White Bumps On Gums
White bumps on gums. You may have heard that tooth decay is caused by bacteria. That’s true, but what you might not know is that gum disease is also caused by bacteria. When your gums are healthy, there are very few bacteria in the area between your teeth and gums. But in cases of periodontitis (which is essentially a type of gum disease), there are too many harmful bacteria growing in this space. These bacteria release toxins that inflame the gums and cause them to swell, bleed easily, and take on an uneven texture.
This can all make your gums appear as if they have little white bumps on them, which is essentially what they do have! These little bumps are called papules, and they’re a sign that you need to see a dentist right away. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to more serious health problems like tooth decay or tooth loss. Fortunately, catching it early makes treatment much easier and faster! Here’s what you should know about these white bumps on your gums:
What are the white bumps on gums?
Papules are small, hard lumps that form on the gums near the teeth’s edges. They can also appear right below the gum line, or even inside the gum tissue. Papules are usually white or yellowish, but they can also appear red or blue. The bumps may be small, or they may cover a large area.
Although the bumps are often painless, people tend to notice them because they stand out so much from the rest of the gums. Like the bumps on pimples, papules on your gums are caused by trapped bacteria.
This can happen when plaque buildup along the gum line is allowed to progress, allowing the bacteria in that plaque to get out of control and lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease are different than the bacteria that cause tooth decay, but both are spread through poor oral hygiene practices.
The dangers of gum disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. It is not a disease of the teeth themselves, but rather a bacterial infection of the gums and tissue that support the teeth. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria collects on the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone.
Bacteria are naturally occurring in everyone’s mouth, but if left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the gums, and can easily travel to the rest of your body. If left untreated, it can cause many health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer.
Signs you have gum disease.
Unfortunately, gum disease is something you want to catch as soon as possible. One of the most important signs to look out for is tiny white bumps along the gum line. Other signs include bleeding gums, gums that are red or swollen, bad breath, loose teeth, and a general feeling of something stuck in your teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
How to prevent gum disease:
The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for a check-up every six months. It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet. Sugary or starchy foods can lead to tooth decay, so try to eat a balanced diet full of fiber and whole grains.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored what gum disease is and why it’s important to watch out for the white bumps on your gums that are a sign of it. We also explored the dangers of gum disease, common signs of it, and what you can do to prevent it. Gum disease can be treated, but it’s important to catch it early. If you notice white bumps on your gums, don’t wait to see a dentist—go see one right away!
