One morning while brushing your teeth before getting your day started, you noticed that there was a bump on your gums. As far as you can remember, it isn’t something that’s always been there. Several things can cause a bump to form on the gums. Read on to learn about four potential causes as well as what you should do about them.
Cause #1: Progressed Tooth Infection
Are your gums red, swollen, soft, warm, or painful? Does the discomfort become more intense when you lie down? This may be a sign that you have a tooth infection. It’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to receive treatment. If you wait too long, the tooth may fall out or you might have to get it pulled. Seeking help from your dentist as soon as the above symptoms arise raises your chances of having the infection successfully treated and saving the tooth.
Cause #2: Oral Cyst
If a tooth is dead or impacted, this may cause a dental cyst to form on the gums. Dental cysts can enlarge over time. Additionally, they won’t usually cause discomfort unless they’re infected. If a cyst gets big enough, this can put too much pressure on your tooth roots and may cause more oral health problems down the line. Make an appointment with your dentist to have the cyst looked at as soon as you notice it to avoid complications.
Cause #3: Oral Pyogenic Granuloma
If the bump on your gums is small, raised, and filled with blood, this may be a pyogenic granuloma. These soft, painless bumps are a deep purple or red in color. Pyogenic granulomas also bleed easily. This may result in an abnormally low number of peripheral red blood cells, which is called anemia. They may develop as a result of localized trauma or irritation, and many healthcare professionals think hormone changes may also play a role. Treatment for pyogenic granuloma may not always be necessary, and they may go away on their own. In some cases, they may need to be surgically removed.
Cause #4: Oral Abnormalities Due to Cancer
If you have white or red patches of rough skin in the mouth, bumps on your gums, or sores that haven’t healed within two weeks, these may be signs of oral cancer. When visiting your dentist for your next bi-annual checkup, they will do a thorough oral cancer screening. This will allow them to catch oral cancer in its early stages so they can administer prompt treatment.
If you ever notice that you have a bump on your gums, it’s key to seek help from your dental team as soon as possible. The sooner you see them, the better your chances will be of receiving the treatment you need for a healthy, bright smile!
About the Author
Dr. Angela C. Ruff leads the team at Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry. She has lived in Fayetteville for over 2- years and takes pride in helping its residents keep their smiles healthy and bright. She can treat a wide range of oral health issues, including ones that might cause a bump on your gums to form. If you’re ready to set up an appointment or want more information about what a bump on your gums could mean, call their office at (910) 630-6199 or visit their website.