Periodontal Problems: 3 Potential Reasons for a Lump on Your Gums

Many people mostly think of their teeth when they consider their dental health, but your gums are equally significant. Without them, there would be nothing to hold your smile together.

Paying close attention to the condition of your connective tissues can help you identify potential problems so you know when to contact your dentist for an emergency appointment. For example, a lump in your gums could have several potential causes that require professional treatment. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons it might have developed and how your dentist can help!

Cause #1: Fibroma

This is one of the most common causes of a bump on your gums and can lead to both discomfort and discoloration of the surrounding tissues. The associated lump is typically hard and smooth, and although it might look like a cyst or abscess, it’s usually harmless and might even resolve on its own in time.

However, it’s impossible to know for certain whether the growth is a fibroma without an examination. Most experts recommend contacting your dentist to have it assessed sooner rather than later, so they can determine whether this is the cause and provide you with much-needed peace of mind about your dental condition.  

Cause #2: Oral Cyst

An oral cyst is a small, fluid-filled growth that can develop on your gums or the insides of your cheeks. They can appear if you frequently use tobacco products, have developed a blocked salivary gland, or have oral piercings. They can also appear around the roots of damaged, diseased, or impacted teeth.

It’s important to identify and treat cysts as soon as possible because they can weaken the surrounding teeth and jawbone structure as they grow.  They might require steroid injections, surgical removal, or laser therapy to address.

Cause #3: Dental Abscess

These pus-filled pockets of bacteria can cause soreness and swelling in the surrounding teeth and connective tissues and often result from severe decay, physical damage, or gum disease. It can cause throbbing that can spread from your mouth to your jaw, neck, or ear, and also other physical signs of infection, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or general malaise.

Depending on your circumstances, your dentist might drain the abscess to relieve pressure on nearby nerves. They might also recommend a root canal to help protect and preserve the abscessed tooth, which is often followed by antibiotic treatment to prevent a repeat infection and by placing a dental crown so you can continue using the affected tooth normally.  

If you’re unsure whether the lump on your gum is benign or malignant, contacting your provider for an appointment can help address the underlying cause before it gets worse!

Meet the Author

Dr. Yuchen Sheng is passionate about helping patients improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and today, she works diligently to provide a complete menu of services to meet your unique needs under one roof. She reserves time for same-day emergency visits so you don’t have to wait to be seen if you’ve developed an urgent issue, like a throbbing lump on your gums. You can request an appointment on the website or call (203) 375-3068.