Lumps in the gum Should I be concerned?
Many of our patients come to our practice concerned about the appearance of lumps in their gums. In times when health is a highly valued value, the discovery of any body lump can become a concern that we want to respond to as soon as possible.
If you notice any lumps in your gums, although they are not usually major problems, we recommend that you make an appointment with one of our specialists to diagnose their origin and give them the correct treatment.
Lumps in the gum
- Causes of the appearance of lumps in the gum.
- Lumps caused by fibroids.
- Lumps caused by fistulas.
- Prevention of the disease.
- Treatment at Clinicas Udemax.
Lumps on the gum
Causes of the appearance of lumps in the gums
Discomfort, irritation, pus and some pain may accompany lumps appearing on the gums.
Fortunately, these lumps can be a symptom of an important condition, from a patient’s health point of view, and can present later complications. Poor oral hygiene is often, as so often, behind their appearance.
It is very unlikely that the lump is a symptom of oral cancer. An early visit to your dentist will help with diagnosis and proper treatment.
Lumps caused by fibroids
Fibroids are round, white lumps with a hard consistency. They are usually accompanied by others, located on mucous membranes: inside the cheeks, tongue or lips.
Their presence is due to a response to irritation. This irritation may be due to the friction of an appliance, such as metal brackets or incorrectly fitted dentures.
Similarly, the habit of biting the lips or the inside of the cheek can lead to this fibroma.
As its origin is not infectious, antibiotics should not be administered as, in addition to not providing a solution to the problem, it could even be counterproductive.
The appropriate treatment is removal and cleaning of the area.
After that, it is important to find out the source of the irritation in order to solve it.
Lumps caused by fistulas
Fistulas are painful openings in the gum from which pus oozes. The presence of this pus indicates that these fistulas are the result of infectious processes generally caused by bacteria.
Fistulas occur in the gums as well as in the palate.
The reasons for their occurrence can be
Dental caries
In this case, the fistula is related to the presence of a pocket of bacteria in the root of the tooth, which reaches the pulp. Caused by poor dental hygiene.
It will be solved by administering antibiotics and, depending on the depth of the infection, by means of a filling or endodontics.
Endodontics reinfection of the same
A reinfected root canal can be caused by a build-up of bacteria inside the tooth or in the gum itself.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a disease that affects the gums and is caused by poor dental hygiene. This incorrect or insufficient dental hygiene can lead to an infection that can result in the development of a fistula.
Appearance of wisdom teeth
A bad position of the tooth at the time of eruption or a lack of space for the tooth can damage the gum and cause a wound that leads to inflammation or infection, resulting in pericoronaritis (inflammation of the gum around the tooth).
Prevention of the disease
As we said at the beginning of the article, preventing the appearance of lumps in the gums is relatively simple. In most cases, as they are caused by irritation or infection, we must maintain proper oral hygiene to eliminate the presence of pathogens.
- Brush three times a day.
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes and mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a check-up.
- Visit your dental clinic for professional teeth cleaning according to your dentist’s instructions.
Treatment of gum lumps at Clinicas Udemax
Our specialists in periodontics
Dr. Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá is our specialist in periodontics in Palma de Mallorca. He has a degree in Medicine and Odontology, a master’s degree in Aesthetic Medicine, is a University Expert in Periodontics and has a postgraduate degree in Implantology. He is also a member of the Spanish Society of Periodontology and the American Dental Association.
Make an appointment at Clinicas Udemax and choose the location that best suits you: Udemax in the outpatient clinics of Policlínica Juaneda, in Arcdental or in Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. For more information, call us on .
