A bump on your gums is any unusual swelling, lesion, or growth on the gum tissue. While many are harmless and resolve on their own, some can signal significant underlying health issues. Understanding their potential origins helps determine when professional evaluation is necessary. This article explores different causes of gum bumps to provide a clearer understanding of their nature.
Common Benign Causes
One frequent benign cause is an irritation fibroma, a common, non-cancerous growth resembling scar tissue. These typically develop due to persistent irritation, such as chronic cheek or lip biting, friction from ill-fitting dentures, or rubbing against a rough tooth. Irritation fibromas usually appear as firm, smooth, dome-shaped papules, often the same color as the surrounding mouth lining, though they can sometimes be paler or darker if they have bled. They are generally painless and do not disappear without intervention; treatment is usually only needed if they cause discomfort or interfere with oral functions.
Another harmless growth is tori or exostoses, which are slow-growing, bony lumps. These are often developmental or influenced by factors like teeth grinding, and they may slowly enlarge over time. Mandibular tori appear on the tongue-side of the lower jaw, often bilaterally, while buccal exostoses form on the cheek-facing side of the upper or lower jaw. Though generally asymptomatic, they can sometimes interfere with denture placement or make oral hygiene more challenging.
Bumps can also arise from erupting teeth, particularly wisdom teeth. As a tooth prepares to break through the gums, a fluid-filled sac called an eruption cyst can form over it. These cysts often appear as soft, bluish, or clear bumps and are common in children as baby or permanent teeth emerge. They are typically harmless and usually resolve on their own once the tooth fully erupts. Minor trauma, such as accidentally biting the gum or brushing too hard, can also lead to temporary swelling or a small hematoma that usually resolves quickly.
Potentially Serious Causes
A more concerning gum bump can be a dental abscess, a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection. There are two main types: periapical abscesses, which form at the tip of a tooth root due to infection spreading from the tooth’s pulp, and periodontal abscesses, which develop in the gums at the side of a tooth root, often due to gum disease. These abscesses frequently cause pain, swelling, and redness, and may lead to a foul taste in the mouth or bad breath. An untreated abscess can create a drainage channel, known as a dental fistula or “gum boil,” appearing as a pimple-like bump that may release pus.
Cysts are another potential cause, appearing as fluid-filled sacs that can form within the gum tissue or jawbone. While often painless initially, these cysts can grow and may cause discomfort or swelling if they become infected. They can result from dead or dying teeth, unusual tooth positions, or poor oral hygiene, leading to bacterial accumulation. X-rays can often detect cysts not visible to the naked eye.
Pyogenic granulomas are benign, vascular growths that can appear on the gums and tend to bleed easily. Despite their name, they are not pus-producing but an exaggerated tissue reaction to irritants, hormonal changes (like pregnancy), or trauma. These lesions can grow rapidly and may appear pink, red, reddish-brown, or purple, often with a delicate surface that may ooze or crust.
Although less common, a persistent gum bump could indicate oral cancer. Oral cancer can manifest as a lump, swelling, or an irregular ulcer that does not heal. Other signs may include red or white patches (leukoplakia or erythroplakia), unexplained bleeding, numbness, or changes in how dentures fit. Often mistaken for common oral problems, these lesions typically persist and may cause pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing as they advance.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
It is advisable to seek professional dental evaluation for any gum bump that persists longer than a week or two. Specific warning signs that warrant immediate attention include increased pain, noticeable swelling, redness, or warmth around the bump. The presence of pus drainage, a foul taste in the mouth, or unexplained bleeding from the bump also indicates a need for prompt assessment.
Other concerning symptoms include a fever, difficulty chewing or swallowing, a toothache associated with the bump, or any change in the bump’s size or appearance. If the bump causes loose teeth or interferes with breathing, emergency dental care or a visit to the emergency room is recommended.
It is important to avoid self-diagnosis or attempting to drain a gum bump at home, as this can worsen the condition or spread infection. A dental professional can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, especially for more serious conditions.