You are likely intimately familiar with how your mouth feels. Your tongue might explore the nooks and crannies of your teeth. The same can be said about your gums, but what if you notice a new bump has shown up? It’s easy to wonder if you need to call your dentist about it, so here are four possible culprits for it, and which ones are a dental emergency you need checked out.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, white bumps that have raised red borders. They can show up on your inner cheek, tongue, lips, and gums. If you have one, then you’re likely aware that they are often very painful when they brush up against anything. You might have trouble eating comfortably or feel discomfort when moving your mouth! As annoying as they are, they are typically harmless. They should go away on their own in about two weeks.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can form as a result of an infected tooth. It’s a pimple-like spot that’s near the affected structure. With it, you might have severe pain along with swelling or a fever. This situation is a dental emergency, so if you think this might be it, then call your dentist right away. If left untreated, you risk the issue spreading or causing tooth loss in advanced cases.
Oral Fibroma
If the bump you feel is hard, smooth, and painless, then it may be an oral fibroma. These can form on injured or irritated gum tissue, so they are more common if you have braces or another oral appliance. The good news is that they are noncancerous, so you don’t need to worry about them too much. That said, they can’t go away on their own, but they can be removed if they are bothering you.
Oral Cancer
One of the scarier culprits for gum bumps is oral cancer. It’s a rare condition that can affect anyone. It manifests differently per person, but you may notice red or white spots that are a bit painful. They often last for two weeks or longer. Along with it, you may also have discomfort in your jaw or tongue and trouble swallowing and chewing. Early intervention is crucial as it gives you the best shot at a successful recovery.
No matter the cause of this abnormality in the soft tissues of your mouth, your dentist is here to help. Using state-of-the-art technology, they will get to the bottom of the issue and give you the prompt treatment you need. If you have any worries, then it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you feel confident taking care of your smile.
About the Practice
At Grant E. & Mark A. Smith DDS, our team is proud to offer patients in Sherman the high-quality dental care they deserve. Led by compassionate dentists, we offer a wide range of treatments to help you feel your best. With same-day urgent visits, we can even handle your dental emergencies as soon as possible; that way, you get the relief you deserve. If you are worried about a bump on your gums, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (903)893-8030.
