Lump in my gum, that is very sore?

Question

It started hurting about 5-6 days ago, and the problem area is on the bottom left side of my mouth behind my molars, on the inside of my jaw next to my tongue. I'm positive it is my gums, because it has formed a large bump there, that is painful to touch, l**k, or sometimes just have there, while my teeth feel fine. Drinking/eating makes it hurt a lot too. This isn't the first time this has happened; it's flared up about 3 times before, with long periods of normality inbetween.

Could it be a new tooth coming in (but I'm 17 1/2 already!)? I was worried incase it may be a sign that I'll need a root canal soon (I don't brush/floss/wash almost at all) and that I need to see a dentist (of which I'm deathly terrified of.) I've heard of wisdom teeth, but I'm not even sure what they actually are. Maybe that is what the problem is?

It also may be draining pus. It was prob. bigger yesterday than now, because I kept poking at it and may have popped part of the lump, if that's what it is....

Answer 1

My bet is that you do indeed have wisdom teeth coming in...In any case you need an Xray to pin point the cause..it could be an abscess but why guess...See your dentist ASAP and get a definitive diagnoses and what ever required treatment you need. Good luck and I wish you well.

Answer 2

could me your wisdom teeth...it can take many time before they finally poke through...i know friends of mine who had theirs try to come through the gums and then go back down then come back up then go back down...if your afraid of dentists then go see your doctor about it.

Answer 3

It's an abscess.  You need antibiotics asap.  It is NOT good for you to swallow that pus!  See a dentist asap.

Answer 4

It sounds like ur wisdom tooth is coming in @ bad angle(it shouldn't b hurting inside ur jaw, next 2 ur tongue)& may need 2 be removed. The sooner u get it taken care of, the less damage it will do 2 the rest of ur mouth. It sounds like it's impacted...or an abcess since u metioned u don't brush or floss much. Please go 2 a dentist