Common causes of lumps on the gums

The appearance of the gum, the medical history and the time of evolution can guide us about the cause. What is important to note is that the presence of a lump on the gum for a time equal to or greater than two weeks should be a criterion, even in the absence of symptoms, to request the opinion of a family doctor.

Frequent causes

Periodontal disease or pyorrhea

It is the most frequent cause, it is estimated that 80% of the population can present it in a specific way or in a continuous way.

Pyorrhea, as it is popularly called, has two phases:

• Gingivitis, in which the gum is swollen and inflamed, red or bluish, is painful and bleeds easily. It can be a localized or generalized process of the whole mouth. It is reversible if the cause is corrected.
• Periodontitis It is the later phase: the continued inflammatory process of the gum causes it to detach from the teeth to which they are attached, creating spaces or pockets that facilitate the accumulation of food debris and bacteria, further increasing the inflammatory process that ends up destroying the bone where teeth are seated. The destruction of the bone and the loss of adhesion of the gum to the tooth causes them to move and that they can, in very advanced stages, fall or become detached.

The cause of it is poor oral hygiene, which produces an increase in bacterial plaque / tartar.

Factors that can aggravate periodontitis:

• Genetic predisposition.
• Use of antidepressants, diuretics, and medications that decrease saliva production.
• Poorly controlled diabetes with high blood sugar levels.
• Pregnancy, menstruation, puberty, menopause ... Hormonal changes favor bacterial growth.
• Crowding or dental malposition that makes dental hygiene difficult.
• Autoimmune diseases with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus ...

The treatment

On a personal level it will be a good one, flossing, mouthwash, interdental brushes….