Oral mucoceles — common benign lesions in the oral cavity — often stem from trauma to salivary glands.
While a mucocele is a benign swelling, you should always consult a professional when it comes to growths, swellings, or suspicious lesions in the mouth/gums/lips/cheeks. Unlike mucoceles, there are many similar-appearing lumps in the gums that cause a massive threat to your health and safety if not treated promptly.
In this article, we delve into their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is an Oral Mucocele?
Oral mucoceles (“oral mucous cysts”) are mucus-filled cysts that appear in the mouth, usually resulting from damage to the salivary glands. They typically occur on the lower lips but can also develop on the tongue, cheek, or roof of the mouth. These sac-like structures can vary in size and often feel soft to the touch.
It is common to notice a mucocele increase and decrease in size. This phenomenon is related to the activation of the underlying salivary gland.
A mucocele is a very common cause of lip swelling — in fact, it is the #1 cause of lip swelling in children.
Symptoms of Oral Mucocele
Patients with mucoceles often report symptoms such as:
Small, painless fluid-filled bumps in the mouth
Discomfort when speaking, eating, or drinking
A bluish, reddish, or transparent color to the bump
Frequent biting or sucking of the bump due to its location
Periodic drainage of the nodule
Diagnosing Oral Mucocele
Healthcare professionals usually diagnose mucoceles through a physical examination, considering their characteristic appearance.
In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions.
Often, this excisional biopsy will also remove the underlying salivary glands in addition to the mucocele.
Treatment for Oral Mucocele
The primary treatment for mucoceles is surgical removal if needed. However, other therapies such as laser therapy, cryotherapy, and corticosteroid injections may also be options.
A professional will determine the best approach based on the mucocele's size, location, and other patient-specific factors.
Home Remedies for Oral Mucocele
Some home remedies can aid the healing process, like rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution or applying a topical over-the-counter oral gel for pain relief. But remember, these are temporary measures and not substitutes for professional treatment.
Ultimately, the best “home remedy” for treating a mucocele is time. In most cases, the mucocele will resolve on its own in a matter of weeks or months.
Recurrence of Mucoceles
Oral mucoceles have a propensity for recurrence, particularly those located on the tongue.
The recurrence rate varies widely in the literature, ranging from less than 4% to more than 50%, depending on the study, the cyst location, and the treatment method used. The higher end of this range typically refers to cases where initial treatment was more conservative, such as simple drainage or marsupialization.
The most effective way to minimize the chance of recurrence is complete surgical removal of the cyst and underlying salivary gland. However, even this method is not 100% foolproof.
If a mucocele does recur, it's crucial not to delay seeking medical advice. Persistent or recurrent mucoceles, especially those showing unusual features, should be further investigated to rule out more serious conditions.
Prevention of Oral Mucocele
Preventing mucoceles involves minimizing oral trauma. This could include avoiding the habitual biting of lip areas, informing your orthodontist if orthodontic brackets and wires are irritating your gum or lips, wearing mouthguards during sports, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you notice a persistent or growing bump in your mouth, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
While oral mucoceles aren't typically dangerous, it is essential that you get a definitive diagnosis of any oral swelling or growth. There are other causes of lumps and bumps in the lips and cheeks that could be far more dangerous than a mucocele — so see your dentist any time you notice a growth or swelling in your mouth or lips.
Final Thoughts
Oral mucoceles are common, benign swellings in the mouth caused primarily by trauma to salivary glands. These may cause discomfort but aren't generally serious.
If you have an oral mucocele, it's essential not to try to manage it yourself as it can lead to further complications. Professional medical consultation is key for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, which may range from watchful waiting to surgical removal.
Remember, while stress might contribute to the formation of mucoceles, good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle are your best defenses. If any symptoms persist, always consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs
How do I get rid of a mucocele in my mouth?
The primary treatment for an oral mucocele is surgical removal, which is typically performed by an oral surgeon. Another common, popular method is to simply wait for the mucocele to resolve on its own. Other possible treatments include laser therapy or cryotherapy. It's important not to attempt to remove the mucocele yourself, as this can lead to further complications.
Is it OK to pop an oral mucocele?
No, you should not attempt to pop a mucocele. While it may seem tempting, this will be painful, and can also increase the risk of infection and might lead to scarring. It's best to have a mucocele professionally treated, or wait for the cyst to resolve on its own.
How long do oral mucoceles last?
Without treatment, some mucoceles may go away on their own within weeks to months. However, others may persist or continue to recur, and surgical treatment may be necessary.
Should I be worried about a mucocele?
Oral mucoceles are usually harmless, but they can be uncomfortable and cause difficulties with speaking or eating. If you have a bump in your mouth that you suspect is a mucocele, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. There are many other, more life-threatening causes of lumps in the gums/cheeks/lip/tongue.
Can a mucocele be cancerous?
Mucoceles are almost always benign. However, any persistent oral lesion should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other serious conditions. Do not attempt to diagnose a soft tissue growth on your own — seek a definitive diagnosis from your dentist.
Can stress cause a mucocele?
Stress can indirectly cause a mucocele, since they are usually associated with trauma to the oral cavity such as biting the lips or cheeks. Stress can lead to these habits, so indirectly, stress could potentially contribute to the development of a mucocele.
What happens when a mucocele bursts?
If a mucocele bursts, it may temporarily alleviate the swelling and discomfort. However, it's likely that the mucocele will again fill and reappear. Bursting a mucocele doesn't resolve the underlying issue, which is damage to the salivary gland, so medical treatment may still necessary.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.