Finding anything out of the ordinary—including a lump under your gums—can be alarming, to say the least. Try not to panic. Having a lump under your gums isn't the end of the world and could be due to a perfectly benign condition. Here's what you need to know about this odd lump, how you got it, and what you can do to get rid of it.
Mandibular Tori
The condition that you have is most likely mandibular tori. This is a condition where a hard knot of bone grows under the surface of the gums, creating a noticeable lump from the outside. Mandibular tori typically develop because someone is applying too much pressure to their jaw. The jaw is designed to grow new bone cells when it's under pressure. This is part of a process called osteogenesis that helps the jaw to stay strong by stimulating bone growth whenever you chew. But when you put too much pressure on one part of the jaw, like by grinding your teeth, it grows an abnormal amount of bone in that area.
The good news here is that means that it's completely benign and safe, but it can still be a nuisance or uncomfortable if it's stretching your gums.
Reducing It
There are a couple of ways that you can help to reduce or get rid of the mandibular tori that you have. In order to reduce the size, you need to stop the behavior that allowed the mandibular tori to grow in the first place. If you grind your teeth, that means you need to stop. This can be difficult for some people, as they only grind their teeth in their sleep. You can get help by asking a dentist for a bite guard that will take the pressure off of your teeth and jaw when you bite down, and it can be worn during the day and night as needed.
Getting Rid of It
If you're uncomfortable because of your mandibular tori or just want it gone, you'll also need to visit with a dentist. Your dentist can surgically remove the mandibular tori by making a small incision in the gums and cutting out the excess bone. This is done under general anesthesia for your comfort. The gums are then stitched back together and you can go home the same day.
If you have questions about mandibular tori or other oral health issues, contact a local dentist.
As a homeschool parent and independent contractor, I don't always have time to practice good dental care. I often find myself in a rush just to meet my daily tasks and goals. My lack of good dental care eventually caught up with me. After experiencing severe pain in my back tooth, I made an appointment with my dentist. My dentist found a large hole in the center of the tooth. Root canal treatment couldn't save the tooth, so my dentist extracted it. I learned a very painful and valuable lesson that day. No matter how hectic my life is, I should still make time to brush and floss my teeth properly. I'm here to help you and other people avoid painful dental problems with my blog. I offer tips on how to keep your teeth clean and how to spot dental problems before they get out of control. Good luck.