Little, pimple-like white bumps inside your mouth can be triggered by multiple conditions, such as canker sores, mucus cysts, oral lichen planus and swollen papillae. These conditions usually resolve by themselves, however particular medications can ease some of the accompanying pain and discomfort. See a doctor for a precise diagnosis if you have pimple-like bumps in your mouth.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are ulcers that normally appear on the base of your gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth and the inner surface of your lips and cheeks. Canker sores start as painful, red bumps, then become open ulcers with a yellow or white middle. The areas around canker sores are bright red. While the exact cause of canker sores are unknowned, they are thought to be activated by hormonal changes, food allergies, menstrual periods, stress and poor diet. Injuries to the mouth tissue, such as from dental work and cheek biting, can also cause canker sores. These ulcers typically recover by themselves, nevertheless topical medications such as benzocaine (Anbesol) may reduce your pain as they recover. Rinsing your mouth with a mild mouth wash or salt water and preventing spicy foods may also decrease pain.
Mucus Cysts
Mucus cysts usually appear on the lips’ inner surface as white bumps. Less frequently they affect the within the cheeks, roof or flooring of the mouth and the tongue. Mucus cysts are pain-free, thin, fluid-filled sacs. These cysts can be brought on by damage to a salivary duct, such as injury brought on by drawing your lips in between your teeth. Trauma from lip and mouth piercings may likewise cause mucus cysts to form. These cysts may rupture and drain by themselves, nevertheless more regularly surgery is required to remove the cyst.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition affecting mucus membranes in your mouth. This inflammation causes raised bumps or lines on the sides of your tongue and within your cheeks. You may likewise have red (sometimes with white small spot on a top), open sores in those areas. Triggers of oral lichen planus might include liver disease, hepatitis C infection, particular medications and vaccines and allergies. Drug treatments for oral lichen planus consist of corticosteroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and anti-bacterial agents. These bumps might also be treated with light and laser treatments.
Inflamed Papillae
White bumps on your tongue might be swollen papillae, This inflammation can be caused by injury, such as biting your tongue or burning it with hot food. This condition generally heals by itself, however medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) might reduce pain caused by swollen papillae.
Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer describes cancer that develops in any of the parts that comprise the mouth. Mouth cancer can take place on the:
- Lips
- Gums
- Tongue
- Inner lining of the cheeks
- Roof of the mouth
- Floor of the mouth
Cancer that takes place on the inside of the mouth is sometimes called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer and may looks like white bumps as well.
Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may consist of a sore that doesn’t recover, a sore that bleeds, a growth, lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth, loose teeth, poorly fitting dentures, tongue pain, jaw pain or tightness, challenging or painful chewing, hard or painful swallowing, sore throat.
Make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if you have any relentless symptoms and signs that bother you and last more than two weeks. Your doctor will likely examine other more common causes for your signs and symptoms first, such as an infection.