Small bumps that look like pimples inside your mouth could be one of many conditions. Some of the conditions that the bumps can be include canker sores, mucous cysts, oral lichen planus and inflamed papillae. These conditions usually resolve on their own but certain medications can relieve some of the accompanying pain and discomfort. See a doctor if the bumps persist beyond a few weeks or gets worse.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are ulcers that usually appear on the base of the gums, the tongue, the back roof of the mouth and the inner surface of the lips and cheeks. Canker sores start off as painful, red bumps and then develop into open ulcers that are yellow or white in the middle. The areas around canker sores are bright red. Anyone can develop canker sores. While the exact cause of canker sores are not known, they are thought to be triggered by hormonal changes, food allergies, menstrual periods, stress and a poor diet. Injuries to the mouth tissue, such as from dental work and cheek biting, can also cause canker sores. Canker sores usually go away on their own within three weeks. To relieve discomfort, MedlinePlus recommends applying an over-the-counter product for canker sores directly to the sores, rinsing your mouth with a mild mouth wash or salt water and avoiding spicy foods. See a doctor if the sores persist beyond three weeks or occur more than three times a year.
Mucous Cysts
Mucous cysts usually show up on the lips' inner surface but can also appear on the inside of the cheeks, the roof and floor of the mouth and the tongue. Mucous cysts are painless, thin, fluid-filled sacs. The exact causes of mucous cysts are not known. It is thought that sucking your lips between your teeth can cause them to occur on your lips. Trauma from piercings may also cause mucous cysts to form. They usually rupture and drain on their own. If they become really uncomfortable, go to your doctor who may speed up the draining process by opening the sacs with a sterile needle.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus is an inflammation of the mouth's mucous membranes. The inflammation causes raised patches of bumps or lines to appear on the sides of the tongue and the inside of the cheeks. You may also have red, open sores in those areas. It is not known what causes oral lichen planus. Triggers of oral lichen planus may include liver disease, hepatitis C infection, certain medications and vaccines and allergies. Oral lichen planus may resolve itself without treatment. MayoClinic.com recommends seeing a doctor if you are in pain and/or the bumps do not go away. Treatments for oral lichen planus include corticosteroids and retinoids to reduce the inflammation.
Inflamed Papillae
If the bumps are on your tongue, you may have inflamed papillae. Papillae are the bumps on your tongue where your taste buds are located. They can become inflamed because of injury, such as from burning your tongue from hot drinks or food. Accidentally biting your tongue can also inflame papillae. The inflammation and bumps usually go away without treatment. In the meantime, avoid injuring your tongue further by being careful with the temperature of your drinks and food. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve some of the pain.
Member Comments