Discovering a lump on your gum can be a source of anxiety. Many people turn to the internet for answers, searching for information and reassurance.
This comprehensive guide aims to address all your concerns about lumps on gums, providing detailed explanations of potential causes, associated symptoms, diagnostic procedures, a wide range of treatment options, and crucial advice on when to seek professional dental care.
What exactly is a lump on gum?
A lump on gum refers to any abnormal growth, swelling, bump, or lesion that appears on the gingival (gum) tissue. These lumps can vary dramatically in size (from tiny bumps to larger swellings), shape (round, oval, irregular), colour (ranging from the normal pink of healthy gums to red, white, bluish, or even dark), and texture (hard, soft, smooth, rough, ulcerated).
They may be painful, tender, or completely painless, and they can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. Understanding the diverse range of potential causes is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is causing a lump on gum
Here’s a more in-depth look at the common and some less common causes:
- Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It typically arises from untreated tooth decay that has reached the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, gum disease that has progressed deep into the tissues, or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to enter. The abscess manifests as a painful, swollen, red lump on gum tissue, usually near the affected tooth. Other symptoms can include intense throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, facial swelling, fever, and a foul taste in the mouth.
- Periodontal disease (gum disease): Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and supporting bone, can lead to various types of gum swelling and changes that might be perceived as lumps. In its advanced stages, it can create deep pockets between the teeth and gums, which can become infected and swollen. The gums may appear red, inflamed, and puffy, and they may bleed easily.
- Oral fibroma: Oral fibromas are benign (non-cancerous) growths of fibrous connective tissue that often develop as a reactive response to chronic irritation or repeated trauma. Common causes include rubbing from ill-fitting dentures or partials, irritation from orthodontic appliances (braces), or habitual cheek or lip biting. They typically present as smooth, firm, dome-shaped, pink or white lumps on gum tissue and are usually painless.
- Oral cysts: Oral cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the jawbone or the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums. Different types of cysts exist, including radicular cysts (associated with non-vital teeth), dentigerous cysts (related to impacted teeth), and mucous cysts (caused by blocked salivary glands). They may be painless unless they become infected, in which case they can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort.
- Epulis: An epulis is a non-cancerous growth that occurs on the gums. Several types exist, including pyogenic granuloma (a rapidly growing, red, vascular lesion), giant cell epulis (containing multinucleated giant cells), and peripheral ossifying fibroma (containing bone-like tissue). Hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy) can contribute to the development of certain types of epulis.
- Oral Cancer: While less common, a persistent lump on gum can be a sign of oral cancer (mouth cancer). Oral cancer can manifest in various ways, including as a sore, ulcer, or lump that doesn’t heal within a few weeks, a red or white patch (erythroplakia or leukoplakia), or a change in the texture or colour of the oral tissues. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
- Irritation from dental appliances: Ill-fitting or improperly adjusted dentures, partials, braces, retainers, or other dental appliances can irritate the gums, leading to localized swelling, redness, and the formation of a lump on gum.
- Other less common causes: These include:
- Torus/Tori: These are bony growths that can occur on the palate (torus palatinus) or the mandible (torus mandibularis) near the gums.
- Haematoma: A collection of blood under the gum tissue, usually caused by trauma.
- Drug-induced gingival overgrowth: Certain medications can cause excessive gum growth.
Recognising the symptoms associated with gum lumps:
The specific symptoms associated with a lump on gum will depend on the underlying cause. However, some common signs and symptoms include:
- A noticeable bump, swelling, or lesion on the gums
- Pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the affected area
- Redness, inflammation, or discolouration of the gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose teeth or changes in bite
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
When is it essential to see a dentist?
It is crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in your gums, especially if:
- The lump is painful, tender, or bleeds easily.
- The lump persists for more than two weeks without showing signs of improvement.
- You experience other concerning symptoms, such as fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- The lump changes in size, shape, or colour.
- You are unsure about the nature of the lump and are experiencing anxiety.
The diagnostic process and treatment options
Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination, which may include:
- Detailed medical and dental history review
- Visual and tactile examination of the oral cavity
- Dental X-rays (periapical, panoramic) or other imaging techniques (CT scan, CBCT)
- Biopsy (tissue sample for microscopic examination) if necessary
Treatment will be tailored to the specific cause of the lump:
- Abscess: Drainage of the abscess, antibiotics, root canal treatment or extraction of the affected tooth.
- Gum disease: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotics, and in some cases, gum surgery.
- Fibroma: Surgical removal, usually a simple procedure.
- Cyst: Surgical removal or marsupialization (creating an opening to drain the cyst).
- Epulis: Surgical removal, sometimes with removal of contributing factors.
- Oral cancer: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Irritation from appliances: Adjustment or replacement of the appliance.
Preventive measures for optimal gum health
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco).
- Maintain a healthy diet low in sugar.
- Manage stress effectively.
Key takeaway
While this guide provides comprehensive information about lumps on gums, it is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Self-diagnosis and treatment can be dangerous. If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing more serious complications. Regular dental check-ups are also vital for early detection of any potential problems.
FAQs
This could be a minor irritation or trauma that should resolve within a few days. However, if it persists, becomes painful, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), it’s important to see your dentist for an evaluation. It’s possible a small piece of food has become lodged, or there’s been a minor injury to the gum tissue.
This could be a torus (bony growth), which is usually harmless. Tori are bony protuberances that can develop on the palate (torus palatinus) or the mandible (torus mandibularis) near the premolars and molars. They are typically slow-growing and don’t require treatment unless they interfere with eating, speaking, or wearing dentures. However, it’s always best to have any unusual bony growths evaluated by a dentist to rule out other possibilities.
A lump in this area could be due to several reasons: pericoronitis (inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth), a dental abscess associated with the wisdom tooth, or even a cyst. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they erupt, and a lump on gum in this area warrants a dental examination.
A lump in this location could be a mucous cyst (caused by a blocked salivary gland), a fibroma, or, less commonly, a sign of oral cancer. Because this area is more complex anatomically, it’s crucial to have any lump under the tongue evaluated by a dentist or oral surgeon promptly.
Painful lumps are often indicative of an infection (abscess) or inflammation. The pain is caused by the pressure of the pus or the inflammatory process itself. It’s important to see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment, which may involve antibiotics, drainage of the abscess, or other interventions.
Bleeding from a lump on gum can be a sign of inflammation, infection, or even a more serious condition like oral cancer. While some bleeding can occur from vigorous brushing, persistent bleeding from a specific lump requires dental attention.
A white lump could be a fibroma, a leukoplakia (a white patch that can be precancerous), or a fungal infection (thrush). A dentist can differentiate between these conditions and recommend appropriate treatment.
A lump after dental work could be due to several factors, such as irritation from the procedure, a haematoma (blood blister), or an infection. If the lump persists or becomes painful, contact your dentist.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more susceptible to inflammation and overgrowth. A common occurrence is the “pregnancy tumor” (pyogenic granuloma), a benign growth that usually resolves after delivery. However, it’s still important to have it checked by your dentist.
- The best way to determine if a lump is serious is to have it evaluated by a dentist. However, some red flags include:
- The lump doesn’t heal within two weeks.
- It is painful, bleeds easily, or changes in size, shape, or colour.
- It is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes.