When you have a healthy smile, your gums should be clean, pink, and healthy, but it can be pretty scary when there’s a hard, bony lump along your gum. However, most cases of hard bony lumps aren’t a cause for concern, as your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to properly diagnose and treat your gums to keep them healthy for life. We’re here to answer why you have a hard, bony lump along your gumline and provide the best information possible for what to do next. 

Why Do You Have a Hard Bony Lump on Your Gum? What Causes It? 

Bony growths, or exostosis or osteomas, are often found along the gumline near where your jawbone meets underneath. They form on top of the existing bone and have many causes. They can be caused by chronic bone injuries and irritations along the area and even appear after tooth extractions. However, there are some more specific causes that your dentist will be able to diagnose and treat effectively. Some of these causes include: 

• Cysts: Cysts are bubble pockets that contain clear liquid, air, and other materials that form along the gumlines. While generally painless, these cysts can easily become infected. 
• Canker Sores: Canker sores are a type of ulcer along the mouth’s surface and can be found on the gums. While these typically pass away independently, your dentist can provide medication if necessary.  
• Dental Abscesses: Abscesses are pockets of infection that can appear as hardish bumps along the gums. They feel warm, are generally painful, and can spread along the teeth and bones, causing damage. 
• Fibromas: These are often the most common forms of hard bumps along the gums. Fibromas are noncancerous growths that appear after the gum tissue has been injured or irritated. They’re hard and smooth but harmless. 
• Mandibular Torus: These hard, bony outgrowths are often found along the mandibular jawline, are harmless, and can be removed if necessary. 

Other conditions, such as oral cancer, oral lichen planus, and other tumors, can contribute to the formation of hard, bony lumps. If you are experiencing a hard, swollen spot along your gum line, you must seek an appointment with your dentist soon to diagnose and treat it. It is especially important if you notice any of the following symptoms associated with the bump:

• Signs of fever
• Signs of throbbing pain
• Any foul taste in your mouth
• Signs of foul-smelling breath
• Sores that don’t heal
• Sores that are getting worse
• Lump that won’t go away after a few weeks
• Signs of red or white patches along the mouth or on your lips
• a bleeding sore or lump

Visit Smile Solutions To Get a Regular Checkup and Dental Cleaning! 

If you find lumps on your gums and other unusual oral formations, we can offer treatment at our clinic in Garden City, South, NY. If you have hard lumps on your gums or other dental health concerns, call us at (516) 872-8780 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Berg. We’ll perform a complete dental exam and provide consultation for your concerns. We look forward to seeing you!