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What Causes Swelling And Lumps On Gums?

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Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014
Question: I noticed very recently that on the right side of my lower jaw, on the gum line below my teeth that there is a raised swollen and smooth lump or ridge. It appears that it is the same color as the rest of my gum tissue. It feels rather hard and solid and I would like to get an opinion on what it most likely could be. For some background I am 27, I have smoked an average of a pack of cigarettes a day for 8 years, and I do drink soda's regularly. Also I did spend the majority of this week getting over a somewhat severe cold and do not know if that could have something to do with it. Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gum boil

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

This is Dr. Priyanka tiwari answering your query,

I have gone through your query and it looks like gum boil to me. It may be due to improper hygiene and habit of smoking.

Can you attach report (image ) of swelling that will be more helpful to me to arrive at a conclusion.

Based on the details provided, I would suggest you to start warm salt water gargles twice or thrice a day. Use chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily. You can try these measures before consulting a dentist. If symptoms don't resolve, IOPA xray of small lump will be needed.

Awaiting pictures to comment further

Hope I have answered your query .

If you have further query I will be happy to help.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (51 minutes later)
Hello Dr. Tiwari,

Thank you for your quick response! Attached is a photo taken with my smart phone, I apologize for the poor quality. You will notice at the center of the photo beside my fingers and below my teeth the lump in question. Let me know if I there is anything else I can do to help you, thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Abscess (pus ) formation in gum

Detailed Answer:
Hello, XXXX

Welcome again ,

I have seen that image you have attached , as far as I have observed in image it looks like gum boil which I have told you earlier , see this formation of abscess in gum is seen when there is infection in gums due to poor oral hygiene or infection in tooth due to caries or trauma or due to wearing of tooth.

So there is nothing to be worried but for this you should do warm saline gargle two - three times a day ,and consult dentist for investigations IOPA Xray of that region if it is gum infection then consult with your dentist for Scaling and currettage and if it is due to infection in tooth then consult your dentist for Root canal treatment if possible .

Hope I have answered your query ,

If you have further query I will be happy to help.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka tiwari

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (45 hours later)
Hello Dr. XXXXXXX Tiwari,

I am taking your advice and will use the home remedies as requested. Aside from the salt water/saline wash I have also been told that using a tea bag on the boil can also help to draw out the infection as well. Is this something you have heard of and would recommend?

Also is it common for there to be no pain associated with the gum boil in my mouth? When I search online most results often show that there is also swelling in facial tissues, as well as severe pain in and around the mouth. In the picture I showed you of the gum boil you could see the front of it, what you could the boil is elongated and stretches backward for at least 2-3 teeth. so it is very oval in shape.

Thank you and best regards!

doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
scaling and root planning.

Detailed Answer:
Hello ,XXXX

Welcome again ,

Read your query , I can understand your concern as you are asking about tea bags yes it can be used in home remedy but if you have painful gums and one thing I want to suggest you that these home remedies are safe if you use them correctly so , I will advise you to dont go for these home remedies it will give you temporary relief only.

As you are asking about pain and facial swelling associated with gum boil , yes painless gum boil are some patients and when infection involves more then 2 - 3 teeth then it can be oval shaped .

I will suggest you do warm saline gargle two - three times a day, visit dentist and go for examination of oral cavity and go for Scaling and Currettage .

Hope I have answered your query.

If you have further query I will be happy to help.
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

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

Dentist

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1956 Questions

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What Causes Swelling And Lumps On Gums?

Brief Answer: Gum boil Detailed Answer: Hello, This is Dr. Priyanka tiwari answering your query, I have gone through your query and it looks like gum boil to me. It may be due to improper hygiene and habit of smoking. Can you attach report (image ) of swelling that will be more helpful to me to arrive at a conclusion. Based on the details provided, I would suggest you to start warm salt water gargles twice or thrice a day. Use chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily. You can try these measures before consulting a dentist. If symptoms don't resolve, IOPA xray of small lump will be needed. Awaiting pictures to comment further Hope I have answered your query . If you have further query I will be happy to help.