Mouth bumps are common occurrences, presenting as variations in the texture, color, or size of oral tissues. These changes can arise from a wide array of factors, ranging from minor irritations to underlying health conditions. While the presence of a new bump can be concerning, most oral bumps are benign and often resolve without intervention.
Benign Mouth Bumps
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are a common type of mouth bump that typically appear inside the mouth on soft tissues like the gums, cheeks, or tongue. They are small, round or oval, and usually feature a white or yellowish center with a red border. Canker sores are not contagious and often heal on their own within one to two weeks, though their exact cause remains unknown; stress or minor mouth injuries can be triggers.
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), are distinct from canker sores and are highly contagious. These typically manifest as fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips, though they can also appear inside the mouth, on the tongue, gums, or throat. Cold sores often begin with a tingling or itching sensation before blisters form, which then break open, crust over, and heal within two to four weeks.
Mucoceles are soft, fluid-filled cysts that commonly appear on the inner surface of the lower lip, but can also be found on the inner cheeks, tongue, or floor of the mouth. These painless, smooth, round lesions often result from trauma, such as biting the lip, which damages a salivary gland duct and causes mucus to leak into surrounding tissue. Mucoceles often resolve without treatment, but larger or persistent ones may require professional attention.
An oral fibroma is a firm, smooth, dome-shaped lump that develops from persistent irritation or trauma. It commonly appears on the inner cheek along the bite line, the tongue, or the gums. These growths are typically painless and non-cancerous.
Oral tori are benign, bony growths on the roof of the mouth (torus palatinus) or inner lower jaw (mandibular tori). These slow-growing nodules are usually asymptomatic. Large tori can sometimes interfere with denture placement, speech, chewing, or cause discomfort if traumatized.
Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, which naturally exists in the mouth. It presents as creamy white, slightly raised patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, or tonsils, often resembling cottage cheese. Thrush can cause redness, soreness, and a cottony feeling in the mouth, and is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, those taking certain medications like antibiotics, or infants.
Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is a harmless inflammatory condition affecting the tongue’s surface. It features irregular, smooth, red patches lacking papillae, often surrounded by slightly raised white borders, creating a map-like appearance. While usually painless, some individuals may experience sensitivity or a burning sensation when eating spicy or acidic foods.
Minor trauma, such as accidentally biting the cheek or lip, can cause temporary bumps or sores. These injuries result in small, sometimes painful, lesions that heal spontaneously within a few days. Such transient bumps generally do not require specific medical intervention.
When to Consult a Professional
While many mouth bumps are harmless, certain signs warrant evaluation by a dentist or doctor. A persistent mouth sore or lump that does not heal within two to three weeks is a significant concern, including any white or reddish patches that do not go away.
Changes in the size, shape, or color of an existing bump, or the development of new, unusual growths, also warrant professional consultation. Other warning signs include bleeding, increasing or severe pain, or difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking. Numbness in any part of the mouth or face, or associated systemic symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, or general malaise, also indicate a need for medical advice.
Medical Evaluation and Management
When a concerning mouth bump is identified, a healthcare professional conducts a thorough medical evaluation. This begins with a visual examination of the mouth and surrounding areas, and a review of the patient’s medical history. The professional may palpate the area to assess the bump’s texture and size, and check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
If the bump’s nature is unclear, a biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis to determine its cause and rule out serious conditions like oral cancer. Imaging studies might also be used to assess the lesion’s extent.
Management depends on the diagnosis. Benign conditions might only require observation, while others could be treated with medications such as antivirals for cold sores, antifungals for thrush, or anti-inflammatories for irritation. Surgical removal may be recommended for certain benign growths, like persistent mucoceles or fibromas, especially if they cause discomfort or interfere with oral functions. For complex or suspected serious conditions, a referral to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or oncologist, may be necessary.