Discovering a bump on your gums can be alarming. You may wonder if it’s a sign of a serious problem or if it will go away on its own. The truth is that gum bumps can develop for a variety of reasons, ranging from minor irritation to infections that require prompt treatment. Because it’s difficult to determine the cause on your own, it’s always best to have any new or persistent bump evaluated by a dentist.
Here are some of the most common reasons you may notice a bump on your gums.
A Dental Abscess
One of the most common causes of a painful gum bump is a dental abscess. This occurs when bacteria infect the tooth or surrounding tissues, causing a pocket of pus to form. An abscess may appear as a swollen, pimple-like bump on the gums and can be accompanied by severe tooth pain, swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or even a fever.
A dental abscess will not heal without professional treatment. Depending on the source of the infection, your dentist may recommend a root canal, drainage of the abscess, or, in some cases, tooth extraction.
A Canker Sore
Not every bump is a sign of infection. Canker sores can develop on the gums and other soft tissues inside the mouth. These small ulcers are usually white or yellow in the center with a red border and may feel tender when eating or brushing.
Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks, though over-the-counter products may help reduce discomfort while they heal.
A Gum Cyst or Irritation
Sometimes a bump develops because of irritation from food, braces, dentures, or another dental appliance. In other cases, a small cyst may form on the gums due to an underlying issue with a tooth.
While some cysts remain painless for a time, they can grow larger or become infected if left untreated. Your dentist can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease can also lead to swollen or raised areas along the gums. As bacteria accumulate beneath the gumline, the tissues may become inflamed and infected. You may also notice bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, gum tenderness, or receding gums.
Treating gum disease early can help prevent damage to the supporting structures of your teeth.
A bump on your gums isn’t something you should ignore. While some causes are relatively harmless, others require prompt treatment to prevent complications. If you’ve noticed an unusual bump or swelling in your mouth, schedule a dental appointment. An early evaluation can provide peace of mind and help keep your smile healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Sean Brown is a Buffalo native with many years of experience practicing dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of Buffalo and completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He’s taken numerous hours of continuing education at renowned institutions like the Pikos Institute and SPEAR Education. Dr. Brown is also a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you’re suffering from gum disease, we can target it and treat it. Book your appointment online or call our Doylestown office at (215) 348-2224.