I Have a Spot On My Gums That Looks Like a Sore. Do I Have a Problem?

Mouth sores are not uncommon. Millions of people suffer from mouth sores each day. If you are experiencing a sore on your gums, you may wonder what kind of problem you have. There are several reasons you may have a sore in your mouth, and each requires a different treatment.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are the most common ulcers in your mouth. While mouth ulcers are most common on your cheeks or underneath your tongue, you can develop canker sores on your gums as well. If you have a canker sore, you will notice that the sore itself is very red with a flat white center. Canker sores are quite painful, but they are not serious. You can treat your canker sores with saltwater rinses. You can also buy over-the-counter pastes to lessen the pain and promote healing. If you have several canker sores that appear to grow larger or are swollen, you need to come in and see one of our dentists.

Abscessed Teeth

If you have pain in one of your teeth that is growing more severe, and you notice a sore on the gum directly below the problem tooth, there is a chance you have an abscessed tooth that needs treatment. Often, the infection from a tooth abscess can progress to becoming a gum infection as well. If you notice you have severe pain in one area of your mouth, you are running a fever, you have a severe headache, or you have jaw pain, you need to call us right away. Abscessed teeth can be saved with prompt intervention.

Oral Cancer

The least likely reason you have a spot on your gums is due to oral cancer. If you have a family history of oral cancer, you use nicotine, you are a heavy alcohol user, or you used to chew tobacco, you are at a greater risk for oral cancer. Luckily, there are tests dentists can use to diagnose oral cancer that do not take long and are not painful. If you are worried about a spot on your gums, reach out to us today for an appointment.