They often look like a small, smooth, soft bump. Depending on the amount of fluid and the thickness of the overlying tissue, the swelling may be translucent, bluish, or similar in color to the surrounding mouth lining. Some are painless, although they can become annoying when talking, eating, or moving the lips.
What causes a mucocele?
One common cause is accidental injury to a salivary gland or its duct. Biting the lower lip, repeatedly chewing the inside of the mouth, or experiencing trauma may damage the duct and allow mucus to collect in nearby tissue.
A mucocele is not necessarily a sign of poor oral hygiene. It can occur in people who brush and floss regularly.
What usually happens next?
Some mucoceles shrink or rupture naturally, then disappear. Others return, particularly if the underlying gland or duct remains affected. A dentist can assess a persistent or recurring swelling and discuss whether treatment is needed.
Depending on its location, size, and behavior, treatment may involve observation or a minor procedure performed by a qualified clinician. Not every mucocele requires removal, but a swelling that does not resolve should not automatically be assumed to be one.
Avoid squeezing, puncturing, or cutting a suspected mucocele yourself. Doing so can cause bleeding, infection, tissue injury, and recurrence.
2. Gum Bumps and Parulis: When Infection May Be Involved
A bump on the gum near a tooth can sometimes be a parulis, a small raised area associated with drainage from a dental infection. It may resemble a pimple on the gum and may release fluid or pus.
A dental abscess can develop when bacteria infect the inside of a tooth or the tissues around it. Possible causes include deep tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or advanced gum disease.
