What Causes a Bump on the Roof of Your Mouth?

There are many possible causes for a bump on the roof of your mouth. While most bumps are harmless and can go away without treatment, they can occasionally be a symptom of a serious condition. This article will discuss possible causes, symptoms, and treatments for bumps on the roof of your mouth.

Canker sores are noncontagious, painful bumps that form inside the mouth. While they usually develop Trusted Source National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Governmental authority Go to source on the insides of the cheeks or lips, they can also affect the roof of your mouth. Viral infections, vitamin deficiencies, minor mouth injuries, and stress are possible causes.

Canker sores typically have a gray center with a red border. They can be painful, and some people may also experience a burning or tingling sensation.

Canker sores generally do not require medical treatment. Topical numbing gels and antiseptic mouthwashes may be beneficial. It is a good idea for people with canker sores to avoid spicy or acidic foods, and people with vitamin deficiencies may wish to take vitamin supplements or adjust their diets.

Hot beverages — such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate — can cause inflammation and bumps on the roof of your mouth.

Other symptoms of burns on the roof of your mouth can include:

• pain or tenderness
• inflammation
• redness

Mild burns usually heal without treatment, but they can be painful until they disappear. Consuming cold food or drinks may help to relieve the pain, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be beneficial as well.

Severe burns may require antibiotic treatment.

Cold sores are very contagious and result from infection with type 1 of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type 1 HSV is very common, affecting more than 50% of the United States population by 20 years old.

Cold sores are painful bumps. While they usually occur on the outer part of the mouth, they can also develop on the roof of the mouth and on the gums. Some cold sores may ooze or itch.

While there is no cure yet for the virus that causes cold sores, the sores usually go away on their own within a few weeks. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines to help prevent and heal cold sores faster.

Avoiding intimate physical contact with others, such as kissing, while you are symptomatic is essential, as cold sores spread easily.

A mucocele is an oral cyst. It is a painless, soft, fluid-filled sac. Mucoceles typically develop Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source when the salivary glands in your mouth have an injury or blockage. Fluid buildup in the affected area causes the characteristic bump.

In addition to being painless, a mucocele may have the following characteristics:

• clear or bluish in color
• soft
• round
• smooth

Mucoceles typically go away without treatment. However, if your symptoms persist, your doctor may need Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to surgically remove the lesion.

Candidiasis is an infection resulting from a type of fungus called Candida. While Candida usually lives on the skin and inside the body without causing any issues, body changes that encourage fungal growth can cause Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source an infection to develop.

Candidiasis in the mouth can have varying symptoms, including:

• white patches on the roof of the mouth
• redness
• dry, cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• loss of taste
• pain while swallowing or eating

Doctors typically prescribe antifungal medications to treat candidiasis. The most common Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source treatment for severe cases is fluconazole, which you can take orally or with an IV.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral infection that is usually not serious. It typically spreads Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source through contact with fluids from a person with the infection.

People with hand, foot, and mouth disease may experience:

• flu-like symptoms
• mouth sores
• blisters
• fever
• rashes

While there is no specific treatment for the condition, OTC medications to treat pain and fever can help relieve symptoms. If your child is sick, talk with your doctor to determine appropriate dosages. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.

Epstein pearls, or palatal cysts, are white or yellowish cysts that are very common on the roof of the mouths of newborns. Researchers estimate that 65–85% Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of newborns develop them.

Epstein pearls are harmless and painless. They tend to be firm and may appear in groups.

Epstein pearls do not require treatment and generally disappear Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source on their own after a few weeks or months. However, talk with your child’s pediatrician if the bumps persist.

Hyperdontia is a rare condition in which your mouth develops too many teeth. As a result, they lodge on the roof of your mouth. While it is not known exactly what causes the condition, researchers believe that genetics may play a role.

Hyperdontia symptoms can include:

• facial pain
• headache
• jaw pain

Your dentist usually detects hyperdontia with dental X-rays during routine dental appointments. As a result, your dentist may decide to remove the extra teeth.

Squamous papillomas are common, painless bumps in the mouth. They typically result from a human papilloma virus infection and most commonly develop in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

Squamous papillomas grow slowly and tend to have a cauliflower-like appearance. They are painless and may not have any symptoms other than the physical bumps.

Treatment for squamous papillomas typically involves Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source surgical removal.

Oral cancer is one of the most serious causes of bumps on the roof of the mouth. While there is currently no routine screening test for oral cavity cancers, dentists can find them during regular dental exams.

Symptoms Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source of oral cancer can include:

• white or red patches in the mouth
• mouth sores that do not heal
• numbness
• swelling
• voice changes
• ear pain

The treatment and outlook for people with oral cancer will vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the tumor. However, most treatments will include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

There are many conditions that can cause bumps on the roof of your mouth. Some causes, like canker sores and mucoceles, are mild and may resolve without treatment. Other causes, including oral cancer, are serious and will require prompt treatment.

Talk with your doctor if you experience bumps on the roof of your mouth. They can help you determine the cause and any necessary treatment.