Blog Post

Have you ever noticed a small, painless swelling inside your mouth and thought about what it could be? You might be dealing with a mucocele. To help you understand what a mucocele is, what causes it, how to get mucocele treatment near you, and if you should be visiting a dentist or a doctor, let’s start with a basic definition of the term.

What is a Mucocele?

A mucocele is a little, fluid-filled bump that develops in your mouth. It is usually found on the inner side of your lower lip. Even so, it might also develop on your tongue, the roof of your mouth, or the insides of your cheeks. Such bumps are often harmless and are packed and filled with a clear fluid, which can make them appear somewhat bluish.

Causes of a Mucocele

Mucoceles occurs when a minor salivary gland becomes blocked or damaged. The saliva a salivary gland produces is to assist us in chewing, swallowing, and digesting the food we eat.  When the salivary glands get blocked, saliva will get trapped under the skin, creating a blister-like bump. 

Some of the common causes of mucoceles include:

• Injury or trauma: An injury to your face or mouth can cause gland blockage.
• Sucking or chewing habits: Such habits can hurt your salivary glands, especially in kids.
• Oral piercings: Oral piercings can also result in gland blockage.

How to Identify a Mucocele

A mucocele can be easily identified by its appearance on the mouth lining, including:

• A round bump or small bump inside your mouth.
• A bump that’s usually painless but can become uncomfortable if it gets big.
• A bluish or clear bubble.
• If the bump is painful, changing colour, or growing larger, it may be something else and should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Should I go to a Dentist or Doctor?

The next question that comes to mind after discovering a mucocele is, “Should I go to a dentist or a doctor?” Here’s how you can decide:

See a Dentist If:

It’s Inside Your Mouth: Dentists are the specialists for your oral health. They know the anatomy inside your mouth, even the minor details of your salivary glands. Therefore, if the mυcοcele is on your lips, tongue, or inside your cheeks, look for their professional help.

You Need Minor Procedures: If the mucocele itself doesn’t heal on its own, then a dentist does a few small procedures to take it out. This can be done by removing the blocked gland and draining the fluid.

See a Doctor If:

It is Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If the bump comes with other symptoms, like fever or a noticeable change in colour or size, or if it is painful, a doctor should rule out infections or another condition.

You Prefer a General Check-Up: In some cases, it is better to see your regular doctor, especially if you are unsure about the cause of the bump.

Treatment of Mucocele

Mucoceles usually heal on their own and do not need treatment. If the mucoceles are bothering a child or have been present for a long time, some of the following may be used for mucocele cyst treatment:

Home Treatment:

• Avoid Irritation: One helpful way to encourage healing is to avoid biting or chewing on the lump.
• Warm Salt Water Mouth Rinses: Warm saltwater mouth rinses several times a day help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Professional Treatments:

• Draining the Mucocele: A dentist can drain the fluid from the mucocele with a sterile needle, which eliminates the swelling.
• Dental Treatment: A dentist can opt to remove the salivary gland if it is repeated as a preventive measure.
• Laser Treatment: Some dentists eliminate the mucocele easily and definitively with the use of a laser.

Prevention of Mucoceles

Although it is hard to prevent mucocele altogether, some preventive measures can always help in preventing mucocele from occurring:

1. Be Gentle: Do not bite your lips or cheeks. Chew your food slowly and gently.
2. Lip Biting: Refrain from chewing on airing objects, such as pens, pencils, etc.
3. Use a Mouthguard: Whenever you participate in any sports activity, wear a mouthguard to take care of yourself and any impact on your mouth.
4. Maintain Oral Piercing: Clean all types of oral piercing sites gently.

TS Oral Health Can Guide You About Your Mucocele Condition

Mucoceles are common and mostly harmless. They tend to heal on their own, but if you do require treatment, both dentists and doctors can help. In general, if the mucocele is inside your mouth and is not causing any serious issues, then a dentist will be your best bet. For bumps that keep coming back or are painful, it is wise to pay a visit to your doctor.

If you have one, now you know what to do and who to visit to get optimal care. The moment you feel the need to visit a TMJ clinic in Calgary to get your mucocele treated, schedule an appointment with TS Oral Health right away.