Gum bump between teeth

A bump between teeth may be an inflamed interdental papilla, trapped food, gum infection, or a draining dental abscess, so its texture and symptoms matter.

The triangular gum that fills the space between two teeth is the interdental papilla. It can swell, redden, or become tender when plaque, food, trauma, or infection irritates it.

A localised bump can follow food impaction, floss trauma, gingivitis, periodontal disease, or infection from a tooth root. A firm lump, ulcer, or growth has different possible causes and cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone.

Rinse with warm water, clean gently with a soft brush and suitable interdental cleaning, and avoid squeezing or puncturing the bump. Note its size, colour, pain, bleeding, and whether food becomes trapped there.

Book an examination if it lasts, recurs, bleeds easily, drains pus, or comes with toothache or bad taste. Facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing needs urgent care.