Franklin 
Gum irritation is very common and usually is caused by buildups of plaque and bacteria along the gumline. This can cause bleeding and redness of the gums, but what if you notice a new bump? There are many reasons why this can occur. While it usually isn’t an emergency, this is definitely something you should mention to your dentist so you can rule out more serious issues. Read on to learn about the most common causes of bumps on the gums.
Cyst
A cyst is a small bubble that is filled with liquid, soft materials, or sometimes even air. Dental cysts can form on the gums, usually around the roots of dead or buried teeth. They grow over time and aren’t usually a serious issue. However, larger cysts can put pressure on your teeth and lead to weakness in the jaw over time. In most cases, dental cysts are easy to remove with a straightforward procedure.
Abscess
This is more specifically known as a “periodontal abscess.” They are caused by bacterial infections. An abscess feels like a soft, warm bump. They are often painful and filled with pus. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Throbbing pain
- Pain on one side that spreads to the ear, jaw, and neck
- Pain that worsens when laying down
- Redness and swelling in the gums and face
Canker Sore
These are small mouth ulcers that can form at the base of the gums. They are harmless, but they can be painful. Typically, they appear as white or yellow spots with a red border, are either flat or slightly raised, and are tender. Most of the time, canker sores heal on their own within a week or two without issue. Over-the-counter analgesics can be used to minimize pain in the meantime.
Fibroma
This is the most common cause of tumor-like bumps on the gums. They are noncancerous lumps that form on irritated or injured gum disease. When they happen on your gums, it is usually due to irritation from dentures or other oral devices. Fibromas don’t cause any pain and they feel like hard, smooth, dome-shaped lumps. They can be lighter or darker than the rest of your gum tissue. In most cases, fibromas don’t require treatment, but doctors can surgically remove them if they are large.
Pyogenic Granuloma
This is a red bump that develops in your mouth. It appears as a swollen, blood-filled lump that bleeds easily. It is unsure what causes them, but it is believed that minor injuries and irritation play a role. These are usually soft, painless, and deep red or purple.
Oral Cancer
This refers to cancer in any part of the mouth. A cancerous tumor on your gums could look like a small growth, lump, or thickening of the skin. Other symptoms include a white or red patch, tongue pain, jaw pain, loose teeth, and pain when chewing or swallowing. If this is a concern, a gum biopsy can be taken. This is when a doctor takes a sample of the bump and examines it for cancer cells.
Bumps on the gums aren’t usually worrying, but it is a good idea to get them checked out by your dentist just in case it is something more serious. This way, you can take all the right steps to keep your smile in good health!
About the Author
Dr. Donna Franklin-Pitts earned her dental doctorate from Howard University in Washington D.C. Currently, she is a proud member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association, Smith County Dental Society, East Texas Dental Society, and the Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Tyler, visit her website or call (903) 730-6314.