A lump on the gum can cause concern, especially if it is painful. Whenever you notice changes in the soft tissues of the mouth or feel pain in the oral cavity, it is worth visiting your dentist. However, in most cases the bump on the gum itself is not a sign of a serious problem and does not require emergency care.
Why a lump appears on the gums
Let us consider the most common causes of lumps on the gums.
Cyst. A cyst is a small sac filled with air, fluid, or other soft tissue. Dental cysts may form on the gums around the teeth. Most dental cysts develop around diseased roots, improperly positioned teeth, or damaged teeth. Cysts grow slowly over time and rarely cause symptoms unless they become infected. When this happens, you may notice pain and swelling around the lump. If a cyst becomes large enough, it can put pressure on the teeth and eventually lead to weakening of the jaw. Most cysts resolve on their own, but some need to be surgically removed.
Abscess. A pus-filled swelling on the gum is called a periodontal abscess. These accumulations of pus are caused by bacterial infections. Dental abscesses are often very painful. There are different types of abscesses, including a periodontal abscess, which is usually caused by periodontitis (gum disease in an advanced stage), and a periapical abscess, which is an infection at the tip of the tooth root resulting from tooth decay or trauma. It usually appears as a lump on the gum above or below the affected tooth.
If you have an abscess, it is often accompanied by other symptoms, including:
- swollen gums;
- bad breath;
- sensitivity to hot and cold;
- fever;
- facial swelling;
- constant pain that may spread to the ear, jaw, and neck.
If you have an abscess, you should see a dentist as soon as possible, who can remove the source of infection and drain the pus. Depending on how serious the infection is, root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be required, and sometimes antibiotics are prescribed. Even though an abscess may drain on its own, after which temporary relief occurs, the infection will still be present and may spread to the jaw and supporting tissues. In rare cases, dental infections can reach the brain and cause serious complications.
Canker sore. Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth that can form near the base of the gums. They differ from cold sores, which are caused by a virus. Although canker sores are harmless, they can be painful, especially inside the mouth. Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks. You may use an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease the discomfort.
A canker sore usually appears as a flat yellow or white bump or blister on the gum surrounded by a red border. Ulcers may appear in clusters, making speaking and eating more difficult.
Fibroma. An oral fibroma is one of the most common causes of tumor-like bumps on the gums. Fibromas are noncancerous lumps that form on irritated or injured gum tissue. They usually appear on the gums as a result of irritation from dentures or other dental appliances. Sometimes they develop because of the habit of biting the inside of the cheek. Fibromas are painless, but if they grow larger they can easily become irritated and cause discomfort. In such cases, surgical removal may be recommended.
Pyogenic granuloma. An oral pyogenic granuloma is a red lump that develops in the mouth, including on the gums. It is usually a swollen, blood-filled bump that bleeds easily. It is not exactly known why they occur, but minor injuries and irritation may play a role. Sometimes they can appear in women during pregnancy, since hormonal changes may also be a risk factor. Pyogenic granulomas are usually soft and painless and have a dark red or purple color. Treatment generally involves surgical removal of the lump.
Mandibular torus. A mandibular torus is a bony growth in the lower jaw. Mandibular tori may appear individually or in groups, grow slowly, and can have various shapes.
They are usually hard and smooth to the touch and rarely require treatment. Tori usually do not interfere with function and do not cause pain. Rarely, tori may continue to grow and become irritated, and they may also interfere with the placement of dentures. In such cases, they may need to be removed. The exact cause of their development is unknown, but some experts believe they may be related to bruxism, genetic factors, diet, and heavy stress on the jaw caused by an improper bite.
Oral cancer. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the gums. A cancerous tumor on the gums may appear as a small growth, lump, or thickening of the skin. Other symptoms of oral cancer include:
- a sore that does not heal;
- a white or red patch on the gums;
- pain when chewing or swallowing;
- loose teeth;
- thickening of the skin;
- sore throat.
If you are concerned that a lump on the gum may be related to cancer, it is best to consult a doctor who can perform a gum biopsy. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue is taken from the lump and then examined for cancer cells. If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of all three methods. When oral cancer is detected early, patients have a high survival rate.
When to see a doctor
Most often, a lump on the gum is not something serious. However, you should contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to the lump:
- fever;
- throbbing pain;
- an unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath;
- a wound that does not heal;
- the lump does not disappear after several weeks;
- red or white spots inside the mouth or on the lips.
Schedule a visit to a dentist at the YAREMA DENTAL clinic if a lump on the gum is bothering you. We can determine the cause of the lump and create an individual treatment plan that will help you.
Can you get rid of a lump on the gum at home?
Usually, there is nothing you can do to get rid of lumps on the gums at home. You should see a dentist if the growth does not disappear within a few weeks or if other dangerous symptoms are present.
While you are waiting for your dental appointment, you can relieve pain in the following ways:
- rinsing with salt water (½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water);
- avoiding irritation of the lump while brushing;
- taking an over-the-counter pain reliever;
- following a diet consisting of soft foods.
Prevention
To prevent painful lumps on the gums in the future:
- practice good oral hygiene;
- eliminate habits that irritate the oral cavity, such as biting the inside of the cheek or grinding your teeth;
- follow a balanced healthy diet;
- avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use;
- attend regular dental check-ups.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.