Finding a hard bump on your gum can be alarming. It’s natural to wonder what it is, and whether it’s something to worry about.
The truth is, gum bumps can be harmless…or they can point to something more serious going on in your mouth.
That’s why it’s important to see your dentist if you notice a hard bump on your gum. They’re the best qualified to figure out what’s causing it and to recommend the right treatment.
What causes hard bumps on your gums?
A few different things can cause a hard bump to form on your gums:
Dental cysts
Dental cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can grow around dead or impacted teeth. Early on, you may not feel any pain, but the cyst could feel like a hard lump on your gum. If you don’t get them treated, dental cysts can cause pressure in your jaw, along with other tooth problems.
Fibromas
Fibromas are pretty common, and they’re usually harmless. They’re noncancerous lumps that can grow on your gums, often as a result of irritation from dentures or other dental appliances. Typically, fibromas are painless and dome-shaped.
Dental abscesses
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pus-filled bump to appear on your gums. Abscesses are often painful, causing a throbbing pain that radiates outward. It’s important to get immediate treatment for an abscess so the infection doesn’t get worse or lead to sepsis.
Other Possible Causes and Considerations
A hard bump on your gum could be several things besides the common causes we’ve already discussed. Here are a few other possibilities to consider.
Bony Growths (Tori)
Tori are bony growths that can occur in the jaw, including on the gums. They’re not cancerous, and they don’t usually cause any pain. You might notice them more with your tongue than with your teeth or fingers.
Pyogenic Granulomas
These are soft, reddish or purplish bumps that sometimes appear on the gums. They’re usually painless, and they might be caused by a minor injury to the gum tissue.
Gum Swelling
Sometimes, painless gum swelling can result from simple irritation, an injury, or even a reaction to a dental product you’re using. If you’ve recently started using a new toothpaste or mouthwash, that could be the culprit.
When should I worry about oral cancer?
Most of the time, a bump on your gums is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it can be a sign of oral cancer.
Symptoms of oral cancer include:
- red or white patches in your mouth
- pain
- bleeding
If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist or doctor. Detecting oral cancer early is critical for successful treatment. Your doctor may order a biopsy to rule out cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 53,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.
Diagnosing and treating a hard bump on your gums
If you notice a hard bump on your gums, it’s important to see your dentist so you can figure out what’s causing it. Your dentist may need to use imaging techniques like X-rays. They may also want to perform a biopsy.
Treatment depends on the cause. Cysts can be drained, abscesses can be treated with antibiotics, and tumors may need to be surgically removed.
The Bottom Line
Anytime you notice a bump on your gums, it’s important to get it checked out by a dentist as soon as possible, even if it doesn’t hurt. Regular dental check-ups are key to catching any gum problems early.
If you find a gum lump that doesn’t cause pain, or you notice any other unusual symptoms in your mouth, don’t wait. Contact your dentist right away.