What should you know about pyogenic granuloma in mouth?

It may appear on the gum, inner cheek, palate, or another moist surface as a smooth red or purplish bump. The surface can ulcerate, making it bleed during brushing, eating, or accidental contact. The name does not mean that pus or an infection is present. Irritation, minor injury, dental appliances, or hormonal changes can contribute, but sometimes no clear trigger is found.

A clinician may examine the lesion and the nearby teeth or dental work. Because several mouth lesions can look alike, removal or a small tissue sample may be advised to confirm the diagnosis.

Arrange an assessment with a dentist, oral surgeon, or dermatologist, especially if the bump is enlarging or repeatedly bleeding. Until then, avoid picking it, rubbing it with a toothbrush, or trying to cut it off. Use gentle oral hygiene and choose softer foods if chewing over the area causes trauma.

Treatment depends on its size, position, bleeding, and the suspected trigger. A clinician may remove it and control the small blood vessels; curettage and cautery is one possible approach. Treating an irritating dental edge or appliance can also help reduce recurrence.

Seek urgent medical or dental help if bleeding does not settle with firm, continuous pressure using clean gauze, or if you feel faint, weak, or short of breath. Prompt assessment is also appropriate for rapidly enlarging tissue, severe pain, spreading swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether the lesion needs a biopsy, which removal method suits its mouth location, how to protect the area while it heals, and what signs would suggest it is returning.