Common Causes of a Bump on the Roof of the Mouth
Finding a bump on the roof of your mouth is never something you want to encounter, but canker sores are common and heal on their own. Knowing potential triggers helps you determine if a doctor’s appointment is in order.
Torus Palatinus (Bony Growth)
Torus palatinus A bony bump in the middle of your hard palate (the roof of your mouth) is known as an oral tori or torus palatinus. While some are born with this condition, others acquire it over time. The nodule is usually indurated, painless and stable in size for years.
Nonetheless, torus palatinus is non-harmful though it may cause disturbances with dental convulsions such as dentures and mouth guards due to your trustee retainers or even speech, or whist swallowing if the anatomic settlement becomes large. Genetic is a very important factor that causes you to have torus palatinus or not. Studies in cousins of those affected are more likely to develop it so there is some familial factor.
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) Virtually everyone has had one of these small, painful sores at some point appear on the roof of their mouth.These are small ovals with a white or yellow center and a red border. canker sores are usually brought on by minor injuries to your mouth from dental work, braces, or accidental biting; spicy foods; acid fruits; and stress. Most simple canker sores resolve on their own within one to two weeks and are managed with topical numbing solutions to keep patients comfortable.
Mucoceles (Fluid-Filled Cysts)
A mucocele is a harmless cyst that is made of mucin (clear fluid) found on the lips, in the mouth or under the tongue. These bumps are oftentimes soft, transparent or sometimes even have a slightly bluish tint and come in the size of a pea to larger lumps. The majority of mucoceles burst on their own after a few weeks and do not need to be treated, but long-lasting ones may require professional attention.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, or Oral bony outgrowths, is a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of Candida yeast in the mouth. This condition typically produces white, patch-like bumps or coatings on the roof of the mouth, tongue, and inner cheeks. It commonly affects people with weakened immune systems, those taking antibiotics, or individuals with diabetes. Treatment involves antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Cold Sores and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Herpes simplex cold sores can appear on the lips, in the gums or on the roof of your mouth. These painful bumps usually demur between one and two weeks and can be proceeded by a tingling or itching feeling. There is no cure for oral herpes but it can be controlled by the use of antiviral medications which minimizes the severity and frequency of recurrences.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
This viral disease occurs most often in young children, but can also affect older children and adults. Coxsackie virus: causes painful mouth ulcers and may involve the palate. Symptoms usually clear up after one to two weeks.
Trauma and Injuries
Bumps or swelling can also be caused by accidental injuries from biting the roof of your mouth, hot food or drinks, or sharp foods. While most minor injuries are able to heal on their own in a matter of days to weeks, you don’t want to irritate the skin as it heals.
Epstein Pearls (Newborns)
Epstein pearls Epstein pearls are small, yellow or white-coloured cysts that may develop on a baby’s gums or roof of the mouth. These bumps usually range between 1 3 millimeters in diameter and often will fade without treatment within a few weeks of life.
Squamous Papilloma
Squamous Papilloma HPV, the virus that causes squamous papillomas, is a group of more than 150 related viruses. They are slow-growing and don’t have to be removed unless they become irritated or cause cosmetic issues. If you like, a dentist can cut them out.
When to See a Dentist
The majority of bumps on the roof of your mouth are harmless and will go away on their own. But if a bump is still hanging out after two to three weeks, it’s getting bigger, it starts hurting really badly, it bleeds or otherwise presents with changes that raise eyebrows for you, see your consult a dental or primary care doctor. And if you develop such things as trouble swallowing, problems with breathing and signs of infection like fever or bad taste in your mouth, please seek prompt evaluation.
References:
- Auskalnis, A., Bernhardt, O., Putnienė, E., Šidlauskas, A., Andriuškevičiūtė, I., & Basevičienė, N. (2015). Oral bony outgrowths: Prevalence and genetic factor influence. Study of twins. Medicina (Kaunas), 51(4), 228-232.
- Healthline Medical Network. (2024, February 2). Bump on the roof of your mouth: 12 causes, treatments, and more.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 20). Torus palatinus: Symptoms, causes & treatment.