As dentists, we spend most of our time working on teeth—so it may surprise you to learn that, as an oral healthcare specialist, your dentist is the most qualified to diagnose any painful, mysterious bumps that may have appeared in your mouth. Keep reading to learn about some possible oral health issues that result in bumps and sores, and what you can do about them!
Trauma-Related Blister
Consuming hot food or beverages can sometimes burn the inside of your mouth, causing a blister or fluid-filled bump to form inside the mouth. If the burn is minor, it should heal without medical treatment. Dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance can also occasionally cause a bump to form on the roof of the mouth. If this is the case, your mouth may also feel dry and sore.
Mucocele Cysts
A mucocele cyst is a fluid-filled bump in the mouth or lips, usually about the size of a pea, that is also caused by trauma. They form when mucous clogs the salivary glands due to an oral injury, such as accidentally biting your cheek or lip. Although unsightly, these cysts are usually painless, and most will heal on their own. However, poor dental hygiene practices can also cause these mucoceles, so if you don’t recall sustaining an oral injury lately, it’s important to see your dentist for professional input, as you may require laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or corticosteroid injections to get rid of it.
Canker Sores
These smallish ulcers can appear anywhere inside your mouth, most commonly in the inside of the cheeks and lips, on the gums, or on the roof of the mouth. Canker sores also range in size and in the discomfort they cause; while some are small and cause relatively little discomfort, others can be deep and seriously painful. The size, depth, and placement of the canker sore can all influence how much pain you experience.
Most minor canker sores heal within a few weeks on their own, although major sores can take up to six weeks to completely heal. During this time, it is important to still maintain proper oral hygiene, even though it might be painful. If it hurts to brush or floss, talk to the dentist about ways to accommodate your oral issue.
Cold sores
Often incorrectly called “canker sores,” cold sores are small, painful blisters caused by the herpes virus HSV1. The virus lives in the mouth and can cause sores to appear on the gums, on the tongue, on the roof of your mouth, or around the lips. Cold sores are highly contagious, so if you believe you have one, it’s important to avoid sharing utensils, cups, straws, and lip balm with others, and to refrain from kissing.
Worried About a Bump in Your Mouth? Visit Our Hickory Dentist Today!
The list of possible causes for bumps in your mouth is extensive, and Googling the solution tends to bring up the most alarming (and unsightly) possibilities. The best way to identify a sore in your mouth is to consult a dentist, such as the dentists at Viewmont Family Dentistry! Our experienced dentists have “seen it all,” so we are better able to identify an irregularity than the average layperson (or even Google!)
Additionally, if a bump on the roof of your mouth hasn’t healed after two weeks; changes significantly in shape or size; bleeds persistently; or makes it too painful to eat, drink, or talk, it’s time to see a dentist as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment with our office, please click here.
