Even if it doesn’t hurt, finding an unexplained bump on your gums can be a little alarming, but what you and your dentist do next depends on its cause. Here are a few common reasons you may be experiencing an unexpected lump, and why you should call your emergency dentist if you find one.
Dental Cyst
A dental cyst is essentially a bubble full of air or fluid that grows on your gums along the tooth line. In most cases, they will form around the roots of dead or buried teeth and may not be painful unless they develop an infection. If you have a larger cyst, these can become problematic by causing damage to your jaw over time. They can be easily removed by your dentist and should be evaluated to prevent further damage, so schedule an appointment if one appears.
Canker Sores
It’s impressive how painful a little tiny canker sore can be, especially depending on where in your mouth they appear. The good news is that they’re harmless, so leaving them alone won’t subject you to any further issues, and they should clear up on their own in about two weeks. Signs you could have one include:
- White or yellow spots with red borders
- Flat or raised bumps
- Tenderness
- Pain while eating and drinking
Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is a bacterial infection that appears as a small, pus-filled bump on the gums. Other symptoms may include:
- Throbbing pain that worsens over time
- Pain on one side of the mouth that radiates to the neck, jaw, or ear
- Pain that increases when lying down
- Redness and swelling of the face and gums
Dental abscesses should be treated by your dentist as soon as possible, as treating it could require a root canal or extraction and will not heal or “go away” on its own. In fact, the longer it is left untreated, the greater your risk of the infection spreading to more teeth, potentially requiring multiple root canals or extractions!
Oral Fibroma
An oral fibroma is a non-cancerous bump on the gum caused by an injury from wearing dentures or other oral devices. They may appear on your tongue, lips, cheeks, or under your dentures, and are typically dome-shaped. They may also look like a skin tag that is darker or lighter than the rest of your mouth. Though they are usually painless, if they are bothering you, your dentist can remove them.
Oral Cancer
A cancerous tumor can take many forms, including bumps, growths, or a thickening of the skin in an isolated area of your mouth. Symptoms may also 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 experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist at once. You may require an oral biopsy.
Remember, unexpected bumps in your mouth may not be anything serious, but they could also pose a danger to your teeth, gums, and even your life. If you notice anything out of the ordinary in your mouth, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
About Our Practice
At Smile Castle Rock, our highly skilled dentists and dental team want to see you smile. That’s why we offer same-day emergency appointments to our patients. If you notice anything unexpected in your mouth, from a lump on the gums to tooth pain or anything in between, please don’t hesitate to call us as soon as possible.
For urgent appointments, please call us today at 303-663-9600 or visit our website.