Yes, you can develop bone spurs in your mouth. A hard, bony lump on the gums—often called a “gum bone spur” or “bone spicule”—can form due to various reasons. Some are firm, permanent bony growths in the mouth like “tori,” “torus,” or “exostosis.” Others are loose bone chips lodged in the gum tissue, which may either dissolve or work their way out over time.
What is a Bone Spur?
A bone spur on the gums can cause mild to severe discomfort, potentially affecting chewing, eating, or even leading to infection. Identifying a bone spur typically requires a visit to your dentist.
Bone spurs can form when the body undergoes excessive stress in a specific area of the mouth, whether from natural causes, disease, or trauma. Some dental procedures may also lead to bone spurs in mouth structures. While bone spurs can develop on any bone, those in the mouth usually appear on the palate (roof of the mouth), the outer side of the jaw, or around extraction sites. They may be round and bulbous, like “tori” or “exostosis,” or sharp, such as bone chips.
Bone Spurs After Tooth Extraction
Bone spurs often appear on the gums following a tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone may stay intact or may chip due to the root’s shape or movements during the extraction. If bone chips remain in the gum socket, they can sometimes push through the gum as the area heals, creating a temporary, uncomfortable bone spur. Fortunately, this usually resolves on its own, but your dentist can also extract the bone fragment if needed.
Why Do Bone Spurs Form?
Bone spurs may appear in the mouth after oral surgery or routine dental extraction, especially in cases involving surgical extractions such as impacted wisdom teeth. Bone spurs—often referred to as osteophytes elsewhere in the body—form as the body attempts to heal a damaged area. Most commonly found in the hip, shoulder, neck, lower back, and heels, bone spurs also develop in the mouth, where they can result from traumatic injuries or dental stress.
Fixed, hard bony lumps on gums, such as “tori” or “exostosis,” may develop over time and are often bilateral (occurring on both sides) or central. Although not directly related to surgical bone fragments, they may be linked to trauma or dental stress.
Are Gum Bone Spurs Harmful?
Depending on the type, dental bone spurs may or may not require treatment. Many individuals have mandibular tori or exostosis, which are benign and only become problematic if they interfere with chewing, brushing, or wearing dentures.
Loose bone chips after dental procedures are usually harmless unless they become infected or painful. Bone chips can irritate or partially lodge in the gum, potentially causing discomfort and minor inflammation, which can make eating difficult or lead to infection. If this occurs, it’s best to consult your dentist.
Treatment Options for Bone Spurs on Gums
If a bone spur causes persistent discomfort or interferes with daily activities like eating or denture-wearing, your dentist may recommend one of two options: a “wait and see” approach or surgical removal of the bony lump.
Bone chips after extraction often work out on their own. If a bone fragment is causing pain, your dentist can use tweezers to remove it, ensuring no fragments are left behind. For fixed, bulbous growths that affect activities like chewing or speaking, surgical removal may be necessary.
How to Remove a Dental Bone Spur
If a bone spur causes discomfort, consult your dentist. Self-removal is not recommended, as improper handling can lead to infection. Your dentist can examine the area and determine whether the spur should be removed or left to heal naturally.
To reduce discomfort, keep your gums clean, rinse with an alcohol-free, antiseptic mouthwash, and use warm saltwater rinses. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but be cautious not to brush too hard around the affected area, as it may aggravate sensitive gum tissue.
Possible Complications of Gum Bone Spurs
Bone spurs in the mouth may feel sharp and irritating, especially as they emerge from the gum tissue. For fixed growths like tori or exostosis, complications can arise if they interfere with dentures, causing an improper fit. While removable, these growths tend to return over time.
Could It Be Something Else?
A bony bump on your gums may result from conditions such as dental cysts, mandibular tori, periodontal abscesses, fibromas, or even canker sores. Consulting a dentist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
Managing Bony Growths on Gums
If you notice a hard bony lump on your gums, whether it’s a bone chip from an extraction or a growth like tori, a dentist can help you determine if treatment is necessary. While many bone spurs resolve on their own, surgical removal may be required if the growth interferes with activities like eating or denture placement. Regular dental visits ensure any changes in your mouth can be addressed promptly.
