Palpable lump on my gum - been there 4-5 weeks, sinister?

[hmc]

Anyone had anything similar? Small palpable lump top right, no pain unless pressure applied with finger. Occasionally fills with a tiny quantity of pus (eurggh - I know, nice)- but that may be because I have been prodding at it, scratched it and have introduced bacteria....

Sounds like an abcess, you need to go to the dentist and get some antibiotics

Thanks belle - wouldn't an abcess hurt more? ...it is pain free unless I prod it

".....it is pain free unless I prod it"

Thats an abcess. I had one like that.

Ok, thanks - I'll book an appointment as who knows, it might suddenly become more painful and then I'll regret it!

I had an abcess on the outside of my gum, it didn't hurt. The dentist said to keep draining the gunk off it (sorry), wash it in hot salt water and gave me some antibiotics.

When I was young and worried not at all about such things, I had a lump like that, my solution was to nick a hypodermic needle from my housemate who was diabetic, and drain the pus out when I brushed my teeth every morning.

I did this for literally months, then it went away of it's own accord.

I honestly can't believe I did it now and had forgotten all about it until I read your post.

Thanks belle - probably antibiotics required then. WTWTA - that's a lovely story - tell me you didn't return the syring afterwards!

sorry, syringe!

yes I have had this. When you get an abcess on the outside of your gum it doesnt hirt, its when you get on under the tooth its painful.