This article will explain what causes a bump on the roof of the mouth. It also includes possible symptoms.
1. Canker sores
Canker sores can be described as open, round sores that form in the mouth. They can be yellow, white, or pale pink, and they are extremely sensitive.
Most canker sores appear on the cheeks and gums. However, they can also occur in other places, such as the roof of your mouth.
Canker sores can be caused by various things, such as biting your cheek while chewing or scratching the roof.
They usually heal in a matter of weeks. Although they are not contagious and do not cause any symptoms, they can make eating difficult.
You may be able to numb your pain with a prescription or over-the-counter oral creams.
2. Burns
Hot beverages like coffee, tea or food that has just been cooked can cause a burn to the inside of your mouth and roof. A bump or blister may form if the burn is severe.
Minor burns can usually heal themselves if they are careful not to irritate sensitive skin.
3. Trauma or injury
The sensitivity inside of your mouth is very delicate. A bump can form if there is damage to the roof tissue.
This type of bump could be caused by:
- Puncture wounds
- cuts
- Tobacco use can cause damage to the mouth
- Accidents resulting from dental work
- Dentures can cause irritation
Scar tissue may form in the mouth after an injury. It might appear lumpy or raised. Although the sore might be sensitive or painful, it will usually heal by itself.
Warm salt water can rinse the mouth regularly and promote healing.
4. Cold sores
A herpes simplex virus infection can cause cold sores. The virus causes blisters on the lips and inside the mouth. They can also develop on the roof of your mouth.
Cold sores can be characterized by:
- A tingling sensation that precedes the blisters.
- Blisters that appear in clusters or patches
- Open blisters or oozing that doesn’t rupture
- Billets that rupture and then crust over after healing
Cold sores can be contagious, unlike canker sores. Although the outbreak is usually under control, it is best to avoid close contact with others during this time.
If necessary, a doctor might prescribe medication to accelerate the healing process.
5. Mucoceles
Mucoceles, or oral mucous cysts, are caused by an inflamed or irritated salivary gland. The gland becomes clogged with mucus, resulting in a bump-like growth or a fluid-filled cyst.
Although they are rarely a concern, mucoceles do not cause any problems and can heal independently. However, this could take several weeks.
6. Torus palatinus
Torus palatinus may indicate a hard lump in the roof of your mouth. Torus palatinus refers to an additional bone growth that does not indicate an underlying condition.
It can occur at any age and may continue to grow throughout one’s lifetime. It is unlikely that it will require treatment unless it impacts one’s ability to eat or drink or talk.
7. Candidiasis
Oral candidiasis can cause white or red bumps in your mouth.
To diagnose oral candidiasis, it is important to consult a dentist or doctor. The symptoms could mimic other conditions.
The doctor will likely recommend oral antifungal medication to treat the problem. The doctor will likely recommend oral antifungal medication to treat the problem.
8. Hand, foot and mouth diseases
The virus responsible for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is Coxsackievirus. The virus causes painful blisters and red bumps in the mouth.
The symptoms can also be seen on the feet and hands, as the name implies. Other symptoms include body aches and fever.
HFMD is more common in children younger than adultsTrusted Source, but it can also affect anyone. To relieve symptoms, doctors may recommend medicated mouthwashes to treat the virus.
9. Epstein pearls
Epstein pearls may be what parents see if their baby has lumpy gums. These cysts are common in newborns.
Epstein pearls can be either white or yellow, and they will disappear within a few weeks of birth.
10. Hyperdontia
A bump on the top of your mouth could be an additional tooth, although it is rare. Hyperdontia is characterized by excessive growth of teeth.
These extra teeth are usually found in the upper jaw. However, they may appear farther back towards the roof of your mouth.
Hyperdontia can cause pain in the new tooth, jaw pain, and headaches.
Hyperdontia can be treated, and most dentists can remove extra teeth without complications.
11. Squamous papilloma
The human papillomavirus may also cause bump formations in the mouth. These bumps are not cancerous, do not cause pain, and look like cauliflower.
Squamous papillomas are often not treated and can be distracting.
12. Oral cancer
Rarely, bumps or sores on the roof may indicate cancer. Oral cancer bumps can be white, grey or bright red, depending on the cause. They can feel smooth or velvety.
These are possible signs of oral cancer:
- A sore or lump that doesn’t heal
- A rapidly growing lump
- A strangely shaped piece of tissue
- open, bleeding sores
Oral cancer is not the main cause of a bump on your roof. Oral cancer signs can be confused with other problems in the mouth.
It is important to allow the sores to heal. A doctor should see a bump that does not heal within 2 weeks.
When should you see a doctor?
Many bumps on the roof of the mouth can be treated without any treatment. However, some cases may need medical attention. For:
- Very discoloured areas in the mouth
- Pain lasting longer than a few days
- A foul-smelling breath
- Pain when swallowing or chewing
- Severe burns
- Retainers, dentures, and other dental devices no longer suitable for use may be returned.
- Trouble breathing
- A fast-growing bump
- A bump that changes in shape
- A bump that persists after 2 weeks
- A bump that interrupts your daily life
A bump on the roof or side of your mouth is something that a doctor should address. They can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.
