A bump that forms on the gums may be alarming, but it’s not always worth a visit to your emergency dentist. While some might only be canker sores, others may point to a more serious problem, such as an abscess or oral cancer. Knowing how to tell the difference is important, so keep reading to find out when it’s time to see a trusted professional for immediate dental care.
What Can Cause a Bump to Form on the Gums?
A bump can form on the gums for many reasons. While plaque accumulation and food debris are common culprits, others tend to be more severe or problematic. These can include:
Canker Sores
It’s believed that more than half of the United States population suffers from canker sores – small, uncomfortable bumps that can form on the tongue, gums, lips, and other soft tissue areas. Most resolve on their own but usually develop because your immune system accidentally attacks cells in and around the mouth.
Cysts
If you notice a small, soft bump on your gums, it may be a cyst. Most are unlikely to cause pain or other similar symptoms unless they become infected. These typically appear near the roots of dead teeth. Should a problem result in pain or swelling, you’ll need to have it removed to avoid jaw weakness.
Abscess
When an abscess forms on the gums, this is a sign that an infection is present. It usually consists of pus and may feel warm and soft. These growths are also quite painful and may cause swelling around your gums or face as well as discomfort that spreads to your ear, neck, and jaw. An abscess requires immediate attention, as it needs to be drained and removed before the dentist can determine whether the nearby tooth can be saved or requires extraction.
Oral Cancer
A small bump inside your mouth may be a sign of oral cancer – something your dentist can detect with an official screening. If it appears alongside other symptoms, such as loose teeth, a sore throat, a sore that won’t heal, or difficulty chewing, further tests may be required to determine if oral cancer is present.
Other reasons for bumps on the gums include fibromas (noncancerous tumors), a mandibular torus (a bony growth), or pyogenic granuloma (a red bump that forms inside the mouth).
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when discovering a bump on your gums. Having it checked by a licensed dental professional can reassure you that your oral and overall health are in check.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our emergency dentists see all types of injuries, growths, and serious forms of decay. When a patient arrives with a bump on the gums, we can use advanced technologies and innovative techniques to identify the type of growth and underlying cause. This allows us to thoroughly explain what it is and how we plan to address it. You can visit our website or call (847) 860-7093 to learn more about how we can treat this type of problem as well as other similar emergencies.