A lump on your gums near a tooth is most commonly caused by infection, irritation or a benign growth, but only a dentist can tell you the exact cause. Some causes need urgent care, especially infections, so have it checked if it is painful, growing or not improving. Call us on 9725 2029 for an urgent dental appointment.
A lump on the gums can appear for several reasons, and knowing the possibilities helps you understand what to expect. The most common causes fall into a few groups: infection, cysts, benign tissue growths, bony growths and, less commonly, oral cancer. Below is an overview of what each one means, how it usually feels, and when to seek care.
1. Infection (abscess or gum boil)
One of the most frequent causes is a periodontal or dental abscess, a pocket of pus caused by bacteria. These lumps often feel warm, soft or tender, and may cause throbbing pain, swelling or a bad taste in the mouth. Abscesses can spread and become serious if untreated, so a dental assessment is important.
2. Dental cyst
A dental cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form near the root of a tooth, especially if the tooth has died or had trauma. Cysts grow slowly and may not hurt unless they become infected. As they enlarge they can put pressure on nearby teeth. Treatment usually involves surgical removal. This is an uncommon cause.
3. Canker sore (mouth ulcer)
If the lump looks like a small ulcer with a white or yellow centre, it may be a canker sore. These can be painful but are harmless and usually heal within one to two weeks.
4. Fibroma (benign tissue growth)
A fibroma is a smooth, firm, dome-shaped lump caused by ongoing irritation, often from biting the area or rubbing from a dental appliance. Fibromas are painless and not cancerous, and can be removed if they bother you.
5. Pyogenic granuloma
This is a red, soft lump that bleeds easily. It can appear after irritation or during pregnancy, where it is linked to pregnancy gingivitis. It is benign but is sometimes removed because it bleeds so easily.
6. Torus (bony lump)
If the lump feels very hard, like bone, it may be a torus, a harmless bony growth. These are common and usually need no treatment unless they get in the way of chewing or dental work.
7. Oral cancer (less common but important)
A lump that does not heal, bleeds, or comes with symptoms such as loose teeth, difficulty swallowing or a sore lasting more than two weeks should be checked promptly. A biopsy is needed for a diagnosis.
When to see us at Elation Dental
Call us on 9725 2029 as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
- Pain or throbbing
- Fever or swelling
- A foul taste or bad breath
- A lump that lasts more than two weeks
- A lump that grows or bleeds
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
These symptoms can point to an infection or another condition that needs timely treatment. You can also book your appointment at Elation Dental, 111 Bayswater Road, Croydon South online.
A gum lump near a tooth can range from harmless to something that needs urgent care. Infections and cysts are common and treatable, but they should not be ignored. Our dentists can find the cause and talk you through your treatment options.