
Red bump on gums is a typical occurrence, and most of the time, it is relatively harmless. However, in some cases, bumps on the mouth can be an indication of something more serious. A trusted dental health professional, like dentists from BDC Chatswood, can help determine the underlying cause. With that, you can get proper treatment and may even prevent worsening the condition. Keep reading to learn more about the different causes of bumps on the gums and when to see a doctor.
Common Causes Of A Bump On The Gums
Red skin or spot on your gums is not usually a medical emergency. To learn more about this, let us take a look at the most common reasons and help you distinguish if a bump on your gums might be a sign of a severe condition.
Dental Cysts
A dental cyst usually develops around the roots of dead or buried teeth that appear to be a small bubble filled with liquid, air, or other soft substances. Generally, dental cysts grow gradually over time and rarely cause issues except if they become infected. Once this occurs, you may experience some pain and swelling around the affected area.
If it is sufficiently enormous, a dental cyst can create pressure on your teeth and prompt weakness in your jaw after some time. Suppose that happens to you. Then, better to see a dentist or go to this URL: dentalstudio.com.au to get immediate dental care treatment. Most dental cysts use a straightforward surgical treatment to eliminate the problem. In addition, during the surgery, your doctor or dentist can likewise treat any dead root tissue to keep the cyst from coming back.
Gum Boils
A gum boil is a term used to describe an abscess that occurs on the gums. Bacterial infection is the main reason for gum boils that often result from food particles, plaque, or tooth decay. In rare cases, a gum boil is an indication of oral cancer.
Furthermore, sometimes, it is not good to get dental veneers to cover tooth decay, as it can increase the infection in the affected gums. In fact, the types of a gum boil will depend on its location:
- Gingival abscess – located in the gum line
- Periapical dental abscess – at the root of the tooth
- Periodontal abscess – in the supporting tissues of the teeth
Most people with severe gum disease can also develop a periodontal abscess. So if you have an early indication of gum disease, see your dentist right away. Generally, your dentist can treat abscesses by removing the source of the infection and draining the pus. Depending on how severe the condition is, they may have to perform tooth extraction or root canal treatment.
Canker Sores
A canker sore is a small ulcer in the mouth that can develop at the bottom of the gums. Usually, canker sores are harmless but painful inside the mouth. If you have a canker sore, you may encounter some of the following symptoms:
- severe tenderness
- white or yellow patches with a red lining
- pain while eating and drinking
- flat or a little raised bumps
Most canker sores heal all alone within one to two weeks. Meanwhile, you can use over-the-counter painkillers to ease the pain you are experiencing.
Oral Fibromas
Oral fibroma is a typical reason for tumor-like bumps on the gums. This lump is often noncancerous that develops on the injured or irritated gum tissue. When oral irritated fibroma happens, it is generally because of irritation from oral devices such as dentures. In any case, an oral fibroma can also appear:
- under dentures
- within your cheeks
- on the inside of your lips
- on the sides of your tongue
Fibromas usually do not cause pain and may sometimes appear to be dangling skin tags. Much of the time, treatment is not necessary for an oral fibroma. However, if it is enormous, your specialist can do surgery to eliminate it.
Mandibular Tori
A mandibular torus is a bony development in the upper or lower jaw. These hard lumps are usually a common occurrence, yet the leading causes remain unknown.
Furthermore, mandibular tori can occur alone or in a bunch, and they can develop on one or both sides of your jaw. In fact, they tend to grow gradually and can take on an assortment of shapes. According to academic research institutions, mandibular tori rarely require treatment.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer or mouth cancer is a tumor that occurs in any area of your oral cavity, including your gums. Medically reviewed by professionals is essential to determine if the bumps on your gums are cancerous. If you have oral cancer, you may experience the following symptoms:
- a bleeding sore
- jaw pain
- a red or white patch on your gums
- sore throat
- a sore that does not heal
- loose teeth
- tongue pain
- trouble or pain while swallowing or chewing
If you are worried about the lumps on your mouth, you can follow this link to know if it is cancerous. Generally, your doctor or dentist can play out a gum biopsy by taking a small tissue sample from the lump and checking it for cancer cells. If it is cancerous, you need to get treatment as soon as possible. This may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three.
When To See A Doctor
Most of the time, a bump on your gums is not a big deal. Nevertheless, you should make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if you notice other symptoms in addition to a bump. These include:
- throbbing pain
- a sore that won’t heal
- a bleeding lump or sore
- fever
- a lump that does not disappear after a few weeks
- foul taste in your mouth or foul-smelling breath
- a sore that is getting worse
- red or white patches inside your mouth or on your lips
Early treatment usually results in a better outcome. In fact, without immediate dental care, these conditions can prompt further complications, such as widespread infection and tooth loss.
References:
What is periodontitis?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/242321
Canker sore.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615
What Are Dental Tori?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/what-are-mandibular-tori
Mouth cancer.