Healthy gums are typically smooth and pale pink, but poor hygiene can lead to nasty oral ailments that can cause tooth loss and possibly dangerous secondary infections. While people can develop bumps on their gums for a variety of reasons, there are cases where a slight protrusion on one’s gum tissues can be a sign of a serious oral health crisis. Here’s a guide to a few different types of bumps that form on gums and when you should contact your emergency dentist.
Canker Sores Usually Aren’t a Big Deal
Canker sores are tiny oral ulcers that often form around the base of the gums, and, while uncomfortable, they are completely harmless and should go away on their own. The bump of your gums may be a canker sore if it shows symptoms like:
- Yellow or white spots
- A red border
- Being flat or only slightly raised
- Intense tenderness
- Discomfort when drinking or eating
There are a variety of canker sore treatments available at your local pharmacy, and you can probably find temporary relief by applying a topical oral analgesic.
Oral Thrush Can Be Uncomfortable
Oral thrush, also called candidiasis, is an oral infection resulting from an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast. Candida normally lives harmlessly inside the body, but it may grow out of control due to issues like poor oral health, medications such as antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids, overuse of mouthwash, or a weakened immune system. A person with oral thrust may notice white patches or bumps on their gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and the roof of their mouth as well as symptoms like:
- Soreness or redness in the mouth
- A feeling of having cotton in the mouth
- Cracking at the corners of the mouth
- Reduced sense of taste
- Discomfort when chewing or swallowing
A Periodontal Abscess Is a Serious Infection
A periodontal abscess is a collection of pus forming inside the gum tissue around the root of a tooth, and it may appear as a soft, warm, red bump that is accompanied by throbbing dental pain. This infection is typically the result of severe gum disease, and it can lead to tooth loss and other types of permanent damage if left untreated. Contact your dentist to schedule an emergency appointment if you suspect you have a periodontal abscess.
Understanding a little bit about why bumps form on gums can help you know when you need to seek help for an oral emergency. By adhering to your dentist’s instructions, you can keep your gums in great shape for life.
About the Practice
Wolfe Dental Cedar Mill offers the finest oral health services available in the Portland area. Led by Drs. Ben Wolfe, Michael Yesenofski, and Bryan J. Baker, the team treats each patient with kindness and respect while maintaining a welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about a bump on your gums, contact the practice online or dial (503) 751-2735.