Lump In Mouth

25 January 2017

Lump in Mouth? Causes, When to Worry & When to See a Dentist

Finding a bump or swelling in your mouth may leave you feeling unsettled. Although it is natural to feel worried, it’s worth knowing that most oral lumps are actually due to some form of irritation, a blocked salivary gland, or an infection. In most cases, these can be easily resolved.

That said, there are certain bumps which should not be overlooked. If lump does not go away, causes pain or continues to grow, it is best to see a dentist about it.

At Pearl Dental Clinic, our dentists will conduct a thorough examination and will advise you on the cause and how best to treat the problem. We offer same day emergency appointments and are open everyday until 10PM for your peace of mind.

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Should I Be Worried About a Lump in My Mouth?

Most mouth lumps resolve themselves within a few weeks with no treatment, especially ones cause by irritation or accidental biting.

However, you should make an appointment as soon as possible if your lump:

Has been present for more than two weeks
Is getting larger or becoming more painful
Bleeds or develops into an ulcer
Makes it difficult to swallow or open your mouth
Feels hard, fixed in place or doesn’t move
Causes numbness or changes in sensation
Is associated with swelling of the face or jaw

If a lump is persistent, it’s always best to have it checked even if your symptoms seem mild because early diagnosis allows any necessary treatment to begin sooner rather than later.

Common Causes of a Lump in the Mouth

Mouth ulcer or irritation

Often caused by accidentally biting your cheek or lip, a sharp tooth or dentures. These usually heal within 7–14 days.

Dental abscess

Swelling due to an infection in the tooth or gums. This needs to be treated soon in order to prevent spread of infection.

Mucocele (blocked salivary gland)

A soft, fluid-filled lump, often on the inside of the lip or under the tongue. The majority are harmless, but persistent mucoceles might need treatment.

Fibroma

A firm and harmless lump caused by repeated irritation, like biting your cheek. It’s worth having checked to confirm the diagnosis.

Wisdom tooth infection

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, tenderness and infection at the back of the mouth. Ongoing issues can mean you need to have the tooth extracted.

Oral cancer (rare)

Most oral lumps are non-cancerous, but if any persists beyond two weeks, bleeds, or has accompanying red or white areas in your mouth, you need to have it checked.

How We Diagnose a Lump in the Mouth

We aim to ensure that your appointment straightforward, comfortable and informative.

One of our dentists will:

Ask about your symptoms and medical history
Assess the lump and the surrounding tissue
Check for signs of infection
Take X-rays, or a 3D CBCT scan (if necessary)
Explain the likely diagnosis to you and recommend the next steps

If treatment is necessary, we’ll explain your options clearly, establish a treatment plan for you and answer any questions that you may wish to ask.

Still Not Sure? Here’s the Honest Advice

If the lump has been there less than a week, isn’t painful, and seems to be improving, it’s reasonable to monitor it.

But if there’s any doubt at all, getting it checked is always the safer option. It’s quick, simple, and often a huge relief.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes. Dentists are trained to examine lumps, swellings, ulcers and other abnormalities inside the mouth. If necessary, they can arrange further assessment or refer you to an appropriate specialist.
: If a lump hasn’t gone away within two weeks, it’s important to arrange an examination. Earlier assessment is recommended if it’s painful, growing or associated with swelling or infection.
: Not always. Many are harmless. However, if you have severe pain, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or signs of infection, you should seek an emergency appointment.
: No, it shouldn’t. Examining a lump inside the mouth is usually quick, gentle and almost always completely painless. If any treatment is needed, your dentist will explain everything beforehand.

Book Your Consultation at Pearl Dental Clinic

If you’ve noticed a lump, bump or swelling inside your mouth, don’t spend days wondering what it might be. A professional assessment can quickly identify the cause, rule out anything serious and help you get the right treatment if it’s needed.

At Pearl Dental Clinic, we offer same-day emergency appointments 365 days a year, from 9am to 10pm, so you can be seen quickly when you’re concerned about your oral health. Whether your symptoms are due to a minor irritation, an infection or something that needs further investigation, our experienced team will explain everything clearly and guide you through the next steps.

We invite you to read our patient reviews and discover why patients have trusted Pearl Dental Clinic with their dental care since 2007.

To book your appointment, call 0208 547 9997, send us a WhatsApp message, or book online at a time that’s convenient for you.

Call us today on 020 8547 9997

Whatever you need, our friendly team is looking forward to hearing from you.

Simply get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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