What is the direct answer?
A gingival polyp is a localized overgrowth of gum tissue that can arise from irritation, inflammation, trapped plaque, or a nearby tooth problem.
What does this question mean?
The term describes a tissue shape, not one single disease. A dentist must distinguish an inflammatory overgrowth from a lesion arising deeper around a tooth.
What can you do next?
Possible triggers include calculus, food trapping, a rough filling edge, trauma, periodontal inflammation, or an erupting tooth. Persistent growths need examination rather than home removal.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek care if the growth bleeds repeatedly, enlarges, ulcerates, becomes painful, or is accompanied by a loose tooth, pus, or facial swelling.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what structure the growth comes from, whether an irritant can be removed, whether imaging or biopsy is needed, and how recurrence will be monitored.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be diagnosed without an examination?
The general principle can be explained, but an examination is needed to identify the cause and select treatment.
What happens if the underlying problem is ignored?
The condition may persist or worsen, so arrange dental assessment when symptoms continue or progress.

