What do Bumps on the Roof of Mouth Mean?

There are many reasons why someone may be experiencing bumps on the roof of the mouth. We are here to walk you through the most common causes, as well as possible treatments for each cause.

Canker Sores

Canker sores can present themselves in a variety of colors. Small, red, white, or yellow sores can appear on the roof of the mouth as well as your cheeks or lips. These sores are often the result of biting your cheeks or lips or a result of stress and illness. While these sores can be painful and make it hard to swallow, they go away over the course of a few weeks. There are over-the-counter medicines you can purchase for faster relief.

Burns

The soft tissue on the roof of your mouth is most susceptible to burns from biting into hot food. When this occurs, it is common for the burn to last a few days. In some extreme circumstances, there may be a bump on the roof of the mouth, or it can blister.

Injury or Trauma

Injuring the roof of your mouth is quite common, especially if you play sports or wear dentures. When trauma occurs to the roof of your mouth, you may experience bruising, cuts, or blisters. These injuries might feel like a bump on the roof of your mouth and tend to heal on their own in a few days.

Epstein Pearls

Epstein pearls are white or yellow bumps that can develop in newborns. Some parents may think they are new teeth, but they are harmless cysts that generally go away in a few weeks.

Hyperdontia

Hyperdontia is the result of too many teeth growing either behind your original set of teeth or further back on the roof of your mouth. This condition is rare but can cause jaw pain, headaches, or facial pain. These extra teeth can be surgically removed to relieve pain or discomfort.

Squamous Papilloma

Squamous Papilloma are hard bumps on the roof of the mouth or base of the tongue that are the result of human papillomavirus (HPV). These are usually noncancerous, do not require treatment, and are typically more irritating than painful.

Torus Palatinus

Torus Palatinus presents itself as a small bump on the roof of the mouth. This hard bump can grow throughout a person’s life and typically is not a threat to their health. However, if this bump is irritating, the only option to remove it is surgery.

Cold Sores

While cold sores are most commonly found on the lip, they can also form as a roof of the mouth bump. They differ from canker sores because cold sores are extremely contagious and are a result of the herpes simplex virus. Some of the most common symptoms of cold sores are:

• Blisters that look like an open sore.
• Blisters filled with fluid.
• An itching or tingling sensation before the blister forms.

Cold sores can heal on their own over a few weeks, but a doctor can prescribe medicine to accelerate the healing process.

In Summary

So, what do bumps on the roof of your mouth mean? If you are concerned about a hard bump on the roof of your mouth or a small bump on the roof of your mouth that comes and goes, it is time to call Emergency Dentists. Our team of professionals will assess your issue and give you the best treatment options.