Tim

Bumps that form on your gums are mild condition for us, noncancerous growths in our mouth can be caused by an irritation and they are relatively normal. In case they get be more serious conditions, white bumps on gums or lumps may indicate to be cancerous. Therefore you may have to visit your doctor who may remove by surgery.

A white bump on gums, called a gumboil or parulis, can be found around the teeth by the lips or cheeks, along with the roof of one’s mouth. This kind infection of the gum can have some inflammation around the bump and there may be an abscess. These feeling is caused by a tooth that had died due to decay or infection, called a non-vital tooth.
When the nerve tissue dies, the tissue causes a response where white blood cells enter the area to prevent an infection. Also, it forms when there is pressure from an abscess in the bone and the toxicity of the dead nerve tissue. The bump is filled with pus at the base of the tooth which breaks through the skin to form the bump or boil.
When the bump pops or releases the pus, there can be a salty or bitter taste. The gum boil may not necessarily be painful, but always does require medical attention. If there is any pain, the person usually makes an immediate appointment with their dentist.

I have a bump on my gums what could it be?

A gum pimple can be a sign of infection or abscess in either the bone or gum tissue.  Although most gum pimples are not painful they need to be evaluated by a dentist. Sometimes when teeth have an infection in the nerve or surrounding bone or gum tissue, you will see a reaction which occurs with a white bump on gums.
These little pimples on your gum that come and go but never go away completely can indicate a tooth abscess or gum infection. Not all teeth that are abscessed or infected get a drainage pimple.  Infection causes swelling that can result in pain because swelling creates pressure on the inside of your upper or lower jaw bone.
When you get a sinus tract drainage or fistula, it allows for drainage of the infected spot and relieves the swelling. The good news is, because the swelling is relieved through the pimple or drainage tract, you have no pain. The bad news, you still have infection somewhere in or near your tooth.

What if it doesn’t hurt?

The white lump on gums that drains is an indication that there is infection.  Even though it doesn’t hurt, you should get it checked out soon. It is not healthy for you to have chronic infection anywhere in your body.  It can eventually cause a bad toothache or make you sick.

What Causes White Bumps on Gums

White bumps, spots or swelling can be an indicator of severe condition of the gums. It usually occurs due to increased bacterial infection and abscess forming lumps on the gums.
The presence of a lump, or mass, on the gums can be indicative of numerous different problems. Such a fact is contrary to popular beliefs that it could be due to oral cancers or tumors. It could also occur because of injury trauma, canker sores or changes in the hormones due to pregnancy.
The most common cause of these white bumps is contraction of diseases such as Gingivitis and periodontal disease which is a more serious form of gingivitis. However other causing conditions include:
Gum Disease
They are mainly caused by poor dental hygiene that accumulates with inconsistencies in brushing the teeth and flossing. Also it further causes bacterial infection to accumulate which will eventually destroy the gums by entering the blood. However, inflammation can also cause white bumps on the gums. Symptoms of gum problems may include swelling and pain, loosening of teeth, foul breath and sensitive gums.
Mouth ulcers
For mouth ulcers, they are not only small white bumps but also yellowish spots. A single white bump on gums is a sign of ulcers and multiple bumps indicate complex sores. High intake of acidic food is one of the reasons for canker sores making it difficult to eat or chew. Therefore it is important while treating them one must stay away from hard food items and stick to soft or liquid foods.
After effect of braces
Some people experience white bumps after putting their braces on. It is possible that the braces are stopping the right way of cleaning the teeth allowing bacteria to form on the gums. For people having braces, water picks are quiet helpful in cleaning.
Infection
A tooth infections is the most common reason that lead to a small white bump, such as an infection in the tooth due to trauma, an infection by a decayed tooth and the dental chronic abscess. These infections can get your body to drain them out for protecting the area.
Canker Sores
These ulcers usually appear inside your mouth on tongue, gums and cheeks and they can be painful. In some case, they may develop a white coat on top of them. Canker sores can be due to a few of things, such as bad diet, food allergy, stress and even menstruation.
Gum abscess and white bumps
The white bump on gums may occur with the formation of pus sometimes also known as abscess. This can also destroy the bone underneath the affected area by creating a hole. This worsen the condition and that is why should be treated with utmost medical care at the right time.  Also at times it is not felt or goes unnoticed as it doesn’t hurt but later result to severe throbbing and sensitivity as well as inflammation.
The swelling mostly occur during the night time or overnight. Later, one might detect white spots on the gum that might hurt if touched with force. You may also face difficulty in opening the mouth due to inflammation and swelling. The accumulation of pus can also affect the taste buds.

White Bump on Gums no Pain meaning

There is a flat bone known as torus, which is a benign bony growth that is found on the tongue side of the lower jaw, or even on the hard palate. These small white bump on gums probably got the name from their bulbous shape and the fact that they are usually made of strong, solid bone.
Therefore, torus are generally not a very big problem, except when the removable prosthesis like the partial dentures or even complete dentures must be fully fitted.
Oral cancers are usually always soft tissue lesions, in other words they are very soft, not very hard bumps. Cancer is rarely hard or painful in presentation like the mandibular Tori. Cancer is not normally diagnosed feel alone, however, due to the fact that there is nothing particularly unique or the characteristic of the consistency or even the texture of cancer.
The painless lumps on gums start as small hard bumps, as times goes by, with no medication and treatment. This lead to the sores growing big, as you keep brushing your mouth, the sores may rupture and cause you to feel pain. The rupture may also be as a result of the teeth grinding the gums or the reaction between hard foods such as fries.

White Bump on Gums below Teeth

Dental cysts can form at the tip of the roots of dead teeth. They can also form around the crowns of buried teeth. Most bumps below teeth form because the teeth they are associated with have died from infection or trauma. Others form because of a mistake in the way the teeth have developed.
In rare cases, white bump on gums below teeth are part of a genetic syndrome that has other symptoms. Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain to you more about the cause of your cyst. Any teeth can develop lump on gum from dental cysts. Mostly people will only have one at a time, but some people are more susceptible to developing them either because of the condition of their teeth or because they have an inherited condition that has dental cysts as part of its features.

White Bump on Gums above Tooth

Many at times, the gums may bleed if you brush the teeth and gums very hard, make use of a hard-bristled toothbrush, or the snap dental floss hard against the gums. Always be gentle with the teeth, use a very soft-bristled toothbrush as well as floss very carefully to assist to prevent bump on gums.
Smoking as well as chewing tobacco increases the risk for gum disease which can be seen with a hard white bump on gums above tooth. Smokers have a very higher chance of experiencing gum disease throughout their mouths than the non-smokers.
However, you may not experience the symptoms of bleeding or a lump on the gums due to the normal bleeding immune response that is affected by tobacco use.
Chewing of the tobacco or use of the snuff can also result in gums recession in the area of the mouth where the tobacco is normally inserted. Constant irritation brought about by the tobacco products increases the risk of oral cancer.

Causes of Hard Bumps on Gums

In many cases, the structure and appearance of bumps on gums is dependent on what the cause them to occur. The color of the lumps would vary from reddish, grayish all the way to whitish. The size on the other hand would be small 0.5mm to big one of around 2mm. the other aspect of the lump would be the texture, some would be tough when touch with the fingers whereas other may appear tender and soft when felt.
Severally, a hard white lump on gum may be as a result of sexually transmitted infection, the more common culprit of this would either be chlamydia, Gonorrhoea or HIV/AIDS. When these are the cause, you should expect other symptoms such as;

• Cracking of the mouth lining
• Peeling of the mucus membrane
• Dry and cracked lips
• You should also expect loss of test

It is important to visit your health care provider for early diagnosis and treatment. This will be helpful in preventing future infection and making sure you do not transmit the infection to other persons.

White Bump on Gums of a Baby

When your child has bumps or small sore on the gum, this could be a source of pain and discomfort. When this happens, you need to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. Most of the infection for children happen from the mouth. Your child may be having an oral thrush or cankers sores or just an injury from playing with sharp objects.
When you find the actual cause of the white bump on gums in your baby’s mouth is the first step in trying to figure out the best way to get rid of the lumps. For small children below 8 years, you could try waxing the gum with coconut oil or raw honey to help dry the sores and alleviates the pain by reducing the contact between them and the teeth.

White Bumps on Gums Home Remedy

It is important to note that the best way of getting rid of the bumps is treating the underlying cause of the bumps in the first place. White bump on gums is not an infection on its own. Lumps on gums are a symptom of an underlying medical or health complication. You can easily reduce the pain and speed up the healing process by following same of the simple home remedies below.
However, the remedies can sometimes only help reduce the pain, irritation and help dry the ruptured sore. The remedies do not treat the cause of the lumps, you need to seek the help of a dentist or a general health practitioner as soon as you can.
Aloe Vera rinse
Aloe Vera has a lot of anti-inflammatory, anti-itching and lots of antibacterial property important in healing very many skin infection. When used on ruptured sore, aloe Vera can help speed the healing process at the same time reducing bleeding of the gums.
To prepare, simply mix aloe Vera gel in a cup of water, swish the mixture over the sores three times a day after meals to ease the pain and speed the healing process.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile has been used as an herb to heal stomach upsets or induce sleep. Chamomile also help in promoting relaxation. All this is made possible as a result of a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties found the chamomile plant.
When being used on a white bump on gums, chamomile will help reduce the pain cause by the ruptured sores and also help in speeding up the healing and getting rid of the lumps. To prepare;

• Soak the tea bag in water for 3 minute
• After soaking place it directly against the sores for 5 minutes
• Repeat this twice daily for optimal results

Coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatories, antimicrobial and generally healthy when eaten. It is the best remedy for getting rid of canker sore causing white bumps on tongue, peeling inside mouth and white bump on gums. All you need to prepare this remedy is a fresh coconut fruit.

• Dab a moderate amount of coconut oil using a swab onto the sores.
• An alternative is, you can put a considerate amount of coconut oil in your mouth and leave it for 10 minutes before throwing it out
• Repeat this twice daily till the peeling and the white bumps on tongue disappear.

Use raw Honey
Honey can be very helpful when treating simple coughing and sore throats. Honey has antibacterial properties and potential anti-inflammatory qualities. Raw organic honey thus makes an excellent soothing coating for sore throats and canker sores in your mouth. If honey is placed on the white bumps on tongue it could help relieve the pain and speed in the healing process all together.
Swish some warm water in your mouth, then apply a thick layer of raw organic honey, you can do this with your fingers or a spoon. Let the coating last for around 10 minutes, before rinsing it out. Do this twice in a day and the result will be optimal.
Use Wax to cap the sores and reduce contact with teeth
For sore that keep rubbing against you teeth or are irritated by the dentures, putting a little wax “capping” over the surface of the sores can really reduce the irritating friction. You need to make the wax thicker enough so that it does not just get around the brace and stuck.

• Melt down a beeswax and coconut oil and allow them to mix
• Allow the mixture to cool
• Gently press dollop over the edge of the teeth to prevent the sores from rubbing

Salt Water & Clove Oil

When a person is dealing with the pain of a bump on gums, salt water rinses may assist the pain disappear. Using clove oil on the spot may also bring a bit of relief. Over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen or even acetaminophen, may also make a big difference. Try using the mouthwashes with a very high alcohol content or a blend of a hydrogen peroxide and water to gargle remember not to swallow the concoctions.

How to Treat Bumps on Gums

A lump on the gums might be very painful, annoying as well as frightening. Here are various ways to assist fight it. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for problems like this. They may also often deliver relief, and once the swelling disappears, the dentist may want to get rid of the tooth or do other procedures so as to ensure the problem is gone.
Medical options
If the problem is too serious, the dentist may perform minor surgery to assist you get over the issue. Scaling as well as root planning of the area are the first options, and if that fails to work, a root canal may be in order. If that also fails to work, tooth extraction or periodontal surgery may be needed.
Cleaning your Teeth and Roots
Keep the teeth clean to prevent white bump on gums by brushing as well as flossing every day. Also, use of mouthwash with a good alcohol content to clean and freshen your mouth after each and every brush. This may also assist to avoid the formation of pockets that gets hold bacteria.
Regular Dental visit
Keep up on this for the cleaning and the x-rays to identify lump on gums, as well as assist to avoid the problems by spotting them before they begin.
When to See a Doctor
If you are much suffering from the pain while chewing, swelling of the jaw, or trouble opening the mouth, you may need to see your dentist for white bum on gums treatment. Other problems that might send you to the dentist include a bad odor from the mouth that won’t go away, occasional bleeding from your gums and fever or any other signs of infection.
Root Canal Treatment
In case the soft tissue on your abscessed tooth has swollen, your dentist may start by draining it first. The tooth will be opened up and the nerve that is sending pain sensations to your brain will be removed. The infected pulp inside the canal will also be cleaned out.
Antibiotics
You may not need antibiotics if your infection isn’t spreading to areas other than your abscessed tooth. It is also important to use antibiotics if your immune system isn’t functioning properly.
More references

1. Lump on gums: http://mddk.com/lump-on-gums.html
2. White bumps on tongue and gums: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tongue-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx
3. White spots on gums treatment: http://everydayroots.com/canker-sore-remedies
4. Hard white lump on baby’s gums: http://community.babycenter.com/post/a18326635/help…hard_white_bump_on_babys_gums._not_teething.

Painful, sore, red gums can be a symptom of gum inflammation or, more likely, periodontitis which is inflammation of the attachment fibres of the teeth and supporting bone. This can arise due to a number of different causes, including poor oral hygiene with improper brushing or flossing. Inflammation of the gums may manifest as painful gums, sensitivity, redness and swelling and bleeding gums either after brushing or when irritated.
Gum disease can as well lead to receding gums and even damage to the bones of the jaw. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also increase the sensitivity of the gums, which may in some cases lead to soreness or pain. Painful gums can also arise due to localized sores on the gums, such as abscesses or canker sores.

What Causes Gums to be Painful?

There are a number of different causes of gum pain. Almost everyone experiences painful gums or soreness in their gums at one time or another. Most of the time the pain or soreness is of a temporary nature and is not usually a cause of concern.
Sometimes, when you experience sore or painful gums, it may be due to a problem that you brought upon yourself that could have been avoided. Therefore, your lifestyle, including your hygienic practices, can have a great impact on what goes on inside your mouth.
Here are the possible reasons for sore gums:
Aggressive Brushing or Flossing
Taking good care of teeth involves, brushing them often and properly. When it comes to brushing your teeth however, more often may be better but more aggressively is not. Your teeth can stand frequent brushing but aggressive brushing may result to problems. What overly aggressive brushing can do however, besides causing wear and tear on your toothbrush, is to damage your gums (gingivae).
The same applies to flossing. You may be flossing your teeth with the idea you are cleaning them. That is true, but only to a certain extent. There are two reasons for flossing. One is to prevent decay and gum disease by removing food particles that might accumulate and harbor bacteria. The second reason is to massage your gums. Massaging them helps to keep the blood circulating underneath their surfaces as it should.
Gum Disease
The good news about gum disease is that it is normally both easily treatable and curable. The bad news is that if it is neglected and left untreated, your mouth and gingivae can eventually become a constant source of painful gums and discomfort.
There are two main types of gum disease: mild and severe. The mild type is called gingivitis and the more severe type is called periodontitis. One leads to the other. Inadequate dental hygiene practice can cause gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums or gingival tissues). There are two excellent ways to prevent gingivitis from occurring. One of them is to practice good dental hygiene. The other is to visit your dentist at least once or twice a year who can easily tell if you have gingivitis and can tell you what to do about it.
If you have gingivitis and it is allowed to develop into periodontitis, you will have a problem. The painful gums you are then likely to experience may only be the tip of the iceberg. The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis consists of inflammation on the surface of the gums while periodontitis goes deeper into the gums and can begin to inflame and infect the roots of the teeth as well as the bones the teeth are attached to.
Injuries or Irritation
If your gums get scratched, you may as well feel a certain amount of pain or tenderness. There are numerous small blood vessels and nerve endings in the gingivae. Because of these nerve endings, any pain due to a paper-thin cut, lesion, or a tiny puncture, may cause painful gums. These small injuries or traumas are generally harmless and the pain will of course eventually subside. The only problem is if the injury gets infected, although this is somewhat uncommon in healthy persons.
Hormonal changes
Painful gums due to changing hormones are normally only experienced by women. Hormones associated with pregnancy will sometimes cause a person’s gums to become swollen and inflamed, which is of course symptomatic of gingivitis. Pregnancy is one instance where gingivitis cannot always be avoided, but should it occur, its symptoms are generally mild and if proper care is given to the teeth, the condition will not advance and usually go away after delivery.
The pregnancy hormones can also cause one or more small nodules to develop on the gums, hence these nodules tend to bleed easily. These nodules are benign and usually go away following delivery.
Ill-Fitted Dentures
Ill-fitting dentures can often be a cause of painful gums. The negative effects dentures on gums, whether ill-fitting or not, most often involve the lower jaw as it is at the bottom of the mouth where it is more difficult to keep dentures in place. Lower dentures can too easily be moved about by the tongue or the action of the jaw or facial muscles, while upper dentures have more of a tendency to stay in place. If the lower dentures do not fit well, the problem will likely occur.
Receding Gums

This is one of the most common causes of painful gums. Whether or not gingival recession will actually cause pain will vary, partly in response to the cause and to the manner in which the gums have receded. Receding gums are often a somewhat natural occurrence that tends to happen mostly in adults and the elderly, regardless of the lifestyle they have been leading.
There are many causes of receding gums that are not natural or related to heredity and are therefore preventable. Chewing tobacco can cause the gums to recede, along with other problems, which will be touched upon later. Bruxism or grinding of the teeth, inadequate brushing, and overaggressive brushing or flossing can be contributors.
Use of tobacco
It doesn’t much matter whether you smoke or chew tobacco. Partaking in either method can cause painful gums, the only difference between the two being the problems caused by smokeless tobacco are generally much worse. Whether you puff or chew, there are cytotoxic chemicals in tobacco and tobacco smoke that are not kind to your gums. Cytotoxic chemicals are chemicals or substances that are destructive to the cells and tissues in your body.
Chewing tobacco can easily cause mouth sores, cracked lips, and bleeding gums, not to mention putting the user at a much higher risk of developing oral cancer. The nicotine in tobacco causes vasoconstriction or narrowing of the blood vessels in the gums. Any deficiency in the blood supply to the gums will do little in the way of keeping them healthy and will have a tendency to cause them to recede, opening the way to various gum problems, the least of which may be painful gums.
Stress
Stress can be a factor of temporomandibular (TMD) disorders. TMD are characterized by jaw joint pain caused by grinding of the teeth or overuse of the jaw muscles. Grinding of your teeth can often contribute to painful gums, but stress can cause gum pain in other ways as well. There appears to be a definite relationship between stress and an increased risk of gum disease, with highly emotional people having the greatest risk of having gum problems.
Teething
Teething is the most common cause of gum pain in infants although it is usually a temporary, one-tooth-at-a-time condition. Some infants and small children experience more pain or soreness than others, some experience little discomfort at all, and almost all of them get through the teething process without problems.
Adults can sometimes experience this type of discomfort if a tooth does not come through the gums as it should, or more likely with the appearance of the wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth are sometimes a cause of gum pain in both adults and adolescents.
Canker Sores
Common culprits behind painful gums are mouth ulcers. These painful sores can develop anywhere inside the mouth, including on the gums, and often have a whitish centre with red edges. You may have one canker sore at a time, making only one area on your gums sore, or you may have multiple sores at the same time throughout your mouth.
While researchers don’t know what causes canker sores, there may be bacterial or viral involvement. People with certain autoimmune disease may also be more likely to have gum problems caused by canker sores. Canker sores often come back over time and are not contagious.
Chemotherapy
This can have a number of unpleasant side effects, including painful, swollen, and bleeding gums. Many people undergoing treatment for cancer contend with stomatitis, which causes the development of painful sores and ulcers on the gums and throughout the mouth.

Can you have Gum Pain in Back of Mouth?

There are also instances where you are likely to experience gum pains at the back of your mouth. In most cases, the common culprit of this kind of condition is the eruption of wisdom of wisdom teeth.
During the normal growth stages one may start to develop molar teeth while the jaw bone expand in length to give more space for additional teeth. This is common in teenagers and adults in their early twenties.
However, this condition of painful gums at the back of the mouth may be triggered by some other conditions which we have talked about above. Incase this problem is persistent, visiting your dentist will be the best option to achieve a lasting solution.

Sore Gum around one Tooth Meaning

When brushing your teeth, it’s common to suddenly spot something you didn’t notice before. How, for example, could a swollen gums around one tooth form? There are a few reasons a gum can swell in one area, including an abscessed tooth, gum disease and improper brushing or flossing. Here are some causes of this common problem and what to do if it happens to you.
Hygienic problems
If there is painful gums around just one tooth in your mouth, it may be because you didn’t brush or floss correctly, which can leave behind food debris that causes decay and inflammation in the neglected area. Over time, this inadequate oral hygiene can cause gum disease as well. Be on the lookout for pale, red or swollen gums, as well as bleeding while brushing, pus coming from the tooth, a loose tooth or persistent bad breath and taste.
Abscessed tooth
This is very common cause of local gum sores and indicates you have an infection in or around your tooth. Often this can come from an untreated cavity that causes bacteria to spread throughout your tooth and infect it. Keep in mind it can cause irritation and ultimately cost you the tooth if left untreated. Because treatment is required for an abscessed tooth, your dentist may give you antibiotics for the infection.
A healthy mouth and beautiful smile depend on how much care you put into both your teeth and gums. Start with oral care at home and follow it up with semi-annual dentist visits to make sure your mouth health is uninterrupted from ear to ear.

Reasons for Gum Pain between Teeth

Any injury to the gums or teeth can be very painful. In some cases, however, the cause of severe dental pain is not obvious. Pain that comes on suddenly may be caused by particles of food that got lodged in a cavity and have started to irritate the nerve inside the tooth.
If you lose a filling or a crown, the nerve inside the tooth may be exposed, and you may feel severe pain when air or hot or cold substances touch the uncovered part of the tooth.
Painful gums that becomes more severe over a period of time is commonly caused by debris lodged under the gums. Popcorn is a common offender. Because the hard cellulose fibres of the popcorn kernel don’t break down, it can remain stuck between your gum and your tooth.

Home Remedies for Painful Gums

Pain on the gums is a common problem. The tissue that forms the gums is thick, fibrous and full of blood vessels. Hence, when there is swelling, the gums may protrude or bulge out and appear red instead of their normal pink color. This can cause the gums to become irritated, sensitive and even painful. The gums also may bleed more easily when brushing or flossing your teeth.
You can soothe the pain and swelling of gums with proper oral hygiene and home remedies. However, if you have swollen gums and symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see your dentist.
Warm and Cold Compresses
Warm and cold compresses can provide quick relief for sore, swollen gums as they help reduce pain and swelling. You need to hold the compresses against your face, not directly on the painful gums.
Salt Water
Salt is another effective remedy for swollen gums. It is used to inhibit growth of bacteria in the mouth and prevents infections that may contribute to several oral health issues. After brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently rub your gums with salt for a few seconds. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this once daily. After your gums are healthy again, do this 3 times a week to prevent recurrence.
Another option is to add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and use it to rinse your mouth twice daily until the swelling subsides.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This can also help reduce gum inflammation and pain. It can even help kill germs and fight oral problems. For oral health, use food grade, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution only. Mix equal parts of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and water. Swish the solution around your gums and teeth for 30 seconds. Rinse it off with warm water.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub this paste on your gums, wait 1 minute and then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Use either of these treatments 2 or 3 times a week. Make sure you do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.
Turmeric
Turmeric is also a good home remedy for painful and swollen gums too. It contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. In addition, it prevents the spread of bacterial activity that causes several oral problems. Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to make a paste. Apply this paste on the gums with your clean finger.
Black Tea Bags
Black tea bags have tannins that can help reduce inflammation of the gums. In addition, its antioxidant properties promote good oral health. Just steep a tea bag in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove it and allow it to cool to a bearable temperature. Hold the tea bag on the affected area of your gums for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution.
Aloe Vera
Another effective remedy to treat swollen and bleeding gums is aloe vera. This herb has anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that can prevent the growth of plaque causing bacteria in the mouth and soothe inflamed gums. Cut open an aloe vera leaf to get the gel and rub the gel on the gums for 1 to 2 minutes, the rinse with warm water.

Quick Relief from Gum Pain

Natural pain relief or home remedies are sought after by many individuals who are suffering from gum pains because it is very accessible and can eliminate pain right away.
Pain is such a daunting experience for many people especially the pain coming from the gums. Gum pains can happen any time without early warning. Usually, gum pain last for hours and can give any individual a hard time if doesn’t treated right away.
Those who suffer from painful gums can have a quick relief by using natural remedies. Here is some of the most common natural remedy that you can find right through your own home.

• Use garlic. This is the most common ingredient found in their kitchen. Prepare herbal mixture using garlic. All you have to do is to peel the garlic and minced it by using a knife and place it around your painful gums. This is the easiest way to eliminate pain when you are suffering from gum infection or tooth infection.
• The onion. Onion is also one of the most important elements that people use for everyday cooking but it can also be used as a natural remedy for gum pain. Many studies have shown that onion has antibacterial component that can help eliminate bacteria that are sometimes brought about by gum and tooth infection. It has been proven that if one person consumes one onion each day by mastication, they will eliminate the occurrence of having gum pain.
• Vanilla extract. Gargle a pure vanilla extract throughout the mouth to relief you from extreme pain. These extract will help give the gum a numbness that would quickly relief you from pain.
• Tea tree oil has long been use to eliminate any pain in mouth especially painful gums. To apply tea tree oil extract you have to use cotton to rub around the painful part of the gum. This oil does really help in eliminating the pain easily even though it doesn’t taste good at all.
• Use of cloves. They can also help in stopping the spread of bacteria in your gum that might cause infection and extreme pain.
• The lime extract. Lime is very rich in vitamin C. This is useful in maintaining overall oral health inside the mouth thus reducing the occurrence of gum pain.

More references

1. Gums problem basics: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-problem-basics-sore-swollen-and-bleeding-gums
2. Causes of painful gums: http://www.healthline.com/symptom/swollen-gums
3. Causes of swollen gum around one tooth: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/article/what-causes-a-swollen-gum-around-one-tooth-1015

Receding gums, as the name itself suggests, occurs when the gum tissue around your teeth wear away and the gums seem to recede backwards making a larger area of the surface of tooth more visible. When your gums recede, it gives rise to gaps between your teeth and gum line. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and survive there.
The modern oral hygiene and dentistry have made receding gum treatment less of a problem than in generations past, even for older adults. It is now easier than ever to both prevent and treat gingival recession.

Keeping your gums healthy is the best way on how to stop receding gums. Brushing twice a day, flossing and keeping up with dental cleanings performed by a dental professional are usually all that is needed to keep gums from receding from the teeth.
However, it’s not that simple. Heredity can cause teeth to recede, despite even the best hygiene practices. You may grind your teeth or have a misalignment, making it easier for plaque and tartar to build up at the gum line, causing it to recede. Brushing to hard at the gum line can also cause gum recession to occur.

What Causes Receding Gums

It can be scary and painful to have receding gums, but this should not cause worry to you. There are several steps you can take at home that may serve as effective treatment for receding gums, depending on the severity of the problem. The first step for addressing an oral health matter is to consult your dentist to find out whether your oral health requires further measures.

Symptoms of receding gums

Although gum recession is very general dental problem, most of the people suffering from it doesn’t seem to notice it timely because the process is very slow and it occurs gradually. However, if your tooth has become sensitive, you should check for receding gums because this one of the very first signs of receding gums.
Also when you feel your tooth or teeth appear to be larger than earlier, immediately start treating your tooth as this is nothing but a receding gum problem. You can list the symptoms of receding gums as follows:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Tooth appearing larger than usual
• Pain or tooth ache
• bad breath
• swollen and red gums
• a bad taste in your mouth
• loose teeth

You may notice that your bite is different. You may also notice some pain or that your gums are especially tender. One of the major concerns with receding gums is that they become more susceptible to bacteria growth. This is why regular dental check-ups, and good and daily oral care is essential.

Causes of gum recession

Gum recession has many causes. The most serious is periodontal disease. Other causes include:
Overly aggressive brushing or flossing
It is great to be enthusiastic about oral care, but you should make sure that you’re brushing, not scrubbing! Never use a toothbrush that is not soft. Be gentle on your teeth, and remember that taking care of them isn’t supposed to hurt.
Genetics
Your gums’ characteristics are determined by your genetics, just as the rest of your body is. If one or both of your parents have gum recession, you’re at a higher risk for receding gums.
Abnormal tooth positioning

The abnormal tooth positioning is the irregular appearance of the teeth on the jaw bone apart from the normal arrangement. If your teeth are not in alignment to one another, gum recession can occur in this situation. It is important to know ways on how to stop receding gums to handle this condition.
You may experience gum recession if your teeth aren’t in quite the right alignment. Prominent tooth roots, misaligned teeth, or attachment muscles can force gum tissue out of place.
Grinding your teeth, or bruxism
This habit can be the cause of many dental maladies, not just gum recession, so let your dentist know right away if you think you are grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding can be treated easily and painlessly with a mouth guard and several other options.
If you grind your teeth while you sleep, you may also notice gum recession. Grinding and clenching can put excessive forces on your teeth. This can cause gum recession.
Trauma to gum tissue. The gum tissue may recede when a traumatic injury has occurred on a tooth or teeth.
Poor oral health. If your oral health habits are questionable, gum recession may be a result of periodontitis. Gum diseases, specifically speaking periodontal diseases meaning bacterial infections that occur in your gums. These infections damage the gum tissue and your teeth’s supporting bone leading to gum recession and then other problems.
Poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush or floss properly, you may end up building plaque on your teeth. This plaque then turns into calculus, also called tartar. Tartar is the hard substance between your teeth and may cause gum recession.
Other more causes may include the following:

• old age
• medical conditions, such as diabetes
• A sports injury or other trauma to the mouth can also lead to receding gums. For example, body piercing studs of the lip or tongue can rub against the gum tissue causing recession.
• Smoking also damages the gums. You’re at increased risk for gum recession if you chew tobacco or dip with a pouch of tobacco.
• Poor-fitting partial dentures can also cause gum problems
• Hormonal changes, especially in women, may also sometimes cause receding gums. The changes in hormones make the gums more sensitive and vulnerable.
• Piercing of your lips or tongue can also cause gum recession. This is because the jewelry that you wear after piercing may get rubbed against the gums. This may lead the gum tissue to wear away.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back

Gum infection (periodontitis) is a common condition that leads to receding gums. Gum deterioration occurs when chronic infection affects the tissues and bones around the teeth. The good news is that you can try to improve oral hygiene to stop gums from receding and there are other ways to stimulate its growth. More importantly, ask your dentist about gum health.
Gums are soft tissues that normally cover the bones holding the teeth in place as well as the roots of the teeth. Gums recede when they shrink and appear to be drawn back, resulting in the roots of the teeth becoming visible. This happens when gum infection is not treated, or when you brush your teeth aggressively.
In mild cases, natural remedies may help improve receding gums. While it’s not likely to reverse receding gums, you can do make things to prevent it from shrinking more. Severe cases must be seen and treated by a dentist for better results.

How to Reverse Receding Gums – Home Remedies

Maintain Proper Dental Hygiene
Brush your teeth using gentle, not aggressive strokes, and circular motion. Avoid pushing the gums upward but gently brush them along gum lines to remove bacteria that cause gingivitis. Use a small-headed toothbrush with a soft bristles.
Regular flossing is also recommended, since it effectively removes plaque between teeth and around gums. Dentists recommend flossing and brushing after every meal to prevent gum disease.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of nutrients such as vitamin C, which is important to maintain gum health. Vitamin C reduces inflammation from gum disease and promotes gum regeneration. Eat fresh fruits, such as strawberries and pineapple, and vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus, which are vitamin-rich foods.
Use a Germicidal Mouth Rinse
Rinse your mouth with mouthwash containing a few drops of essential oils (peppermint, clove, or sage) for about one minute. When done regularly this can help control gum infection that causes receding gums. Water with hydrogen peroxide also works to reduce bacterial growth and promote dental health.
Drink Lots of Plain Water for Cleaning and Healing
You can also keep gums healthy by drinking plain water instead of sugary beverages. Use plain water to swish around the mouth after eating to remove particles of food that may be left between the teeth and gums. Repeat this procedure as often as you can to have a clean mouth and teeth and to promote healing of gums.
Do Gums Grow Back after Injury
If you do not contain receding gums, even the root of teeth may become exposed which can then cause pain making your teeth extremely sensitive. Not only this, due to the damage caused to the supporting tissue and bone structures of your teeth, you may eventually lose teeth. The receding gums whether to grow back or not usually depends on severity of the condition, although this reverse process is not usually compete up the usual state.
Medical Treatment for Receding Gums
When you notice your receding gums in time, a dentist may treat it with deep cleaning processes used for teeth such as tooth scaling and root planing. In these, the dentist will carefully remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth and root surfaces below the gum line. If however, you have got late in identifying your receding gums, the dentist may go for gum surgery to repair the damage caused by your receding gums.
These surgeries may include such procedures as pocket depth reduction, regeneration of lost bone and tissue of teeth and gums, soft tissue graft etc. However, if you do not want to go for these dental treatments, you may very well adopt certain home remedies that may treat your receding gums. But if your gums have some infection, you must first visit a dentist so that you may know how deep the bacteria have invaded.
Otherwise home remedies for receding gums are sufficient. You can even grow back receding gums with proper dental care and certain natural remedies.

How to Stop Receding Gums Fast

If left untreated, gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity and can also lead to further gum and bone loss. As the gums recede, the teeth will appear longer and gaps may form between them.
The exposed dentin may also cause tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and beverages… If gum disease is the culprit, chronic bad breath may accompany the condition.
Treatments
The first step in treatment is to determine what factors are contributing to the recession, so they can be lessened or, if possible, eliminated. For instance, crooked teeth can be straightened, tobacco use curbed and better oral hygiene methods incorporated.
One possible treatment is to attach bonded resin restorations to the exposed areas of your teeth. In this procedure, your dentist adheres a tooth-colored plastic material to the affected area that can then be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth.
For significant gum loss, your dentist may recommend a gingival tissue graft. This procedure requires a periodontal surgeon to extract soft tissue from the roof of the mouth and transplant it to the area that has worn away. The newly-integrated tissue slows further gum recession and bone loss and protects the exposed root from decay.
Once those factors are addressed, different treatments can be used by your dental professional to enhance and restore the appearance to your gums:
Deep cleaning: Your dentist and dental hygienist may use special tools in order to remove the plaque and tartar build-up on the roots where the gums are receding, a procedure known as root planing.
Gum grafting: This involves taking the patient’s own healthy gum tissue from the palate or using a gum grafting material to replace the missing gum tissue. Your dentist may recommend you see a periodontist, a dental specialist who treats the gum tissue and supporting bone, for this surgical procedure.
Regeneration: In severe cases of gum recession, the bone may be destroyed. Recent advances in dentistry allow the periodontist to conduct a surgical procedure where a regenerative material is placed in the area of bone loss to help regenerate the bone and tissue. The gum tissue is then secured in that area where one or more teeth may have been involved.
Gum recession might occur very slowly, sometimes over a period of years. This can make it tough to spot if you don’t experience pain or sensitivity. However, if you notice that your teeth appear longer, or the spaces in between them appear bigger at the base, contact your dentist, as these may be signs that you need receding gums treatment.
Prevention
Prevent the advent or continuation of gum recession with proper oral care and regular visits to the dentist. Use an approved soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three to four months. Brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss at least once per day.
Place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle from the tooth’s surface and use short, up and down strokes. If you already have some gum recession, position your toothbrush so that the sides of the bristles, rather than the ends, make contact with the tooth. This will help prevent further tissue destruction.

Can Receding Gums be reversed

Well I’m not sure what parts of your body grow back? If you cut off an arm for example it will not return. Gums can be healed quite easily. For instance I was having receding gums. Turns out hard is for dentures only, and otherwise all people should use soft.
Teeth do have the ability to heal from a cavity form. Once the cavity has hit a nerve though you will have to remove the tooth, or get a root canal otherwise you will suffer infection and nerve damage.
The misconception stems from the fact that most people do not realize the way diet affects teeth. Eating starches and sugars have a negative effect on teeth. Starches such as noodles and pasta are turned into sugars in the mouth by saliva.
Eating fats that contain vitamin K2, Vitamin D3 and calcium or taking those three in combination will help to heal the teeth, and indeed strengthen all bones. Another thing that is important is gelatin, and eating a bone broth made from beef is an amazing elixir for healing the teeth.
Drinking high amounts of sugars such as pops will leech calcium from the bones, and also destroys the teeth topically. This creates a double effect inside and out that leads to worse cavities.
I can say that in my life time as a child I had lots of cavities, but as an adult since I quit drinking soda and stopped eating starches, and have a healthier diet, I never get cavities anymore.

How to Fix Receding Gums from Brushing

If your receding gums are due to mild periodontitis, your dentist may treat you by performing deep cleaning of your teeth, which involves root planing and tooth scaling to remove tartar and plaque on the tooth surfaces and beneath your gum line. Antibiotics may be used to kill harmful bacteria.
Severe gum recession with bone loss and deep pockets may require surgery to repair damage. The following procedures may be used in treating gum recession:
Regeneration of Lost Bone
This procedure involves folding back gum tissue, removing bacteria and applying a material (a membrane, a tissue-stimulating protein or a graft tissue) used to regenerate gums and bone naturally. The gum is secured back over the root of your teeth.
Pocket Depth Reduction
This procedure involves folding back gum tissue, removing harmful bacteria from tooth pockets, and securing the gum back over tooth roots, to eliminate or reduce.
Soft Tissue Graft
This involves tissue grafting, that is, taking soft tissue from the roof of your mouth, which is sewn to the gum surrounding your exposed tooth root.
Your dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment, depending in the severity of your gum problem.
Mild gum recession may be able to be treated by your dentist by deep cleaning the affected area. During the deep cleaning also called tooth scaling and root planing plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line is carefully removed and the exposed root area is smoothed to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach itself. Antibiotics also may be given to get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria.
Noticing receding gums in time, may help a dentist to treat it with deep cleaning processes used for teeth such as tooth scaling and root planing. He will carefully remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth and root surfaces below the gum line.
If your gum recession cannot be treated with deep cleaning because of excess loss of bone and pockets that are too deep, gum surgery may be required to repair the damage caused by gum recession.
How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?
The best way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your mouth. Brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist or periodontist at least twice a year, or as recommended.
If you have gum recession, your dentist may want to see you more often. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and ask your dentist to show you the proper way to brush your teeth. If a misaligned bite or teeth grinding is the cause of gum recession, talk to your dentist about how to correct the problem. Other ways to prevent gum recession include:

• Quit smoking if you smoke.
• Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet.
• Monitor changes that may occur in your mouth.

By taking good care of your teeth, you can have a healthy smile forever.
More references

1. Receding gums treatment and prevention: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease/article/receding-gums-treatment-and-prevention-0413
2. Receding gums causes and treatment: http://www.livestrong.com/article/168934-receding-gums-causes-treatment/
3. Can receding gums grow back: http://www.newhealthguide.org/Can-Receding-Gums-Grow-Back.html

Purple gums are caused by gum disease and can be a sign of both gingivitis and periodontitis, as per research findings. Gum disease results from infection that causes inflammation. This inflammation process causes discoloration of the gums along with bleeding, bad breath, shiny gums and mouth sores. Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits.
Quantum Health notes that regular dental cleanings are particularly important because dentists are able to clean areas that toothbrushes and floss cannot reach. Dentists also use a process called debridement, which completely removes tartar.

Why are my gums purple and pink?

Gums may change color and become darker at certain time normally, often under the influence of hormones. An example of this is, darkening of the gums or purple gums during pregnancy is completely normal and not something that needs to be worried about.
It is important also to visit your dentist in such cases, it’s not good to just assume. This is so because darkening of the gums, especially if it is occurring right around the teeth, may be a sign of a gum inflammation or a gum infection, resulting to the purple gum color – gingivitis in most cases.
This condition called gingivitis usually occur when bacteria collect between the teeth and the gum line and form an infection. It may need to be evaluated and treated, since it can lead to damage of the teeth or even tooth loss after a long effect.
In most cases, those conditions that cause purple gums are treated with better attention to good oral hygiene, including more frequent brushing and flossing. Deep cleansing of the gum tissue and teeth in your dentist’s office can help as well. Occasionally more invasive techniques are also used, but these are reserved for the most severe cases.

My Bottom Gums are Purple – meaning

A purple gum line can be one of the first signs of periodontal disease. It is the result of plaque and calculus getting under the gum line and causing necrosis of the tissues. Other signs would be that these teeth are sensitive when you brush or bite on something, that this area bleeds when brushing, or that you notice a bad breath. Sometimes the affected teeth with purple gums will be slightly movable.
Your dentist is right that receding gums can be normal but the purple color is not. It can be a sign of further gum disease. It can also be a sign of lead poisoning which is rare but worth mentioning if you are having any house renovations or have hobbies that expose you to lead materials.
You may benefit from a deep scaling. I see that you go every four months. I understand that you brush and floss regularly also but when there is heavy plaque or calculus under the gum line then that home care may not be enough. A deeper mechanical scaling would be indicated.
Let the dentist know if your gums are bleeding and how many teeth are affected by the purple gums

What Causes Purple Gums

One day you may see healthy pink gums in the mirror, and the next you might notice an ominous purple or brown tint creeping over them.
Brown gums or gum darkening could be completely natural based on your ethnicity or aging. But if your gums are suddenly turning purple or brown, it may be a sign that something dangerous is happening inside your mouth that requires professional attention.

Main Causes of Gums turning Purple or Brown.

Gingivitis
In many cases, gingivitis becomes periodontitis as gum disease progresses. Gum disease is caused by bacteria that collects between the gums and teeth. These bacteria produce toxic by-products that inflame the gums. Gingivitis can lead to tooth loss. It is estimated that 75 percent of adults in the United States suffer from at least minor gingivitis.
Periodontitis
It causes the gums to recede and deep pockets to form between the teeth and gums, which leaves more room for bacteria to grow. This condition leads to tooth loss, purple gums, chronic bad breath and altered appearance of the mouth. Aggravating factors for gum disease include poor diet and immune deficiencies.
Naturally Darker Gums
If you have naturally brown or darker gums based on your skin pigment, then you have no need to worry. Gum colour varies just like skin colour does. If you aren’t Caucasian, you may have dark brown gums or may experience spotted darkness on your gums. This can be due to an increase of melanin production in your body and is completely normal and natural.
Age
You may also notice that your gums change colour as you grow older. If this change in colour is uniform and you don’t experience any other issues, including swollen gums, bleeding, and pain, this change in colour to purple gums may be completely natural. That being said, we always recommend that you check in with a dentist before passing a change in gum colour off as normal.
Medication & Smoking
Both medication and smoking can result in gum discoloration. One of the most common causes of oral pigmentation change is a condition called smoker’s melanises. If you have Smoker’s Melanises, your gums, cheeks, or palate may turn purple or black due to smoking or using drugs that contain nicotine.
Smoking can also lead to gum disease and oral cancer, which can result in your gums turning purple or brown. Finally, some medication can also cause your gums to change colour.
What Causes Purple Gums?
Purple gums can signal that you have gum disease (periodontal disease). As gum disease worsens, you may notice that your gums are swollen and appear to be bright red or purple. Plaque is the root cause of gum disease, at first irritating your gums and eventually causing deep infections that can destroy your tissue and bone.
It is important that you practice proper oral hygiene to avoid gum disease and see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you are suffering with the disease.
A spot that is on purple gums could also be a sign of oral malignant melanoma. You should see a medical professional as soon as possible if you have a purple spot anywhere in your mouth.

Can you get Purple Gums from Smoking

It is widely known that smoking can have a great number of adverse effects on the health of the smoker. Due to the nature by which the action of smoking is performed, it is only natural that oral health would be one of the areas most negatively affected by the act. It is very important, therefore, that a smoker take extra care of his/her mouth and teeth.

Oral Health Problems Caused By Smoking

Smoking can cause many serious problems for teeth and oral structures. The problem can be further exacerbated when proper health care is not followed. Among the most common oral problems, smokers are at an increased risk for gum disease. Smokers are four times more likely of developing this problem than non-smokers.
Smokers are at a higher risk for developing leukoplakia, leading to throat, lung, and oral cancers. It can cause the salivary glands to become inflamed and contribute to deterioration of bone structure. Smokers also have a harder time recovering from dental procedures such as periodontal treatments, dental implants, and tooth extraction. To add on that, a smoker will develop purple gums
Smoking also stains the teeth and can cause bad breath. In some smokers, the tongue can develop a condition known as black hairy tongue, due to a growth that may grow as a result of tobacco use. The condition causes the tongue to become yellow, green, black, or brown, and give the appearance of being hairy. Smokers may also lose the sensation of taste and smell.

How to Get Rid of Purple Gums

Unnatural gum discoloration is typically a sign that something’s going wrong in your mouth. The best way to avoid issues like gum disease is to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, floss every day, avoid sugary and acidic foods, and visit your dentist regularly. You should also avoid smoking, which can contribute to gum disease and cancer.
Finally, if you notice that your gums change colour after taking a new medication, ask your doctor for possible alternatives. If you notice that your gums have turned purple or brown, we highly suggest that you visit a doctor as soon as possible. While it could be a natural occurrence, it may also be a serious warning sign.
Brushing your teeth
Choose the right toothpaste. You might be tempted to skimp on toothpaste, but if you want to improve your gum health, you would be wise to choose a toothpaste specifically designed for it. Pay a little extra and buy a toothpaste that is specially formulated for gum health.

• Even if you adopt the practice of brushing before meals, brushing before you go to bed is still essential.
• Although twice a day is the bare minimum, it’s recommended that you actually brush three times a day for optimal oral health.

Brush for at least two minutes. Most people don’t brush their teeth for long enough to truly protect their tooth and gum health. Split your mouth into four quadrants: upper left, upper right, bottom left, and bottom right. Brush each quadrant for at least thirty seconds to ensure you’re brushing long enough, and hitting all parts of your mouth.
Don’t brush too often or too vigorously. Brushing more than three times a day on a regular basis, or applying too much pressure when you brush can actually damage your gums and teeth. Dentists call this toothbrush abrasion, and it can result in both receding gums and enamel deterioration that can lead to sensitive teeth.

• The main cause is represented by the back and forth brushing with high pressure and rapid movements.
• If you’re using an electric brush, let it do all the work. Don’t apply extra pressure of your own.

Replace your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrush bristles will wear down and become less effective with use. They can also be homes for all sorts of bacteria they find in your mouth, so you need to replace them from time to time. Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles start spreading apart making each stroke cause more harm than good
Flossing
Use any type of floss. There are a wide variety of flosses in the dental aisle at the store, from nylon to monofilament, from flavorless to mint-flavored. There isn’t a significant difference between any of these types of floss. Use whichever kind feels most comfortable for you. More important than what type of floss you use is that you actually use it regularly.
Floss at least once a day. Flossing can be uncomfortable and sometimes gross, but dentists recommend it for a reason. Some say that flossing is actually more important than brushing for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

• Whereas over-brushing can be damaging to your gums, over-flossing won’t cause any harm.
• Flossing also prevents stains between your teeth. These are very difficult to remove even by the dentist.
• It doesn’t matter when you floss — day or night, before or after meals. Just make sure you do it at least once a day.

Use proper flossing technique. The ADA provides specific instructions on how to perfect your flossing technique.

• Use about 18 inches of floss, securing them to your fingers by winding them around the middle finger on each hand.
• Make sure not to cut off blood circulation to your fingertips. Unwind and rewind as necessary throughout the flossing process.
• Pinch the floss between your thumb and forefinger to stabilize.
• Use a back-and-forth sawing motion to ease the floss between your teeth, all the way up to the gum.
• Don’t snap the floss up hard against your gums. This can be painful, and can cause gum damage over time.

Floss through the bleeding. If you’re not a regular flosser, you’ll probably see some blood on your floss when you start back up. Don’t take this as a hint to stop flossing! Your gums are bleeding because you’re not flossing! Continuing your daily flossing will help stop the bleeding over time and improve, not hurt, your gum health.
Using mouthwash
Buy the right mouthwash. Mouthwash is an important product because you only target your teeth and gums through brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can treat the rest of your mouth — the cheeks, the tongue, and other exposed surfaces that need cleaning in order to maintain gum health. Choose a mouthwash that has the ADA’s seal of approval on the packaging.

• Mouthwash can be seen as an oral disinfectant that eliminates a high percentage of the bacteria and plaque involved in cavities or any other dental and mucosal issues.
• Choose therapeutic mouthwash specially formatted for gum health over cosmetic mouthwash designed for temporary breath freshening.
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that can dry out the skin and cause lesions over time.

Make your own mouthwash. Studies have suggested that turmeric is as good at treating gum disease like gingivitis as store-bought mouthwashes.

• Dissolve 10 mg of turmeric extract in 3.5 oz. of hot water.
• Let the water cool down to a comfortable temperature.
• Other natural alternatives to store-bought mouthwashes include cinnamon, fennel, ginger, lemon essential oil, tea tree oil, raw honey, and many others

Use proper mouth washing technique. Look at the packaging for specific instructions before proceeding, because mouthwashes with special formulas might have different recommendations for how long you should keep it in your mouth, or whether or not you should dilute the product.

• If the packaging says to dilute the product, follow their instructions for doing so. Use warm water. If you feel a burning sensation or the taste is too strong, dilute it further.
• Pour it into your mouth and swish it around your mouth vigorously for thirty to sixty seconds.
• Gargle the mouthwash in the back of your throat for another thirty to sixty seconds.
• Spit the mouthwash out into the sink.
• Rinse your mouth with water.

Don’t use mouthwash immediately after brushing. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can actually undo some of the benefits of brushing your teeth. For best results, either use mouthwash before brushing your teeth, or at least half an hour after brushing your teeth.
Seeking medical help
Make regular appointments with a dentist. Even if you’re taking care of your oral hygiene very well at home, there are certain things like removing plaque build-up that simply can’t be done at home. You must see a dentist with professional tools for this aspect of your gum and tooth health.

• How often you visit the dentist depends on your individual needs, but you should have your teeth and gums checked at least once a year.
• Your dentist will advise you on when you should return for your next check-up.

Seek immediate attention if your condition requires it. There are many problems that could require professional attention, but the main symptoms for gum disease include:

• Swollen or red gums
• Bleeding beyond what is normal for early flossing
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums with pain or sensitivity
• Chronic bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

Find a good dentist. The ADA provides a search tool for finding ADA-member dentists in your local area. They also recommend taking the following step for finding a reputable dentist in your area:

• Ask friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations
• Ask your doctor for a recommendation
• If you’re moving, ask your current dentist or their staff to help you find a reputable dentist in your new area
• If you have special needs, such as gum disease, you may need to find a specialist, like a periodontist.

How to Treat Purple Gums

Having natural pink color gums is very important for good smile. Smile looks beautiful if one has beautiful teeth with natural looking pink gums. But that is not always possible. Generally the gums color is same as the skin color. The people from the west are fair and their gum color is also pink mostly.
Treatment of the dark gums is possible. The blackness of the dark gums is merely superficial. When the outer dark colored layer is removed, the pink aesthetic looking gums appear.
Surgical method for making purple gums as natural pink:

• The most popular effective and simple method of removing the darkness of the gums is the surgical removal of the outer layer of the gums which gives the dark colour to the gums.
• The procedure though surgical is a painless outdoor procedure carried out under local anaesthesia.
• In this procedure the outer layer of gum epithelium is removed with a layer of underlying connective tissue. After the removal the connective tissue which is   left to heal by secondary intention. The new epithelium which is formed is devoid of dark pigmentation.
• The positive results can be seen within one to two days.
• After this procedure 20 to 30% of the pigmentation returns after 5 to 6 months and then stays as such.
• If few precautions like not exposing oneself for long hours to sunlight are observed then the gums stay pink and there is marked improvement in aesthetics.
• This surgical procedure can be repeated if the gums again become dark and looks bad.

More references

1. Gum changes: https://www.zocdoc.com/answers/10395/why-have-my-gums-changed-color
2. Purple gum line: http://www.justanswer.com/dental/79pzs-purple-gum-line.html
3. How to treat purple coloured gums: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Pink-Gums
4. How to make gums retain their colour: http://www.identalhub.com/article_dark-gums-can-they-be-made-natural-pink-123.aspx

Lumps on gum commonly form on either the upper or the lower jaw, very close to the cheek. In many cases, people do not realize the presence of these lumps, since they are usually painless. However, they do get harden eventually and this is when people usually notice the lumps.

There are numerous things that may cause a lumps to occur on gum. The presence of a flat bone called a torus on the tongue side of the lower jaw or on the hard palate of the mouth is the main reason why it is possible for a lump to grow on gum.
These tori do not generally trigger any complications when your mouth, tongue, gum, and teeth are healthy and well-maintained, and you do not experience any incidents giving a knock on these flat bones.
However, knocked out teeth, removable dentures, and multiple teeth growths may influence the state of these tori, causing the appearance of lumps on gum. Lumps that form on gum are often related to mouth cancer, although in fact, not all gum lumps are cancerous. Specific symptoms, signs, and locations of the occurring lumps may tell you a lot about the main causes of its presence.
A lump on the gums can indicate something very simple or a serious one. Infections might appear as a mass on the gums, and they can also have pain and swelling, and you might run a high fever. Sometimes oral cancers appear as a lump on the gums, and that’s why you should always have a lump on gums checked out, regardless of the reasons for it.

What a lump on gum means

Observing the symptoms and signs of lumps on your gum will enable you to tell what possible causes are.
Examine the texture and characteristic of the lump
Lumps on your gum may be either soft or hard. Hard lump on gum is in most cases, a small bony bump from the torus. It is possible for the torus to be non-malignant, and this often causes hard lump on the gum.
Otherwise, soft gum lump may indicate something different than merely a torus growth. In a few cases, recurrent soft lumps on gum indicate oral cancers, although this diagnosis needs to be drawn based on many others characteristics of the lump and the mouth in general.
Find out the locations where in the lump grows
The most common locations for a gum lump to occur are on the lower jaw near the cheek or on the lower or upper jaw near the wisdom teeth. The lump on these locations are very common as a result of the ruptured gum area from wisdom teeth trying to erupt. This may also cause the swelling of the lymph nodes. A lump on the gum near the site where the wisdom teeth should be may not always be painful, yet it often affects your ability to chew or merely close the mouth.
Determine the color of the lumps
In addition to texture and location of the lump, you can also determine what your lump might convey by seeing through its color. Dark or light shade of the gum lumps may tell what complication might be going on inside the mouth.

• If you have a bright red lump on gum, which is in the form of soft clusters, you might need to anticipate an oral cancer, although a series of tests and examination might still be required. This is possible because a cancer cell will need a steady blood supply in order to maintain its fast growth.
• Dark red colored gum lumps that grow inside the gum, on the inner lip or cheek, or inside the jaw might signify oral cancer symptoms, which require immediate doctor visit.
• If you are suffering from painful-painless lump that is pinkish or light pink in color, it is very likely that you have a mandibular torus growth. This is possible, since the bone is present just under the gum. However, dark pink lesions which stay for more than 2 weeks might show a lot more than merely the torus problem.

Sometimes a lump on the gums is a very mild condition that goes away after a few days. But if the lump on your gums stays for a while, it might mean there is bacterial growth underneath the lump. It could also mean that you have an abscessed tooth. This is important to take care of as an infection of this kind can spread to your surrounding teeth and even to your bloodstream.

I have a bump on my gums what could it be?

The presence of a lump, or mass, on the gums can be caused by several different conditions. It may be felt as a bump or hard or soft lump anywhere on the gums. An infection, such as a bacterial infection or localized abscess, can appear as a mass on the gums. Gum or mouth cancer or tumors of the teeth or jaw are rarer causes of a mass on the gums.
Also, a cyst of the jaw is also a possible cause of a lump or mass on the gums. Traumatic injuries and canker sores are some of the more common causes of a mass on the gums. Sometimes, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause a small lump or bump to form near the gum line, called granuloma gravidarum.

What Causes Lump on Gums

Some of the more common reasons for lumps on the gums are canker sores, which happen to a great number of people, and those tend to go away on their own or with over the counter medications.
Traumatic injuries, including having a tooth extracted, can also lead to pain, tenderness and lumps. Occasionally the hormonal changes of pregnancy can lead to lumps in the mouth, and those tend to go away as soon as the woman delivers.
Gum lumps can be any size or any color, and it might have signs of infection, such as redness or pus. Some of these lumps are serious and some of them can be treated easily with home remedies or over the counter drugs. Here are the most common causes:
Irritation
A simple irritation of one particular area can lead to a lump on gums. This often happens if you have had something in your mouth pressing against one spot, or if you have a habit of moving your teeth in such a way that they scrape against the opposite gum. These irritations might lead to your immune system forming a lump to try to protect the area.
Canker Sores
These ulcers are quite common and can be caused by numerous things, such as spicy foods, infection, and even excessive body heat. They might be white and painful, pink or red, and often appear as a lump.
Gingivitis
This gum disease begins with inflammation, which can feel like lumps along the gums, then becomes worse without treatment. The bacteria is slowly eating away at the surrounding tissue.
Tooth Extraction
A lump on gums often appears after a tooth extraction. This could be a blood clot that forms there during healing, or simply because of irritation to the area, which will go away within a few days.
Dental problems

• Most common – tooth abscess
• Pus forms at the level of the gum, leading to the appearance of the lump
• Because of the infection, the gum suffers from an inflammation process (more prominent lump)

Dental treatments

• Most common – dental extraction
• Lump can be represented by the blood clot resulting from the haemorrhage, caused by the actual dental extraction
• The lump can also appear because the gum was irritated, as the result of the dental extraction

Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, bacteria will build up and you will have higher risks of teeth cavity and gum disease.
Diet High in Sweet Food
If you eat a lot of sweets, chocolates, and starchy foods, such as white bread, crisps, biscuits, and pretzels, you’re more likely to develop a bacterial infection that will lead to tooth decay and abscess.
Weakened Immune System
Your immune system may not be functioning properly due to some underlying conditions, such as diabetes. Weakened immune system leads to higher possibility of infection.
Other causes

• Oral cancer
• Local trauma or injury
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy).

Hard Lump on Gum above Tooth

Occasionally the gums may bleed if you brush the teeth and gums very hard, make use of a hard-bristled toothbrush, or the snap dental floss hard against the gums. Be gentle with the teeth use a very soft-bristled toothbrush as well as floss very carefully to assist to prevent bump on gums.
Smoking as well as using of other tobacco related products increases the risk for gum disease which can be seen with a hard lump on gums. Smokers have a very higher chance of experiencing gum disease throughout their mouths than the non-smokers.
You may not experience the symptoms of bleeding or a lump on the gums due to the normal bleeding immune response that is affected by tobacco use.
Chewing of the tobacco or use of the snuff can push the gums back in the area of the mouth where the tobacco is normally inserted. Constant irritation brought about by the tobacco products increases the risk of oral cancer.

Reason for a Hard Lump on Gum that is Painful

The mouth is a mirror of health or disease, a sentinel or early warning system a potential source of pathology affecting other systems and organs less common, but very serious, are oral and pharyngeal. This section deals with only some of the more common tumours and growths that can occur in the mouth. Painful lumps in on the gums may be sores that have been infected.
It is important to seek professional help when you realize your gums have pain that is continuous without seizing. A painful lump on gum usually is an indication of a more serious problem in your mouth.

Cyst on Gum above Tooth

A cyst is a sac of tissue that has either fluid or soft material inside it. They can form in a wide range of tissues including in the face and mouth including gums. Some can form next to or around teeth, which are called dental cysts. Cysts are a reaction of the body to a condition and are usually relatively slow growing. They can be sterile or become infected.

Why dental cysts form

Dental cysts can form at the tip of the roots of dead teeth. They can also form around the crowns of buried teeth. Most cysts form because the teeth they are associated with have died from infection or trauma. Others form because of a mistake in the way the teeth have developed. Rarely, dental cysts are part of a genetic syndrome that has other symptoms. Your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon will explain to you more about the cause of your cyst.
Any teeth can develop lump on gum from dental cysts. Mostly people will only have one at a time, but some people are more susceptible to developing them either because of the condition of their teeth or because they have an inherited condition that has dental cysts as part of its features.
Problems can dental cysts cause
Dental cysts can cause several problems but some remain undetected for months or even years. Many cause problems when:

• They become infected (causing pain and/or swelling);
• They slowly replace some bony tissue (they can weaken the jaws),
• They press against other teeth and structures;
• They prevent the normal function of the teeth and mouth tissues.

How to know if you have a dental cyst

• You might find out that you have a lump on gum from a dental cyst when it becomes infected.
• Your dentist might tell you that you have a dental cyst after looking at a dental or jaw X-ray: cysts can be seen as darker areas (‘holes’).
• Some people only find out they have a dental cyst when their jaw breaks after trauma (because the jaw is weakened by the cyst).

Bump on Gums not Painful Meaning

At times you may develop a lump on gums that has no pain. An abscess is a common dental problem. Such infections can come from a variety of sources, even though it is usually only on the gum that they appear. For example, an infection arising from a diseased tooth will appear on the gum that lies over that tooth. You may not know at some point that the lump exists, not unless you feel it accidentally with a tongue.
Common sources of dental abscesses are:

• Tooth decay. This is teeming full of bacteria. If this bacteria gets into the dental pulp, it can spread to cause infection inside and at the root of the tooth. This is known as a periapical abscess, and can travel out to the gum that lies over the root. Pulp deathcan also result from dental treatment on a diseased tooth.
• In severe gum disease, abscesses can form in the gaps that occur between the teeth and gums. These gaps around the teeth and under the gum-line are hard to clean, and are full of the microbes that cause the periodontitis which is seen as a lump on gum.
• Foreign objects,such as food debris lodging in the mouth, causing a gingival abscess

White Bumps on Gums no Pain

A lump or bump on your gums is a mild condition for us, noncancerous growths in our mouth can be caused by an irritation and they are relatively normal. In severe case that the bumps or lumps may indicate to be cancerous, the doctor will remove them by surgery.
There is a flat bone known as torus, which is a benign bony growth that is found on the tongue side of the lower jaw, or even on the hard palate. And these small white bump on gums probably got the name from their bulbous shape and the fact that they are usually made of strong, solid bone.
Tori are generally not a very big problem, except when the removable prosthesis like the partial dentures or even complete dentures must be fully fitted, or you have many growths that grow very large that they can touch or even irritate each other.
Oral cancers are usually always soft tissue lesions, in other words they are very soft, not very hard bumps. Cancer is rarely hard in presentation like the mandibular Tori. Cancer is not normally diagnosed feel alone, however, due to the fact that there is nothing particularly unique or the characteristic of the consistency or even the texture of cancer. The diagnostic parameters have too little or even no value in the diagnosis of cancer.
While mandibular tori is normally a painless lump, both the oral cancer and mandibular torus may create painful lumps in the mouth also.

How to Get Rid of Lump on Gum – Home Remedy

A lump on the gums might be very painful, annoying as well as frightening. Here are various ways to assist fight it.
Salt Water & Clove Oil
When a person is dealing with the pain of a bump on gums, salt water rinses may assist the pain disappear. Using clove oil on the spot may also bring a bit of relief. Over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen or even acetaminophen, may also make a big difference. Try using the mouthwashes with a very high alcohol content or a blend of a hydrogen peroxide and water to gargle remember not to swallow the concoctions.
Antibiotic
Antibiotics are usually prescribed for problems like this. The antibiotics may also often deliver relief within a period of about 24 to 48 hours, and once the swelling disappears, the dentist may want to get rid of the tooth or do other procedures so as to ensure the problem is gone.
Medical Options
If the problem is too serious, the dentist may perform minor surgery to assist you get over the issue. Scaling as well as root planning are the first options, and if that fails to work, a root canal may be in order. If that also fails to work, tooth extraction or periodontal surgery may be needed.
Cleaning Your Teeth and Roots
Keep the teeth too clean by brushing as well as flossing every day, and use of mouthwash with a good alcohol content to clean and freshen your mouth after each and every brush. This may also assist to avoid the formation of pockets that gets hold bacteria.
Regular Dental Visit
Keep up with very regular dental visits for the cleaning and the x-rays to identify lump on gums. This may assist to avoid the problems by spotting them before they begin.
When to See a Doctor
If you are much suffering from the pain while chewing, swelling of the jaw, or trouble opening the mouth, it’s time to see a dentist. Other problems that might send you to the dentist include a bad odor from the mouth that won’t go away with mouthwash use, occasional bleeding from your gums and fever or any other signs of infection.

Medical Treatments for Dental Abscess

When natural remedies don’t seem to work and your pain is becoming worse, you need to consider going for a medical treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
If the soft tissue on your abscessed tooth has swollen, your dentist may start by draining it first. Your tooth will be opened up and the nerve that is sending pain sensations to your brain will be removed. The infected pulp inside the canal will also be cleaned out.
Traction
Sometimes, your dentist cannot save your abscessed tooth through root canal treatment. They will have to extract it and prescribe some medicines.
Antibiotics
You don’t usually need antibiotics if your infection isn’t spreading to areas other than your abscessed tooth. It is also important to use antibiotics if your immune system isn’t functioning properly.
More references;

1. Lump on gums: http://www.md-health.com/Lump-on-Gums.html
2. Lump or mass on gums: http://www.medicinenet.com/lump_or_mass_on_gums/symptoms.htm
3. Symptoms of lump on gums: http://mddk.com/lump-on-gums.html