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Have Small Hard Bump At The Base Of Gum. What Could This Be?

Posted on Mon, 22 Apr 2013

Question: I have a small hard bump at the base of my gum on my bottom lower left front tooth. Just wondering what this could be. I have also included a photo of it.

Answered by Dr. Bindiya Bhaskar (1 hour later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

As per the photo attached, its clear that your gums are inflammed due to plaque and food debris accumulation resulting in gingivitis.

This causes due to-
Poor oral hygiene maintenance.
Endocrine conditions like pregnancy, menstruation etc.
Metabolic disorders like diabetes, epilepsy, auto-immune diseases.
Improper brushing techniques.
Vitamin c, b12 deficiencies.

Soft texture of gingiva which is more prone to inflammation.

I would suggest you to get-
A thorough deep scaling and root planning done by a dentist.
An x-ray of the area will help to evaluate the bone loss, periodontal pocket and abscess formation surrounding the tooth.
Abscess if present, has to be drained and curetted.

Meanwhile, maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily involving all aspects of teeth using soft-bristled toothbrush. Use chlorhexidine mouthrinse to prevent plaque accumulation.
Include plenty of vitamin-c XXXXXXX citrus fruits like lemon, oranges into your diet.
Vitamin becosules can be administered. Discontinue or replace the use of drugs if causing gingivitis.

The gums will be intact and firm once the plaque is completely removed. Take antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection as per your dentist's prescription.

Hope this helps.
DR XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan

Follow up: Dr. Bindiya Bhaskar (33 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX for your response. I am actually 37 weeks pregnant and have receding gums on both lower front teeth which I have had for years. Once I am not pregnant anymore I plan on getting a gum graft on these two teeth.

I see my dentist every 6 months and brush two times a day, my gums are much more sensitive while I am pregnant so I wasn't sure if that was the issue. The bump does not hurt. My Dad also has a XXXXXXX behind one of his lower front teeth so I wasn't sure if this was the same thing. Do you think it could be a XXXXXXX or just infected gums like you said?

Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bindiya Bhaskar (10 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your feedback.
Since you are 37 weeks pregnant, the gum infection may have arose due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

The symptoms you experience are of pregnancy gingivitis. The gums will be tender, sensitive during pregnancy. I would suggest you to visit a dentist and get scaling done as I mentioned already.
The inflammation will subside once the scaling has done. You can massage your gums using gum tone gel.

Further investigations like x-ray can be done after delivery.
I wish you good health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan

Follow up: Dr. Bindiya Bhaskar (24 minutes later)

Thank you that makes sense. Should I be worried that the bump could be cancer? If the bump is an abscess can it be drained while I am still pregnant?

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Bindiya Bhaskar (17 minutes later)

Hi,

The bump will not be cancer.

Abscess can be drained even if you are pregnant.

So,please do visit a dentist whenever feasible.

Thank you.
DR XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T