3 Possible Reasons for a Bump on Your Gums

One night, you’re brushing your teeth before bed and feel a piece of food stuck in your gums. You take a closer look and see that it’s not food at all, but a tiny bump. Should you be worried? It depends. Sometimes, a bump on the gums is not a big deal, but in other cases, it could be a serious dental emergency! Keep reading to learn three possible reasons why you might have a bump on your gums and when to call your dentist about it.

1. Oral Fibroma

The most common cause of a gum bump is an oral fibroma, which is harmless in most cases. Oral fibromas typically develop as a result of the gum tissue being irritated by a mouthguard, clear aligner, denture, or other oral appliance. Luckily, these tiny bumps are usually painless. Although they generally don’t go away on their own, your dentist or doctor can remove them if they become a problem.

2. Canker Sore

Does the bump on your gums hurt? If so, you might have a canker sore, which are tiny ulcers that form in the mouth’s soft tissues. While it isn’t certain what exactly causes canker sores, they’ve been linked to poor oral hygiene and high stress. Canker sores themselves are normally harmless, but they can be uncomfortable and may become infected. Usually, they’ll heal on their own after a week or so. In the meantime, you can use topical oral numbing gel or mouth rinses to mitigate discomfort.

3. Periodontal Abscess

If you have a severe toothache near the bump on your gums, or the pain radiates all throughout your mouth, then it might be a periodontal abscess. In this case, the bump is actually a buildup of pus underneath the gums as a result of bacteria accumulating near the teeth’s roots. Periodontal abscesses are not only extremely painful, but without treatment, they could lead to a host of other complications, including tooth loss and infection in other areas of the body.

When Should I Call My Dentist About a Bump on My Gums?

More often than not, a bump on the gums will resolve itself after some time, meaning it’s nothing to worry about. However, you should definitely call your emergency dentist right away if your gum bump is accompanied by any of the following:

• Throbbing, intense, or persistent pain in a nearby tooth.
• Swelling in the mouth.
• Fever
• Fatigue.
• Discharge or bleeding around the bump.
• Lingering foul taste in the mouth.
• The bump hasn’t gone away after more than three weeks.

If you’re concerned about a bump on your gums, feel free to reach out to your dentist. After all, you can never be too careful when it comes to your smile!

About the Author

With more than two decades of experience in the field of dentistry, Dr. Jason Kaopua is prepared to treat nearly every dental emergency, including a bump on the gums. At Albright Family Dental, he offers same-day emergency appointments and will work tirelessly to relieve your discomfort and address the root of the problem to prevent your symptoms from returning. If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Everett, WA to treat a bump on your gums, contact Dr. Kaopua at (425) 267-3333.