Discovering a bump on your gums can be alarming, especially if it’s painful or suddenly appears without warning. While not every bump is a cause for concern, it’s important to understand the possible reasons behind it so you can decide whether to monitor it at home or seek professional dental care. Here are some common causes of gum bumps and what they could mean for your oral health.
Dental Abscess
One of the most common reasons for a bump on the gums is a dental abscess, a painful infection that forms when bacteria enter the pulp of a tooth or the surrounding gum tissue. An abscess may appear as a red, swollen bump filled with pus. It’s often accompanied by symptoms like pain, bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, or even fever.
A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body. Your dentist may need to drain the abscess and perform a root canal or extraction, depending on the severity.
Canker Sore or Mouth Ulcer
A small, round bump that is white or yellow in the center with a red border may be a canker sore. These painful ulcers can develop on the gums, inside the cheeks, or on the tongue. Canker sores are not contagious and are often triggered by stress, irritation, certain foods, or minor injuries (like brushing too hard or biting your cheek).
Most canker sores heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. Over-the-counter topical treatments or rinsing with saltwater can help ease discomfort during the healing process.
Gum Cyst or Mucocele
A mucocele is a fluid-filled sac that usually forms due to a blocked salivary gland. These cyst-like bumps are generally harmless and painless, though they can be annoying. While many mucoceles resolve on their own, persistent or large ones may require treatment or removal by a dental professional.
Fibroma or Oral Growth
A fibroma is a benign bump caused by chronic irritation, often from dental appliances like braces or ill-fitting dentures, or from biting the same spot repeatedly. These growths are typically painless and firm to the touch.
While fibromas are generally harmless, your dentist may recommend removing the bump and sending it for analysis, especially if it changes size, color, or texture.
Oral Cancer (Rare but Serious)
In rare cases, a bump on the gums can be a sign of oral cancer, especially if it’s hard, doesn’t heal, or is accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained bleeding, numbness, or difficulty swallowing. If you notice a persistent bump or sore that lasts more than two weeks, it’s crucial to see your dentist for an evaluation.
When to See a Dentist
While some gum bumps may be harmless and resolve on their own, others could indicate an underlying infection or condition that needs professional treatment. You should contact your dentist if:
- The bump is painful or growing.
- There is pus or swelling.
- It lasts more than two weeks.
- You experience other symptoms like fever or difficulty chewing.
A bump on your gums can be caused by a variety of issues from minor irritations to infections or, in rare cases, more serious conditions. Monitoring the bump and seeking timely dental care is the best way to ensure your mouth stays healthy and your concerns are properly addressed.
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal graduated from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine before completing a fellowship in Implant Dentistry at New York University. He also completed training for IV Sedation at Duquesne University. Dr. Bal hasn’t stopped there – he participates in continuing education to stay current in his field. If you have a bump on your gum that’s cause for concern, let Dr. Bal and our expert team tend to you. Schedule your appointment online or call (613) 228-8768.