When small lumps appear on the inside of the lip or under the tongue, we usually think they’re canker sores or ulcers. However, it could be a mucocele, which is an accumulation of saliva. The difference between a canker sore and a mucocele is that the former is painful and disappears after a few days, while the latter takes weeks.
Stay and read the article to learn everything about mucoceles.
What is a mucocele?
A mucocele is a small lump that appears inside the mouth, usually on the lower lip, although it can also appear in other areas such as the cheeks or under the tongue. It forms when a small salivary gland gets damaged or blocked, causing saliva to accumulate and form that bump. It is usually soft, clear or bluish in color, and painless, although it can be uncomfortable when talking or eating.
Its size can range from 3 mm to several centimeters. It looks similar to a blister, but in this case, it cannot be popped because the mucocele is covered by a thick layer of tissue and is located in the deeper part of the skin.
Causes of mucoceles
In general, mucoceles appear after trauma. They can also appear after accidentally biting your lip while eating.
The consequence of this trauma is the rupture of a main or accessory blood vessel of the salivary glands. Saliva escapes through the damaged area and accumulates between the epithelial layers, forming the lump.
Types of mucoceles based on their origin
We can distinguish between two types of mucoceles depending on their origin:
- Extravasation mucocele: This is the most common type and mainly affects children and adolescents. It is caused by biting, piercings, orthodontic appliances, or habits such as chewing on pens.
- Retention mucocele: This type affects people over 40 years old but is less common. It is caused by a calculus (stone) formed by impurities in the saliva, which blocks and breaks the ducts.
How can a mucocele be treated?
In most cases, the best way to treat a mucocele is simply to leave it alone, as it will usually be reabsorbed after a few weeks and does not cause pain. Normally, surgery is not needed, but in some patients, the mucocele becomes chronic and interferes with daily life.
If you feel pain or irritation while eating or talking, the mucocele can be removed through various surgical techniques: by making an incision at the base of the lump to remove the mucosa, or by using a laser.
Follow these tips to prevent mucoceles
Here are some simple tips to help prevent mucoceles from appearing:
- Avoid biting your lips or the inside of your mouth: This is one of the main causes of mucoceles, especially on the lower lip. Try to avoid it, especially during stressful or nervous moments.
- Take care of your oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth properly and keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infections and keeps salivary glands healthy.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Regular check-ups allow for early detection of problems and help prevent injuries or damage in the mouth.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods: Some foods can cause small wounds or trauma in the mouth, increasing the risk of a mucocele forming.
- Don’t self-medicate or tamper with lumps in your mouth: If you notice a bump or lump, it’s best to have it checked by a professional rather than trying to remove it yourself.
These habits can help reduce the risk of developing a mucocele and keep your oral health in good condition.
We help you treat mucoceles
At Gross Dentistas, our dental clinic in Torremolinos, we have a team specialized in diagnosing and treating oral lesions such as mucoceles. Thanks to our experience and use of advanced technology, we offer safe and effective solutions to eliminate these types of lumps in the mouth, ensuring a quick recovery and preventing them from coming back.
If you’d like more information about mucoceles, or if you suspect you have one that isn’t just a simple sore, contact us and schedule your appointment so we can examine it.
Remember that our dentists also perform root canals, dental implants, pediatric dentistry, and much more. We’re here for whatever you need.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
