There are several well-known conditions related to gums. One is periodontal disease, an infection of the pink tissue. Another is gingivitis, which causes irritation and inflammation in the area around your teeth. However, what should you do when you have a bump on your gums in Dallas? This situation’s solution isn’t as obvious. Thankfully, your local dentist can help you: Here’s a summary of common causes of gum bumps and signs that your own needs urgent dental treatment.
Common Causes of a Bump on Gums
In most cases, a gum bump isn’t a medical emergency. Rather, it’s more likely to be something you can deal with as time allows. As proof, consider the three common causes below.
Oral Fibroma
An oral fibroma is a noncancerous lump that forms on irritated or injured gum tissue. It’s considered the most common cause of tumor-like bumps on gums.
Symptom-wise, fibromas are painless, feel hard and smooth, and can look like dangling skin tags. Most don’t need treatment, though a doctor can surgically remove one if necessary.
Canker Sore
Canker sores are small, harmless mouth ulcers that can form at the base of your gums. Not being viral, they aren’t contagious. Still, they can be painful — especially when inside your mouth.
Luckily, these sores heal within one to two weeks. As you wait for that to happen, you can apply over-the-counter analgesics to help with the pain.
Dental Cyst
A cyst is a small lump of tissue filled with air, liquid, or other soft materials. Those that form on your gums are called dental cysts.
These latter ones form around the roots of dead or buried teeth. Furthermore, they grow slowly and rarely cause symptoms unless infected. Should that happen, you may notice pain or swelling around the lump.
When a Bump on Gums Needs Dental Care
While most gum bumps aren’t a serious problem, some are. That said, call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following in addition to the bump:
- Fever
- Throbbing pain
- A sore that is unhealing, worsening, or bleeding
- A foul taste in your mouth or bad breath
- Red or white patches in your mouth
If you’re unsure about these extra signs, call your local dentist just to be safe. They’ll identify the cause of your gum bump and take appropriate action!
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett is a dentist in Dallas, TX, who earned her dental doctorate from the University of Michigan. She obtained her Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) through a one-year residency at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. Given this background, she’s well-versed in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency dental procedures. Dr. Barnett currently practices at her self-titled clinic and is reachable at her website or by phone at (469)-874-0469.