Millions of people develop a bump on their gums every year, and while some might just be a little annoyed about it, others immediately start to panic. That’s perfectly understandable, but it’s important to point out that a bump doesn’t automatically mean someone has an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. So what could it be, and what can someone do about it?
The Most Common Reasons for Bumps on the Gums
A noticeable bump can develop for a multitude of reasons:
- Canker Sore: You’ll probably feel this before you see it—these are whitish bumps that tend to be quite sensitive and painful.
- Dental Cyst: A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that usually forms around the base of a tooth when the interior nerve is infected or dies.
- Abscess: Not fun to think about, but it’s a collection of pus stemming from an active infection, often from gum disease or a longstanding cavity.
- Torus: A harmless bony growth that can develop due to genetics or the body’s natural response to bite pressure placed on the teeth.
- Fibroma: A noncancerous growth that can be white or pink. They can form due to a slight injury or irritation but tend to be benign.
- Oral Cancer: A sometime painful growth that can be the result of long-term tobacco/alcohol use or an HPV infection. Bumps may also be accompanied by bleeding, rough spots, or crusts in the area.
Oh My God, It’s Cancer…
The list above is not comprehensive, so just because you have a bump, even a painful one, does NOT mean you have cancer. However, you don’t just have to sit and worry—you can be more proactive.
When to See a Dentist
If the bump on your gums is sensitive or painful, then you should schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately, as it might be a sign of an infection (plus they can provide relief). But otherwise, it’s OK to wait about two weeks, and if the bump is still around, then it’s time to see your dentist.
Thankfully, even if the bump is cancerous, early detection means the condition is easily treatable. When caught during its initial stages, oral cancer patients have a 95+% survival rate.
So take a breath, relax, and remember this one last fact: most bumps on the gums go away on their own without treatment within a week, and that’s most likely what will happen to you. And if it doesn’t, your dentist can help you figure out what is going on and provide treatment without delay, ensuring you have peace of mind.
About the Practice
At Charm Smile Dental in Concord, our highly skilled dentists are ready to help you with any issue that might be affecting your oral health and smile. If you have a bump on your gums that hasn’t gone away after a week or two, we can help you take care of it quickly and effectively. You can schedule an appointment online by clicking here or call 603-228-0123.