You may be well aware of how your mouth feels. You likely run your tongue over your teeth and gums, so you’re familiar with how everything generally is. However, what if you notice a bump in the soft tissues of your mouth? It can be a bit worrying, but is it a dental emergency? Keep reading to learn four possible culprits of it and when it’s time to call your dentist.
Oral Fibroma
A common reason for gum bumps is oral fibromas. They are technically a tumor; however, they are noncancerous, so you can breathe a sigh of relief. If you have one, then they are hard and smooth, but painless. This condition is likely to develop on irritated or injured gum tissue.
They can’t go away on their own, but you can have them removed if they are bothering you. The larger an oral fibroma is, the more uncomfortable it can be, so you may go this route to get relief from it.
Canker Sore
A more unpleasant bump on your gums may be a canker sore. They manifest as small white bumps that have red borders. Aside from your pink soft tissues, they can also develop on your lips, inner cheek, and tongue. Although they may be painful, the good news is that they are harmless and go away on their own after a couple of weeks.
Dental Abscess
If you have been dealing with an infected tooth, then it can be the reason for your gum bump. It might’ve caused a dental abscess, which often is a pimple-like spot. This reason causes severe discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity.
You should call your dentist right away if you suspect this! This condition can’t go away on its own, so it can only continue to worsen without the proper treatment. You risk the infection spreading to your smile and gums, possibly even losing the affected tooth.
Oral Cancer
One of the scarier-sounding possibilities is oral cancer. While it’s a rare chance, this condition can happen to anyone. It might also feel like the choices above. The bump may be white or red with some discomfort. Not only that, but it will likely persist for two weeks or longer. However, it manifests differently in everyone, but you might also have issues chewing and swallowing, along with pain in your tongue or jaw.
You can feel a bit more confident knowing that your dentist is here to help. During a checkup, they do screenings to ensure that your smile is the best it can be. So, keep going to your semi-annual appointments to be set up for success.
In the end, any worries you have about a gum bump are a great reason to call your dentist. It’s better to be on the safe side, so getting it looked at can help you feel more confident. That way, you can show off your grin knowing it’s problem-free.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar earned her dental degree from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She has over 13 years of experience that she uses to give the McKinney community the highest quality care they deserve. Dr. Parmar offers same-day appointments for when a dental emergency catches you off guard. By using state-of-the-art technology, you can get the relief you need as soon as possible. If you are worried about a bump on your gums, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 972-4646.