Expert: Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com - 11/20/2008

Question
Hi! I really need help figuring out what is going on.  For 2+ weeks now.. there has been a lump behind my front two teeth in the gum area. I thought it would go away.. it doesnt hurt unless i presss realllllllly hard on it, and even then it is very little pain.  I dont know if your gums can grow? Could it be that? It just feels reallly weird in my mouth.  Also, when I eat sometimes it bleeds, like an apple or something.  Or like, this morning when I was brushing it was bleeding.  Do you know what this could be? Will it go away soon..?

Answer
Dear Radhika.

It is not possible to tell from your description exactly what is going on.  It is possible to have gingival hyperplasia(gums grow) in response to hormones or medicines. There also are growths that are related to pregnancy, called pregnancy granulomas or just granulomas. You also may have an infection. You could also,just have inflammation of the gingiva.


If you have a swelling for two plus weeks it would be a good idea to visit a dentist and have them take a look at what is going on. They would most likely be able to give you an explanation about what is going on. In general if you had a burn( which also can cause swelling) it would have resolved in two weeks. It is a good rule of thumb that if you have a swelling in the mouth, that last two or more weeks, you should visit your dentist.

I hope I have answered your question and please feel free to contact me again with any future dental questions.