Finding a small lump on the gum, with little or no pain, worries many people. Most are harmless, but they should be examined to find the cause and to be monitored.
- A small lump on the gum may come from long term irritation such as tartar, an infection at a tooth root, or a cyst or harmless growth.
- Most are harmless but are hard to tell apart by eye, so the dentist should examine them.
- A lump lasting over two weeks, growing, bleeding easily, ulcerating or loosening a tooth needs an early check.
- Do not squeeze, prick or cut a lump on the gum.
Many people happen to notice a small lump rising on the gum, growing over a few weeks, sometimes bleeding easily or only slightly sore. Not every lump is the same, and finding the cause tells you whether anything needs doing or whether you simply watch it.
Common causes
- A reaction to long term irritation: tartar, a crown or filling with an overhanging edge, or something stuck for a long time makes the gum grow into a soft, red lump that bleeds easily.
- An infection at a tooth root: a pimple like bump or a fistula on the gum, see what a pimple or bump on the gum means.
- A cyst or harmless growth of the gum tissue or jawbone.
- A reaction of the gums to hormonal change, for example in pregnancy.
- More rarely, some lesions need closer follow up.
Is a lump on the gum dangerous?
Most small lumps on the gum are harmless, especially when linked with tartar or local irritation. Even so, it is hard to tell them apart by eye. So when a lump lasts, keeps growing or has unusual signs, you should let the dentist check it rather than wait.
Signs to be seen early
- The lump lasts over two weeks or keeps growing.
- It bleeds easily, hurts a lot, or makes the tooth beneath loose.
- Pus is draining or there is a swollen cheek or fever.
- The surface is ulcerated, hard or an unusual colour.
What should you do while waiting?
- Do not squeeze, prick or cut the lump.
- Keep the mouth very clean and brush gently around the lump.
- Do not touch the lump with hard objects.
See also what dark red, pale or darkened gums mean and what gingivitis is and whether it clears by itself.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will examine you and take an X-ray when needed to see whether the lump involves a tooth root or the jawbone, and advise how to proceed, which may include taking a sample for testing if felt necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lump on the gum cancer?
Most are harmless, but they are hard to tell apart by eye. If a lump lasts, keeps growing, ulcerates or feels hard, see a dentist to have it examined.
Should I squeeze a lump on the gum myself?
No. Squeezing, pricking or cutting it easily causes bleeding and infection. Let the dentist examine and deal with it.
Can a lump on the gum be linked to a tooth?
It can. Tartar, a crown with an overhanging edge or an infection at a tooth root can all cause a lump on the gum. The dentist will examine you and take an X-ray when needed.