Although you might not see them when you glance in the mirror, bumps inside of your mouth often make their presence clear by causing pain and irritation. Even though the Family Doctor website indicates that small, red bumps in your mouth rarely denote serious medical issues, they can make eating, drinking and talking painful. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine their cause, especially if you experience other symptoms, such as fever, skin rash, diarrhea or headaches.
Causes
The Family Doctor website identifies several potential causes for red bumps in the mouth, including canker sores, inflamed papillae and oral lichen planus. In children ages 3 to 10, herpangina -- a viral illness caused by the Coxsackie group A viruses -- commonly produces red ulcers and sores inside of the mouth. Herpangina, which also causes fever, sore throat, headache and similar sores on the feet and hands, is contagious and, while most common in children, can potentially affect all ages.
Identification
Canker sores present as small, painful white or yellow sores with a red border located on the cheek, tongue, inner lips or gums. Small red bumps located exclusively on your tongue are probably inflamed papillae, an injury that can result from accidentally biting yourself or burning your tongue on hot food or drink. Red open sores on the sides of your tongue or inside of your cheeks might be caused by oral lichen planus, an inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes inside of your mouth.
Treatment
Medline Plus indicates that most cases of red bumps inside of the mouth, including those caused by canker sores and herpangina, disappear on their own without medical treatment. If the bumps hurt or cause you discomfort, your doctor might recommend the use of over-the-counter medications, such as topical anesthetics for the mouth, and oral pain relievers, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to relieve your pain. In cases involving oral lichen planus, your doctor might prescribe corticosteroids or retinoids to reduce inflammation and pain associated with the condition.
Prevention/Solution
MayoClinic.com suggests that practicing good oral hygiene habits and modifying your diet can stop canker sores from reappearing. Avoid spicy and salty foods, as well as acidic fruits, such as oranges and pineapple, since these foods can irritate your mouth. Brush your teeth after each meal and floss regularly to keep your mouth clean of food debris that can trigger a reaction.
Warning
Canker sores are not a form of cancer -- nor do they cause cancer, according to Medline Plus -- but certain forms of cancer, including squamous cell carcinomas, can initially present as red bumps that do not heal. If the bumps in your mouth do not get better within 2 weeks, see your doctor to rule out mouth cancer.
