White bumps on the gums are common and often harmless, but some may signal a more significant issue. Understanding their potential causes and knowing when to seek professional dental evaluation is important for proper diagnosis and timely treatment.
Common Causes of White Bumps
White bumps on the gums can stem from various sources, ranging from minor irritations to more complex conditions.
One frequent cause is a canker sore, also known as an aphthous ulcer. These small, round or oval lesions have a white or yellowish center and a red border, often appearing on soft mouth tissues like the gums. They can be painful, especially when eating or talking, but usually heal within one to two weeks.
Oral thrush (candidiasis) is a fungal infection from Candida albicans yeast overgrowth. It often appears as creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes gums, resembling cottage cheese. These raised patches can cause soreness, a cottony feeling, and may bleed if scraped. It’s more common in individuals with weakened immune systems.
A dental abscess is a pus pocket from a bacterial infection in the gums or around a tooth. It appears as a red, swollen bump, sometimes white or yellowish if pus is visible. Abscesses cause intense pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, and may lead to facial swelling or a bad taste.
Fibromas are benign fibrous tissue growths from chronic irritation or trauma. These firm, smooth lumps are often gum-colored but can appear paler or white. Usually painless, they typically grow up to 1 centimeter and are common on gums, inner cheeks, or tongue.
Bone fragments, sometimes from dental procedures or trauma, can emerge through gum tissue as hard, white bumps. These small bone pieces work their way out as the area heals. While usually not serious, they can cause irritation or discomfort.
Mucoceles are harmless, fluid-filled cysts forming when a minor salivary gland duct is blocked or damaged, often by minor trauma. These soft, dome-shaped lesions are typically painless, appearing clear, bluish, or white, and vary in size. While common on the inner lower lip, they can also be found on the gums.
Leukoplakia appears as thick, white or gray patches on gums, inner cheeks, or tongue that cannot be scraped away. Often painless, these patches react to ongoing irritation, commonly linked to tobacco use. Most cases are benign, but some forms, especially those with red areas (speckled leukoplakia), can be precancerous and require professional evaluation.
Although rare, a white bump could represent an early sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer lesions can manifest as bumps, sores, or discolored areas that do not heal. These may appear as hard, white lumps.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
While many white bumps on the gums are benign and resolve on their own, certain signs and symptoms indicate the need for a professional dental evaluation.
Seek dental care if a white bump persists for more than two weeks without showing signs of healing. Bumps that increase in size over time also warrant attention.
Pain or tenderness associated with the bump, especially if it is severe or throbbing, is a warning sign. Bleeding from the bump or surrounding gum tissue, particularly when not caused by injury, should prompt a dental visit.
Difficulty eating or swallowing might indicate the bump is interfering with normal oral function or that an underlying infection is spreading.
Systemic symptoms such as fever, swelling in the face or jaw, or a general feeling of being unwell, when accompanying a white bump, suggest a potential infection requiring immediate attention. Any changes in the texture or color of the bump, or the development of new symptoms, also require professional assessment.
What to Expect at the Dentist
During a dental visit for a white bump, the dentist will begin with a thorough visual examination of your mouth, including lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. This allows assessment of the bump’s size, shape, color, location, and any surrounding tissue changes. The dentist will also gently touch the bump and surrounding areas to check for firmness, tenderness, or fluid.
The dentist will also inquire about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications, and habits like tobacco or alcohol use, as these can influence oral health. You will be asked about the bump’s duration, how it developed, and any associated symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or changes in eating habits.
If the initial examination raises concerns, the dentist may recommend further diagnostic tests. These could include dental X-rays for issues beneath the gum line, like bone involvement or dental abscesses. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed, removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine its nature. Blood tests or cultures might also be ordered if an infection is suspected.