Bumps on Gums: Causes, Treatments, and Tips to Avoid Cysts

Having a bump or cyst on the gums can be a weird feeling for individuals. A bump occurs due to a number of risk factors leading to a bumpy ridge with a fluid-filled sac, which the dentist calls a cyst. Having bumps on your gums is not a serious issue, but you should contact your dentist if it causes pain or irritation. 

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If you are facing any symptoms of bumps on your gums after root canals or finding a hard, painless lump on your gums, feel free to contact us. 

What is a Bump on Gums?

A bump on the gums under the tooth can be a potential sign of a cyst formation, a canker sore, or an underlying infection. Such bumps occur when you fail to keep up with the daily cleaning or do not maintain oral hygiene post-dental treatment.

Moreover, a buildup of plaque is prone to gum pain and irritation, which can result in bleeding, gum inflammation, and cysts. However, it’s alarming to find lumps or bumps on the gums with pus and need urgent medical aid. 

Individuals with sores or bumps that last for more than ten days must see the dentist as soon as possible. Continue reading this blog to find out the major causes of the bump that make it easier to recognize.

Exploring the Six Causes of Gum Bumps

A bump on gum with pus is a pocket or accumulation of fluid that affects the surrounding areas of the mouth. The spaces around the gums are often infected with bacteria, which easily grow and gather here. However, some common causes include:

1: Oral fibroma

An oral fibroma is a tumor-like mass of connective tissues that appear as a smooth and hard bump on the gums. Oral fibromas occur on such parts of the mouth which are already traumatized such as after consistent biting.

2: Poor dental hygiene

The likelihood of developing cysts and bumps on gums is totally related to the overall hygiene of the mouth. Such issues rarely occur in individuals who take care of their teeth by brushing them twice a day, regular flossing, and having dental checkups. 

3: Abscess

Periodontal abscesses occur on the gums that result from the accumulation of bacteria under the surface, resulting in pus formation. In addition, an abscess causes severe pain, swelling, and redness. Moreover, abscess pain spreads from one side to the ear, jaw, and neck. 

4: Canker sore

Another cause of the bump on the gums is canker sore, which is usually harmless but can be painful. It appears as a small ulcer on the gums, which may develop in a number of areas, such as:

According to the studies, more than 50% of people in the US develop bumps on their gums due to the canker sore. They cause throbbing pain and leave a scar as well. 

5: Oral Cancer 

While most of the bumps on gums occur occasionally and result in small lumps or bumps, which is a potential sign of oral cancer. There are some other factors involved along with the bumps that contribute to oral cancer, such as:

• Sore throat
• Sore that bleeds
• Loose teeth
• Red or white patch on gums
• Thickening of skin

6: Dead teeth

The teeth have complex root structures and occasionally die due to excessive cavities. If you have such a tooth without an outer layer of enamel, it is prone to tooth decay, exposing it to harmful bacteria. 

How to Treat Bumps on Gums?

Generally, there is no way to get rid of bumps on the gums but medical aid. However, taking care of your teeth and gums properly can help you avoid such bumps and reduce the chances of oral cancer. If your bump doesn’t go away in a week on its own, this is a sign to get it checked by a professional. 

Proper treatment for tooth infection can give you the best opportunity to avoid bumps on the gums near your teeth. While you wait to see your dentist, here are some home remedies for gum boils, such as:

4 Possible Treatment Options:

As there are a number of causes of bumps on gums, there are treatment options available in the medicine.

From over-the-counter medication to chemotherapy and radiation therapy available to get rid of these bumps.

Here, we discuss what are the go-to options but must consult with a dentist to make an informed decision:

1: Antibiotics

Mostly, the bumps on gums with pus occur due to bacterial infections, which are treated with antibiotics. A dentist can recommend the best antibiotics after inspecting the overall condition of your cyst. 

2:  Oral Surgery

In some types of cysts, oral surgery is required to treat the bumps on the gums with a white head. For instance, if the dental abscess causes a bump, it needs to be drained to remove the pus, which is possible with oral surgery. 

3: Chemotherapy

In cases where bumps are due to oral cancer, the treatment is possible with radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. 

4: Improved oral hygiene

Most of the time the bumps are easy to handle with the proper oral hygiene that includes brushing teeth twice a day and regular flossing. Furthermore, deep cleaning and scaling add to the overall hygiene. 

How to Avoid Gum Cyst in the Near Future?

To prevent any kind of cysts and gum boils, make sure to be very careful about your dental hygiene.

Additionally, here we share a few tips that can be helpful in the future to avoid hard bumps on gums by molars and soft, painless lumps.

FAQs

What does a bump on your gums mean?

Bumps or boils on gums are also common as abscesses. It means having enough bacteria or plaque accumulation that causes a sac-like formation with pain as a first indication. 

Why do I have a bump on my gums after wisdom teeth removal?

Some individuals develop a boil or bump after wisdom tooth removal, as the infection can cause the lymph nodes to swell. 

Is a gum cyst hard or soft?

A gum cyst is a small bubble filled with air, liquid, or other soft material. Mostly it is filled with pus so it appears smooth and, if popped, can worsen the situation. 

Do gum abscesses go away?

An abscess in the gum, also known as a periodontal abscess, goes away after proper treatment by the dentist. In some cases, it goes away with antibiotics, and in other cases, it needs surgery.