If you’ve noticed a hard lump inside your mouth, it’s likely an oral fibroma. These lumps form from constant irritation in that area of your mouth. Although finding a new lump in your mouth might worry you, understanding why and what to do about it can help ease your concerns.
What Does a Fibroma on the Gums Look Like?
Fibromas are lumps that often occur in the mouth. They feel hard and smooth, like scar tissue. These lumps look the same color as the mouth’s inner skin, usually white or sometimes dark red if they have recently bled due to irritation.
Is Gum Fibroma Dangerous?
While traumatic fibromas typically don’t indicate a serious issue by themselves, they can share symptoms with other conditions or injuries. For instance, if multiple lesions are present, your periodontist might consider conditions like Cowden syndrome or giant cell fibroma. Because several potential conditions could cause similar symptoms, additional tests or a biopsy may be necessary for a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Gingival Fibroma?
Traumatic fibromas result from continuous irritation or injury to the lips, cheeks, or tongue. Some common causes include:
- Frequent cheek or lip-biting
- Any form of mouth injury or irritation
- Poorly fitted dentures cause rubbing on the cheeks or tongue
- Dental restorations that are improperly placed and irritate the surrounding soft tissues
- Friction from a smooth cheek or tongue against a rough tooth.
Signs of Fibroma on Gums
It’s crucial to spot the condition early to effectively treat gingival fibroma. Signs like strange lumps in your mouth, rough patches inside your cheeks, or changes in cheek and gum color can indicate fibromas. Usually, these growths don’t get bigger than one centimeter wide.
Oral Fibroma Treatment
The only way to treat an oral fibroma is to have a doctor remove it. There are two methods to remove oral fibromas:
- Soft Tissue Laser Removal
Periodontists can swiftly and painlessly eliminate the growth using a special laser. First, local anesthesia is applied to the area. Then, the periodontist uses a laser to remove the fibroma. This procedure is relatively painless, causes no bleeding, and lasts around 15 minutes. - Surgical Excision
Similar to laser removal, this method involves cutting out the fibroma. After numbing the area, the dentist uses a sharp scalpel to remove it. Once the fibroma is gone, the dentist cleans the area and stitches it closed.
Since fibromas could be linked to oral cancer, a biopsy may be necessary for confirmation. Aftercare differs between the two methods, with surgical excision requiring careful monitoring for signs of infection like fever, pain, swelling, or discharge.
Can You Get Rid of Gingival Fibroma Naturally?
While some bloggers suggest using saltwater rinses or turmeric paste to treat traumatic fibromas, they can be deceiving. You can’t eliminate gingival fibroma via home remedies. The only confirmed method is to have a dental professional remove the hardened tissue.
Key Takeaway
Small, harmless fibroma on gums can often be left alone, especially if they don’t cause problems or discomfort. Whether to treat a fibroma depends on factors like its size, symptoms, location, and whether it affects one’s appearance.
Visit Dr. Michael K. McGuire at Perio Health Professionals. Our board-certified periodontist has previously served as the American Board of Periodontology chairman and president of both the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. Dial (346) 509-9060 to book an appointment.
