If you’ve recently noticed a bump on your gums, you may be wondering what it is, and if you should do anything to treat it. Though changes to your gum tissue can be caused by many different things, it is important to have them examined as soon as possible to rule out any potentially dangerous conditions like an infection or oral cancer. Here’s why a bump on your gums is a dental emergency, and what you should do if you find one.
Dental Cysts
Dental cysts are bubbles of fluid or air that grow on your gums along the tooth line, usually forming around the roots of dead or buried teeth. Dental cysts may be completely painless but could become painful if infected. If left untreated, larger ones could even cause permanent damage to your jaw.
The good news is that removing them is an easy procedure that can be performed by a dentist, but it is important to care for them while they are still small to minimize damage.
Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is a bacterial infection that may appear as a small, pus-filled bump along your gums. In addition to the lump, you may also notice:
- Throbbing pain that worsens with time
- Pain on one side of the mouth that radiates to the neck, jaw, or ear
- Pain which increases when lying down
- Redness and swelling in your face and gums
If you have a dental abscess, this is considered a dental emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. You may need a root canal or tooth extraction, as this type of infection will not heal on its own. Furthermore, leaving an abscess untreated increases your risk of infection spreading throughout the mouth and body.
Oral Fibroma
These non-cancerous bumps are caused by injuries, such as those incurred from wearing dentures or oral appliances. They may appear on the gums, cheeks, tongue, or under your prosthetics. They are often dome-shaped or may resemble a skin tag that is either darker or lighter than the rest of your mouth.
Though oral fibromas are usually painless, they can be removed by your dentist if they cause irritation.
Canker Sores
It is estimated that about half of all people will get a canker sore at least once in their lifetime. Though painful, these bumps are completely harmless and typically go away on their own in about two weeks. Canker sore symptoms include:
- White or yellow spots with red borders
- Flat or raised bumps
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can appear in your mouth in many forms, including bumps, a growth, or a thickening of the skin in an isolated area of your mouth. Warning signs for this potentially-life threatening illness include:
- A non-healing or bleeding sore
- A red or white patch on the gums
- Tongue pain
- Jaw pain
- Loose teeth
- Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A persistent sore throat
If you notice any of the above symptoms, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Remember, a bump on your gums could be nothing to worry about, but it could also be a sign of a serious problem. If you notice any unexplained changes in your gums or oral health, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to rule out any potentially dangerous conditions, so schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as you can.
About Our Practice
At Palm Leaf Dental , Dr. Nami and Dr. Broe work as a team helping patients near Ponte Vedra Beach with a variety of dental treatments, including emergency dentistry. If you notice any suspicious changes to your teeth or gums, don’t wait until your next check-up and cleaning to have it examined. Contact Palm Leaf Dental by visiting our website or call us today at 904-373-1300 for an emergency appointment.