Mucolcele: What Causes the Painless Bumps Inside Your Mouth and Lip?
Most people get mouth bumps or sores at some point, and most are harmless-but anything that doesn’t go away should be checked by a dentist. A common example is a mucocele, a small mucous cyst inside the mouth which can be removed with a simple in-office procedure.
What is a mucocele?
- Soft, dome-shaped bump inside the lip, cheek, or under the tongue
- Usually painless, but can interfere with speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Often looks clear, whitish, or bluish and may feel like a small, movable lump
What causes it?
- Lip or cheek biting/sucking that injures a salivary gland
- Trauma to the mouth or face
- Blocked or inflamed salivary glands
- Irritation from oral piercings or chronic irritation
How is it treated?
- Some mucoceles rupture and heal on their own
- Persistent or bothersome bumps are typically treated with a quick, minor in-office procedure to remove the cyst and prevent it from coming back.
If you notice a new bump, swelling, or color change in your mouth that isn’t improving, call Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry at 203-255-6878 today to schedule an appointment.