What Does a Bump on the Roof of Your Mouth Mean?
Your mouth is delicate, and it can get affected even by the slightest changes in the body, such as forming bumps. Bumps on the roof of your mouth are a major concern, especially if they don’t clear quickly. Here are the possible causes of mouth bumps on the roof, symptoms, and treatment.
Physical Injuries
The tissues inside your mouth are sensitive and tender. Therefore, if you accidentally injure your mouth, bumps may form on its roof.
Common causes of injuries in your mouth include:
- Burns from hot foods
- Irritation from poor-fitting dentures, or orthodontic treatment
- Loss of toothbrush control
- Dental work accidents
- Puncture wounds
Signs
When you have an injury on the roof of your mouth, the affected area will turn red. Scar tissue may also form in your mouth, which feels lumpy.
Treatment
Often, injuries on the roof of your mouth heal on their own. To accelerate the healing process, you can rinse your mouth regularly with warm saltwater.
Mucoceles
Mucoceles are cysts that form in your mouth due to irritation or inflammation of the salivary glands. As a result, mucus will accumulate in the gland resulting in a round, fluid-filled swelling. These bumps usually occur on the roof of your mouth. They may also appear on your tongue, lips, or the inside part of your cheeks.
Signs
Mucoceles lumps usually exhibit the following characteristics:
- Painless
- Coarse and scaly
- Individual or group lumps
- Red or transparent
Treatment
Mucoceles don’t require any medical attention since these lumps may rupture when you are eating and heal on their own. However, if these lumps become large and affect your ability to eat or speak, you need to visit your doctor. Most doctors usually use laser treatment, surgery, or cryotherapy to treat this issue.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is cancer that occurs in any part of your mouth. If you experience unexplained mouth bumps on the roof that don’t seem to go away on their own, visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Signs
Common signs of oral cancer include:
- Sore throat
- Rapidly growing bump
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
- Open or bleeding sores
- Pain or stiffness in your jaw
- Smooth or velvety painless lumps
Treatment
Mouth cancer treatment varies depending on the stage of cancer. First, you should stop any tobacco products since they worsen your symptoms. Your doctor will also put you on medication and schedule a regular oral screening. If the cancerous growth refuses to go away, your oncologist may recommend oral surgery.
Cold Sores
Cold sores, commonly known as fever blisters, are painful lumps that occur on the roof of your mouth due to the herpes simplex virus. This virus is highly contagious and usually spreads through kissing or oral sex. Sharing towels, utensils, or toothbrushes can also spread the herpes simplex virus.
Signs
- A tingling sensation on the roof of your mouth before lumps appear
- One large blister or a cluster of blisters
- Oozing blisters
- Painful blisters
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle ache
Treatment
Cold sores heal on their own, leaving a crust. You can also buy antiviral drugs to speed up the healing process since there is currently no cure for this condition. In some instances, your doctor may recommend a laser sore treatment.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are tiny, shallow lumps that usually occur in the gums and cheeks. However, these sores can also appear on the roof of your mouth. Canker sores are usually flat, raw-looking, and tender. When they start healing, they appear white and sunken.
Canker sores occur due to many reasons, including accidentally scratching the roof of your mouth or biting your cheek when you chew food. Additionally, if braces scratch your cheeks or lips, canker sores may develop.
Signs
- Sore throat
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing food
- Painful blisters
- Smooth lumps
Treatment
The best way to treat canker sores is to avoid touching the affected area. You should also avoid chewing hard foods or taking acidic drinks. Also, brush and floss your teeth carefully to avoid irritating the sore area. If you use orthodontic retainers, ensure the edges are smooth.
Another way to treat canker sores is by applying numbing products or home remedies such as rinsing with salt water to reduce the pain.
Torus Palatinus
If you feel a hard lump on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, you may be having torus palatinus. This condition commonly occurs when the bone on the roof of your mouth overgrows. Some people are also born with this issue, and the bone continues growing throughout their life. According to studies, this condition is common in women, and it can occur at any age.
Signs
- Painless lump
- Irritation when talking
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
Treatment
Torus Palatinus usually is painless. Therefore, treatment may not be necessary. However, if the bone continues to grow and causes difficulty when eating or talking, your doctor may recommend surgery.
When To See a Doctor
If you experience bumps on the roof of your mouth, give yourself some time since these problems usually go away after a few days. However, if these issues persist and cause a lot of discomfort, seek professional dental advice. You may also see a doctor if you experience the following:
- Trouble breathing
- The lump grows too fast
- When retainers, dentures, or other dental devices refuse to fit properly
- The lump keeps changing its shape
- Discolored patches in your mouth
- Your mouth begins to smell
- Severe burns in your mouth
Your doctor will thoroughly examine your mouth through X-rays or a biopsy and identify the cause during your visit. Your doctor will also advise you on taking care of your mouth to avoid injuries.
Final Words
Occasionally, you may experience bumps on the roof of your mouth. While these issues may go away on their own, sometimes mouth bumps on the roof may indicate a serious problem that needs immediate medical attention. Visiting your doctor will help you prevent these issues from escalating or recurring.
Looking for a clear path to overall general health and wellness? Better care of your oral hygiene can be a powerful determinant of a healthier and happier life. Pearly is the world's first oral health management app. Download to get started today.