A gum bump is a localized swelling or growth of tissue that appears on the gingiva, the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, or occasionally on the underlying jawbone. This growth represents a response to various irritations, infections, or trauma within the mouth. Since a bump can signal issues ranging from minor irritation to serious infection, self-diagnosis is unreliable and can delay necessary care. Any new or persistent swelling should be promptly evaluated by a dental professional to determine its precise nature and prevent complications.
Common Causes of Gum Bumps
The most frequent causes of gum bumps relate to bacterial infection, prolonged irritation, or tissue overgrowth. A primary concern is a dental abscess, which is a collection of pus caused by bacterial infection.
Infectious Causes
An abscess can be periapical, forming at the root tip of a tooth due to deep decay or trauma that has infected the dental pulp. Alternatively, a periodontal abscess forms within the gum tissue when bacteria become trapped in a deep pocket caused by advanced gum disease. Both types typically present as a painful, soft, and warm swelling, sometimes appearing as a “gum boil” or fistula that drains pus. Treatment depends on the location: periapical issues require work on the tooth, while periodontal issues require gum therapy.
Non-Infectious Growths
Other bumps are reactive tissue growths that form in response to chronic irritation or trauma. An oral fibroma is a common example, presenting as a firm, smooth, dome-shaped lump that develops when the gum tissue is repeatedly rubbed, such as by an ill-fitting denture or a sharp tooth edge. These fibromas are non-cancerous and generally painless.
A pyogenic granuloma is another reactive lesion, appearing as a reddish-purple mass that bleeds easily due to its high concentration of blood vessels. This growth is often associated with poor oral hygiene or hormonal changes, sometimes appearing in pregnant women. Finally, a torus is a harmless, hard bony projection that develops slowly on the roof of the mouth or the inner jaw and is a normal anatomical variant.
Immediate Actions and Triage
While awaiting a professional appointment, immediate steps can manage discomfort and keep the area clean. Rinsing the mouth gently several times a day with a warm salt water solution helps cleanse the area and promote a healthy environment. Use a half teaspoon of table salt dissolved in eight ounces of warm water.
Avoid disturbing the bump by picking, squeezing, or attempting to pop it, especially if it appears to be an abscess, as this can force the infection to spread deeper. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek or jaw for short intervals can help reduce localized swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used according to package directions, but aspirin should never be placed directly on the gum tissue due to the risk of chemical burn.
Immediate emergency dental or medical attention is required if certain signs indicate a rapidly worsening condition. These symptoms include rapidly spreading facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a fever accompanying the swelling. Severe, throbbing pain that does not respond to medication, or bleeding that will not stop after 15 minutes of gentle pressure, also necessitates urgent care.
Professional Treatment Paths
The professional method used to eliminate a gum bump is determined by the underlying cause identified through examination and diagnostic imaging. For a painful, pus-filled abscess, initial treatment often involves incision and drainage to relieve pressure and remove infectious material.
Treating Infections
If the abscess originates from the gum tissue, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is performed to remove calculus and bacteria from the root surfaces beneath the gum line. If the infection stems from the tooth’s pulp, indicating a periapical abscess, the necessary procedure is typically root canal therapy to clean out the infected tissue. For severe infections, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the spread of bacteria. After these procedures, the gum tissue heals, and the inflammation subsides.
Treating Non-Infectious Growths
For non-infectious growths like fibromas or pyogenic granulomas, treatment is surgical excision of the lesion. This quick procedure involves removing the entire bump, often with a small margin of surrounding tissue to prevent recurrence. The removed tissue is sent for a biopsy to confirm the growth is benign and rule out malignant potential. If the lesion is a pyogenic granuloma, the dentist ensures local irritants like plaque are removed to prevent recurrence. Tori (bony growths) rarely require intervention but can be surgically reduced if they interfere with fitting a dental prosthetic.
Steps for Long-Term Prevention
Preventing gum bumps relies heavily on maintaining excellent oral hygiene to limit disease-causing bacteria. This involves brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris. Proper technique is important to avoid trauma while effectively cleaning the surfaces.
Regular professional cleanings and checkups, typically scheduled every six months, are a necessary component of prevention. These appointments allow the dental team to remove hardened plaque, known as calculus, which cannot be removed by brushing alone and is a primary source of gum irritation. The dentist can also identify and address early signs of decay or gum disease before they progress into an abscess or other bump.
Addressing sources of chronic trauma is another important preventative step. This includes smoothing the sharp edges of a broken filling or adjusting an ill-fitting dental appliance. Reducing the frequency of consuming sugary foods and drinks also limits the fuel source for bacteria that cause decay and infection. By controlling the bacterial load and minimizing physical irritation, the risk of developing future gum bumps is significantly lowered.