Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is an effective way to strengthen your teeth and gums to prevent common dental problems, like cavities and periodontal disease. However, it’s still possible to develop issues that might require an emergency dental appointment.
For example, if you’ve noticed a large lump on your connective tissues, you’re likely wondering why it appeared and how urgently it should be addressed. Continue reading to learn 3 potential reasons for bumps on your gums and how your dentist can help!
Cause #1: Abscess
Practicing consistent at-home dental hygiene is essential because, without a regular routine, bacteria in your mouth can penetrate your connective tissues or wear down your enamel to penetrate the tender roots of your teeth. Sometimes when germs gather in your mouth, they form an abscess. This small, pus-filled sac can become painfully swollen and inflamed, which makes your gums, jaw, face, ear, neck or head ache.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist can drain the abscess or provide a root canal to alleviate the pressure from built-up fluid to provide some much-needed relief. However, in severe cases they might suggest extraction and replacement to preserve your dental health.
Cause #2: Canker Sore
Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are small spots that can form at the base of your gums. They often appear as white or yellowish spots with a red border and can be either flat or slightly raised and protruding. They can be incredibly sensitive and might hurt when eating or drinking.
Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious and often heal on their own after a week or two. Your dentist might prescribe medications to help or recommend applying a topical numbing gel for a reprieve. It’s usually also safe to take over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to ease your discomfort.
Cause #3: Fibroma
Oral fibromas might be the most common cause of tumorlike bumps on your connective tissues. These noncancerous lumps are smooth and firm and might also appear inside your cheeks, under your dentures, inside your lips, and on the sides of your tongue. Thankfully, they don’t usually hurt, but they might appear darker or lighter than the rest of your gums.
Fibromas don’t always require treatment, though your provider might suggest surgical removal if yours becomes overly large or interferes with your dental health or daily quality of life.
Whether the spots on your gums are from one of these concerns or something else, the best next step is to see your dentist for an examination. They can identify the cause and suggest appropriate solutions to resolve the underlying issue.
About the Practice
At EMA Dental of Westfield, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists eager to help you build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Mariano, Dr. Emirzian, and Dr. Migus share more than 30 years of combined experience, so you can trust that you’re in good hands. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, and offer same-day appointments, so if you’ve had an emergency, you don’t have to wait for relief. They combine a caring approach with advanced technology to help you feel comfortable, then deliver customized treatments for accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (413) 568-1698.