Finding a bump on your gums may come as a surprise to you. Naturally, you may not be sure exactly what to do next. There are many reasons you may notice a mysterious lump, but all should be taken seriously at first. Here’s why any unexplained changes to your oral health should be considered a dental emergency.
Dental Cysts
A dental cyst is a bubble of air or fluid that grows on your gums along the tooth line. They typically form around the roots of teeth that are dead or buried, and they may not be painful unless they become infected. Larger cysts can cause additional damage to your jaw over time.
Thankfully, they can be easily removed by your dentist, so be sure to schedule an appointment if you believe you may have one.
Periodontal Abscess
These bacterial infections usually appear as small, pus-filled bumps on your gums. Additionally, you may experience:
- 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 reclining
- Redness and swelling of the face and gums
Dental abscesses should be treated as soon as possible, so if you notice one forming contact your dentist as soon as possible. Treatment may require a root canal or extraction, and they will not heal on their own. Worse yet, the longer you leave them untreated, the higher the risk of the infection spreading to nearby teeth and requiring multiple root canals or extractions.
Oral Fibroma
Oral fibromas are non-cancerous bumps on the gums that are caused by injury, typically from wearing dentures or other oral appliances. These may appear on your tongue, cheeks, lips, or even under your dentures. They are usually dome-shaped or may look like a skin tag that is darker or lighter than the rest of the mouth.
Oral fibromas are usually painless, but your dentist can remove them if they’re bothering you.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are common, painful bumps in the mouth that while they may hurt, are completely harmless. Most clear up on their own in about two weeks but can last longer if you accidentally bite them. They may appear as:
- White or yellow spots with red borders
- Flat or raised bumps
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can appear in many forms, such as bumps, growths, or a thickening of the skin in an isolated area of your mouth. Symptoms of this potentially life-threatening disease 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
Should you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, as you may require an oral biopsy.
Remember, while unexpected bumps in your mouth may not be anything to worry about, there is always a possibility they could be dangerous to your oral and overall health. Thus, if you notice any changes in your mouth, contact your dentist and schedule an urgent appointment.
About Our Practice
At Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence, we treat patients of all ages, including in emergencies. If you are experiencing any unexplained dental pain, or even a bump on your gums that you aren’t worried about but just want to rule out any potential dangers on, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 847-259-1111.