Oral Mucocele: What It Is And How To Treat

A soft, bluish bump on your inner lips that may or may not be painful could be a sign of an oral mucocele.

Learn everything about it in our blog!

What Is an Oral Mucocele?

It is a fluid-filled swelling or cyst that forms in the mouth due to the rupture or blockage of a salivary gland duct. It typically appears on the inner lip, floor of the mouth (ranula), cheeks, or tongue and is caused by trauma, lip-biting, or injury to the salivary glands. While mucoceles are harmless, they can be annoying if they interfere with speaking or eating. If persistent, a dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove the affected gland to prevent recurrence.

Are You at Risk for Oral Mucoceles?

Oral mucoceles can affect people of all ages, but they are more commonly seen in:

Children and Young Adults – Since mucoceles often result from lip-biting or trauma, they are frequently found in younger individuals who have habits like chewing on their lips or accidentally injuring their mouths while playing.

Individuals with Poorly Fitted Dental Appliances – People wearing braces or dentures may accidentally irritate or injure their oral tissues, leading to mucoceles.

People Who Have Experienced Oral Trauma – A direct injury, such as a sharp bite, burn, or surgical procedure, can damage the salivary gland ducts and lead to a mucocele.

Individuals with Salivary Gland Disorders – Those with conditions affecting salivary flow or gland function may have a higher chance of developing mucoceles.

Major Causes of Oral Mucoceles

Oral mucoceles form when saliva gets trapped due to damage or blockage of a salivary gland duct. Consequently, leading to the accumulation of mucus under the tissue, creating a soft, fluid-filled bump in the mouth. Following are some of the causes:

1. Trauma or Injury:

• Lip or cheek biting.
• Burns from hot food or drinks.
• Accidental bites while chewing.
• Blows or impact to the mouth.

2. Obstruction of the Salivary Duct:

A small stone (sialolith) or mucus plug can block the duct, preventing saliva from flowing properly. Therefore, this causes saliva buildup, forming a cyst-like swelling.

3. Repeated Irritation:

Poorly fitting dentures or braces rubbing against the inner lips or cheeks can lead to mucoceles. Moreover, frequent chewing on pens, straws, or fingernails can also contribute.

4. Surgical or Dental Procedures:

If you had procedures, like oral surgeries or wisdom tooth extractions, it can accidentally injure a salivary gland duct. This can lead to mucocele formation.

How Oral Mucoceles Affect Your Mouth?

When the duct of a minor salivary gland gets damaged, it leaks saliva into the surrounding tissue instead of flowing into the mouth. This saliva accumulates, forming a fluid-filled bump that may appear bluish or translucent. Over time, the body may encapsulate the leakage, forming a cyst-like structure.

Signs to Look For: Oral Mucocele Symptoms

Oral mucoceles are characterized by a few noticeable symptoms, which can vary in intensity depending on the size and location of the mucocele.

1. Soft, Round Bump

The mucocele appears as a soft, smooth, dome-shaped bump inside the mouth. It may vary in size from a small lump to a larger swelling, however it is typically painless unless irritated.

2. Bluish or Translucent Color

The bump often has a bluish or purplish hue, due to the fluid inside. In some cases, it can appear clear or pinkish, depending on its depth and location in the tissue.

3. Swelling and Tenderness

There may be mild swelling and tenderness in the affected area. The mucocele can cause discomfort when touched or during certain activities like chewing or speaking.

4. Painful Blistering

The surface of the mucocele may become irritated, leading to painful blistering or breaking open. This can cause discomfort, and the mucosal tissue can appear raw.

5. Sensitivity

The mucocele may make the surrounding tissue more sensitive, especially to pressure, temperature, or certain foods that may irritate the area.

How Do Dentists Identify Oral Mucoceles?

When you visit the doctor or dentist for a mucocele, they usually start by asking about your medical history. They’ll want to know things like:

• How long you’ve had the bump.
• If you’ve had any injuries or habits like lip-biting that might have caused it.
• Whether you’ve recently had any trauma to your mouth, like from chewing, dental work, or an accident.

Next, they’ll do a physical exam. They’ll look inside your mouth and check for the classic signs of a mucocele, like a soft, round, bluish bump. It’s a pretty straightforward process—most mucoceles are easy to spot just by looking at them.

Additional Diagnosis

If the mucocele doesn’t seem to heal or looks unusual, the doctor might suggest a few extra tests, like:

• An ultrasound to take a closer look at the fluid inside.
• A biopsy (taking a small tissue sample) if they want to make absolutely sure it’s a mucocele.
• An MRI or CT scan to check the size and depth, especially if it’s deep in the tissue or appears complex.

Effective Oral Mucocele Treatments

If you are searching ‘How to get rid of oral mucocele’?, here is the answer. Most mucoceles resolve on their own, but if they persist, a doctor or dentist may need to remove the affected salivary gland to prevent recurrence.

1. Mucocele Treatment Without Surgery

Drainage: If the oral mucocele is causing discomfort, your healthcare provider may recommend draining it. This involves making a small incision to release the trapped fluid. While it can provide immediate relief, there’s a chance the mucocele could return.

Laser Treatment: Laser therapy can be used to remove the mucocele with minimal bleeding and discomfort. It’s a less invasive option that can offer a faster recovery.

Cryotherapy: In rare cases, cryotherapy (freezing the mucocele with liquid nitrogen) may be used to destroy the tissue, although this method is not as common.

2. Surgical Option

For persistent or bothersome mucoceles, surgical removal is often the best option. This involves excising the mucocele and, in some cases, the salivary gland involved.

Home Remedies for Oral Mucocele

• Saltwater Rinse: Gargle with warm salt water to soothe irritation and prevent infection.
  
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold pack outside your mouth to reduce swelling and numb discomfort.
  
• Avoid Irritating Foods: Stay away from spicy, salty, or acidic foods to prevent further irritation.
  
• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush gently and use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to keep the area clean.
  
• Avoid Biting: Don’t bite your lips or the mucocele to prevent worsening the irritation.
  
• Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to soothe and promote healing.

The Final Words

Oral mucoceles are common and generally harmless, often disappearing on their own. However, if a mucocele is large, persistent, or causing discomfort, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Moreover, most mucocele removal processes are painless.

For more information and personalized care, visit Dos Caminos Dental in Camarillo, California, your go-to for oral health expertise.

FAQs

1. What Is Oral Mucocele?

An oral mucocele is a fluid-filled bump that forms inside the mouth, usually on the inner lip, due to a blocked or damaged salivary gland. It is typically soft, bluish, and painless, though it can be tender or swollen at times.

2. What Happens in Early Stage Oral Mucocele Cancer?

Oral mucocele cancer is quite rare, as most mucoceles are benign. In the early stage, a mucocele may appear small, painless bump inside the mouth. If the mucocele persists, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out other conditions, including cancer.

3. What Are Oral Mucocele Treatment Options?

Treatment options for oral mucoceles include simple home remedies like saltwater rinses or cold compresses for relief. In persistent cases, a healthcare provider may recommend draining the cyst, or surgery.

4. What Is Oral Mucocele Supportive Therapy?

Supportive therapy for oral mucoceles focuses on managing symptoms and promoting healing. This may include warm saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding irritants like spicy foods or lip biting.