Lumps in the gums can be caused by various dental and oral diseases. Gums are pink soft tissue that serves as a place where your teeth are located.If hygiene is not maintained properly, the gums can invite various diseases, like a lump in the gums.
Lumps in the gums are often overlooked by most people who experience them. In fact, sometimes someone only realizes when the lump has started to grow. In fact, lumps in the gums should not be taken lightly.
Some Causes of Lumps in Gums
Not only teeth, gums also have an important role for your overall health. Good oral hygiene and health can reduce the risk of developing serious diseases. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy teeth, gums, and mouth, to avoid conditions such as lumps in the gums.
Some of the causes of the appearance of lumps in the gums include:
1. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
Gingivitis (gingivitis) is a common disease of your gums. This disease causes irritation of the gums, redness, swelling, and lumps in your gums. This condition is usually caused by poor oral hygiene.
Gingivitis should not be taken lightly because if left untreated, it can lead to much more serious gum disease, such as periodontitis or even cause you to lose your teeth.
2. Mucocele (mucocele)
Lumps in the gums can also be caused by a mucocele. Mucoceles, also known as mucosal cysts, are fluid-filled lumps that commonly appear on your lips or mouth, as well as on your gums.
Mucoceles occur when the small ducts in the salivary glands are damaged or blocked. Usually, this happens because you repeatedly bite and suck on your lower lip or cheek.
Sometimes, mucoceles don't require treatment and go away on their own. However, whether or not treatment is necessary depends on the severity of the mucosal cyst.
To prevent infection or tissue damage, you are advised not to try to open or drain the cyst fluid yourself at home.
3. Gum abscess
Another cause that can cause lumps in the gums is a gum abscess. A gum abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside your teeth, gums, or the bone that holds your teeth together. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection.
In this condition, it is important to get first aid as soon as possible because the abscess does not go away on its own. Sometimes it can even spread to other parts of the body and make you sick.
4. Oral lichen planus
Lumps in the gums can also be caused by disease lichen planus on the mouth. This disease can appear as white patches, bumps, or open sores. Generally, these sores or lumps appear on the cheeks, gums, tongue, and also the tissues in the lips.
There is no specific treatment for this condition, but to relieve symptoms, your doctor may prescribe pain medication or corticosteroids.
How to Take Care of Dental and Oral Health
With a healthy mouth that is free from gum disease and cavities, your quality of life will be better. You can eat right, sleep better, and have an undisturbed concentration with gum diseases, such as lumps in the gums and various dental problems.
Here is how to take care of your oral health and avoid various oral diseases.
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride, and clean between the teeth using dental floss or dental floss.
- Gargle with mouthwash after brushing your teeth to help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.
- Quit smoking.
- Check with the dentist, at least every 6 months.
- Consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin C to reduce the risk of gum disorders.
- Drink plenty of water, especially after eating, to help wash food debris off your teeth and prevent bacteria from forming plaque that can damage your gums.
Since childhood, it is important to maintain oral health to avoid dental and oral diseases, including lumps in the gums. If you experience a lump in the gums, you should immediately consult a dentist to get the right treatment.