Bumps on your gums can be a painful problem. These bumps come in many shapes and sizes and have many causes. Most bumps on gums can be irritating but harmless; however, some bumps can be symptoms of more serious problems.
It is important that you see a dentist if you discover a bump on your gum. Whether it is serious or not, the sooner you treat the bump, the better. At Smile on Chicago Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center, we can provide you with a comprehensive exam and a treatment that can quickly and effectively address the underlying problem.
Oral Cyst
An oral cyst is a small fluid-filled growth on your gums or cheek tissue. There are many kinds of cysts with various causes, including dentigerous on wisdom teeth and mucocele cysts caused by oral injuries. Cysts can cause pain for some people, and if left untreated, they can continue to grow, which might cause tooth movement or loss.
If you notice a cyst growing in your mouth, it is essential to have it examined. Many oral cancers and cysts look very similar, so you may need a biopsy to see if the growth is cancerous.
Fibroma
Fibroma is one of the most common causes of bumps on your gums. The bump is hard and smooth, and there is usually pain and discoloration at the site of the bump.
If you use dental appliances like retainers, dentures, or Invisalign clear aligners, you are at a higher risk of getting fibroma. The bumps are harmless and may resolve on their own. Still, they can look and feel similar to cysts, abscesses, canker sores, tumors, or the symptoms of periodontal disease, so it is crucial to get a dental examination for your peace of mind.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a small pus-filled pocket that develops in your mouth. It usually develops around an infected tooth and can be very painful. The most common symptoms are sudden onset throbbing pain that radiates across your jaw, pain that worsens when you lay down, and swelling in your gums or face.
Abscesses will not heal independently, and the pain will worsen. They can even lead to sepsis if left untreated.
Abscesses most commonly appear around areas of your mouth where you have previously had dental work done. If you notice pain coming from a site where you had a tooth extracted or root canal therapy, visit your dentist to treat the abscess before it worsens.
Oral Cancer
Over 53,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Symptoms of oral cancer include bumps that are red or white, painful, or periodically bleeding.
If you have a painful bump in your mouth, you must see a dentist. Even if you have no family history of cancer and don’t smoke or chew tobacco, it is still essential to get an exam to rule out any possible cancers.
Oral cancer is treatable when caught early, so contact the team at Smile On Chicago Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Clinic for a complete exam.
How to Treat Bumps on Gums
A bump on your gums can cause discomfort and indicate a more serious underlying health problem. You must have all bumps and other sources of dental pain examined by a dentist.
The dentists at Smile On Chicago Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Clinic will complete your examination and ensure your bump is properly diagnosed and correctly treated.
If you have a bump or any oral pain, call us today in Deerfield at (224) 282-8939 and Lakeview at (773) 525-5545.