White bump on gum above tooth
A white bump above a tooth may be a healing spot, blocked tissue, or a draining dental abscess, so its cause requires examination.
The short answer
A small white or yellow bump on the gingiva can be a pimple-like sinus tract from an infected tooth, a traumatic ulcer, a cystic lesion, or a local buildup. A draining bump may hurt less while infection remains around the root.
Why should a white gum bump not be squeezed or punctured?
Do not squeeze or puncture it. Keep brushing gently, record when it appeared, and note fluid, taste, tooth sensitivity, swelling, or fever.
What should you do about a draining gum bump?
Arrange prompt dental care, especially if the bump drains, recurs, or sits above a painful or heavily restored tooth. Facial swelling or breathing difficulty needs emergency attention.
When does a gum bump need prompt dental assessment?
Ask whether the tooth pulp and root are involved, whether a vitality test and X-ray are needed, and which treatment removes the underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be diagnosed from a search result?
No. A dentist may need direct examination and, when indicated, dental imaging.
What information should I bring?
Bring your symptom timeline, medicines, medical conditions, and relevant dental records.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.