist if they bother you, so there’s no need to suffer if they do.
Canker Sores
Although they can be very small, canker sores can cause a lot of pain. The good news is that these extremely common lesions are completely harmless and will go away on their own. Symptoms include:
- White or yellow spots with red borders
- Flat or raised bumps
- Tenderness
- Pain while eating and drinking
If you have a canker sore, be careful not to bite it while chewing. This not only hurts, but it can make healing take longer, too.
Periodontal Abscesses
Periodontal abscesses are bacterial infections on the gums that appear as small, pus-filled bumps. Other symptoms include:
- Throbbing pain that increases over time
- Pain on one side of the mouth that may spread to the neck, jaw, or ear
- Redness and/or swelling of the face and gums
- Pain that worsens when lying down
Dental abscesses are a dental emergency. If you should get one, it’s important to see your emergency dentist as soon as possible. It could require a root canal or tooth extraction to treat and will not heal or go away on its own. In fact, the longer you wait to treat it, the higher the risk of it spreading to your other teeth, requiring multiple root canals or extractions.
Oral Fibromas
Oral fibromas are noncancerous bumps on the gums that are usually caused by irritation or injury from dentures or other oral appliances. They may form on the cheeks, lips, tongue, or underneath your dentures. They are typically dome-shaped, but they can sometimes look like skin tags that are either darker or lighter than the rest of your mouth. Oral fibromas are usually painless, but if they are causing discomfort, your dentist can surgically remove them.
Oral Cancer
Cancerous tumors could appear in your mouth as a growth, a bump, or thickening of a specific area of skin. They could cause the following symptoms:
- A sore that doesn’t heal or a bleeding sore
- A red or white patch on your gums
- Tongue pain
- Jaw pain
- Loose teeth
- Pain or difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
- Persistent sore throat
Should you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an urgent appointment with your dentist to be screened for oral cancer. If necessary, your dentist can order a biopsy of any abnormal tissue and refer you to an appropriate specialist for care.
Remember, there are many reasons you may find an unexpected bump on your gums, but if you’re unsure of the cause it’s important to be examined by your dentist as soon as possible. It could save your smile and maybe even your life!
About Dr. Sanker
Dr. Robert Sanker has been voted one of the top prosthodontists by Washingtonian Magazine for the past 15 years running. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, American College of Prosthodontics, Maryland State Dental Association, Southern Maryland Dental Society, and Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity.
Passionate about continuing education, Dr. Sanker has completed numerous specialized courses at the prestigious Hornbrook Group’s Center for Advanced Clinical Education and enjoys researching advances in digital dentistry and the safety of dental materials. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please contact Dr. Sanker’s office today by visiting our website, or for faster service, please call us directly at 301-468-5566.