Epulis (gum tumor): causes, symptoms, and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is gum tumor?

Gum or epulis tumor is a condition where the appearance of an abnormal mass or benign tumor that grows on the soft tissue of the gums (gingiva). The medical term epulis itself comes from the Greek which means "on the gums".

Based on the characteristics and origin, there are several types of gum or epulis tumors that are common, including the following.

1. Epulis fibromatosa

Fibromatous epulis is the most common type of epulis found in adults. This type of epulis is characterized by a pink color, causes pain, and generally occurs around cavities (caries). These bumps can occur due to continuous injury and irritation in certain areas of the gums.

2. Congenital epulis

Congenital epulis is a rare gum tumor condition that occurs in newborns. These benign tumors generally grow on the upper gums with an average size of 0.5-2 cm. Quoted from New Zealand Dermatologist, this condition is more common in female babies than boys with a ratio of 8: 1.

3. Epulis gravidarum

Epulis gravidarum is also known as pregnancy epulis because it is common in pregnant women during the first to second trimester of pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gingivitis (gingivitis), which can develop into epulis.

4. Granulomatous epulis

Granulomatous epulis generally develops in the cavities of tooth extraction and other dental medical treatments when hygiene is not observed. This type of epulis usually develops in the cavity between two teeth and the surrounding gum tissue.

5. Epulis fissuratum

Epulis fissuratum is characterized by the appearance of an abnormal mass due to chronic irritation and persistence due to improper use of dentures. This occurs because the bone underneath the denture continues to change due to loss with age - especially in the elderly, so that the denture does not fit properly and creates friction with the gum.

6. Epulis gigantocellulare

Gigantocellular epulis is more common in children and women. It is unclear about the exact cause of this type of gum tumor, but it is often associated with trauma and tooth extraction. This type of epulis has a characteristic purplish red color and can bleed easily.

7. Pyogenic granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma is a common lesion in children and adolescents caused by improper dental care, broken teeth (malocclusion), and orthodontic treatment. This benign hemangioma due to abnormal blood vessel growth can also occur in pregnant women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

How common are gum tumors?

This condition is a benign tumor that can occur at various age ranges, from newborns, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.

However, some special conditions, such as poor attention to dental and oral health, oral and dental disease, trauma, pregnancy, and misuse of dentures can increase the risk of developing gum tumors or epulis.

If you find discomfort, swelling, and abnormal masses in the oral cavity, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a gum tumor?

The signs and symptoms of an oral tumor generally depend on the type of epulis you are experiencing. Even so, there are some common symptoms that you should be aware of, including:

• Lumps on the gums that don't shrink or go away after 2-3 weeks
• Has the characteristic of being slightly hard to the touch
• Painful or not
• Pink, bluish, to purplish
• Bleeding easily
• Small in size and gradually getting bigger

When should I see a doctor?

If you notice abnormal conditions in the gums, and develop symptoms as described above, you should immediately consider consulting a doctor to make a diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment method.

It needs dental examinations, dental x-rays, and a diagnosis through a biopsy to observe whether the lumps on the gums are at risk of cancer or not. Early treatment can certainly prevent the gum tumor from worsening.

Cause

What are the causes of gum tumors?

Some cases of gum or epulis tumors are not known exactly what causes them. But there are several reasons why these benign tumors can develop in your oral cavity, including:

• Trauma and injuries
• Genetic factors
• Oral and dental care that is not as recommended
• Oral and dental health conditions, such as gingivitis, cavities, and others
• Orthodontic treatment side effects
• The use of ill-fitting dentures and cause chronic irritation
• Changes in body hormones, especially during pregnancy

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed by a doctor?

When you notice an abnormal lump or mass on your gums, it's best to see a doctor immediately.

The doctor will make a diagnosis by conducting a medical interview to get an overview of oral and dental health conditions and a physical examination of the epulis.

Although gum tumors can be detected immediately, a complete diagnosis is needed so that doctors know the cause of the mass in the oral cavity.

Here are some procedures and tests that doctors can do to diagnose this health condition, such as:

• Dental X-rays
• A biopsy or cancer test by taking a tissue sample for analysis and knowing the risk of a malignant tumor or oral cancer

After knowing the type and cause, the new doctor will determine the right and efficient medical procedure to treat a tooth cyst that you are experiencing.

How to treat gum tumors?

Early treatment makes epulis or gum tumor more manageable. However, if the condition is large and disturbs the surrounding tissue, an oral surgical procedure is necessary to remove the gum tumor from the oral cavity.

The doctor will also look at the condition of the tooth affected by epulis, in which in some cases it is possible to perform a tooth extraction procedure, scaling, and root planing.

Although rarely develop into a malignant tumor (malignant tumor) or oral cancer, the doctor may perform a biopsy or cancer test to further test for epulis tissue.

Since epulis is a localized tumor, the removal process is quite simple and the recovery process is also fast. If there are complications after surgery, consult a doctor immediately.

Prevention

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help prevent gum tumors?

You can still prevent the formation of gum tumors in the oral cavity by doing several things, including:

• Brushing your teeth regularly twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste to prevent plaque and tooth disease.
• Additional oral and dental care, such as flossing and the use of mouthwash to clean food debris and plaque.
• Routinely check the dentist, at least every six months.
• Immediately seek dental care to a doctor if you experience cavities (caries), cracked teeth, or other gum diseases.
• Get a consultation if the dentures don't fit properly and cause irritation, so they can be rearranged or replaced.

If you have follow-up questions, immediately consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.