Have you ever noticed a soft, clear or bluish lump inside your lip that seems to appear, disappear, and then come back again? It may be a mucocele, a common and harmless condition caused by a blocked or damaged salivary gland.
Although mucoceles are usually not serious, they should still be checked by your dentist to confirm the diagnosis.
What is a Mucocele?
A mucocele is a small, fluid-filled swelling that develops when saliva leaks from a minor salivary gland into the surrounding tissues. This usually happens after the tiny duct that carries saliva becomes injured or blocked.
Lip biting or trauma to the mouth is one of the most common causes.
Where Do They Occur?
Mucoceles can occur anywhere there are minor salivary glands, but they are most commonly found on:
- The inside of the lower lip.
- The inside of the cheeks.
- The floor of the mouth.
- The underside of the tongue.
A larger mucocele that develops on the floor of the mouth is called a ranula.
What Does a Mucocele Look Like?
A mucocele is usually:
- Soft and smooth.
- Clear, pink, or bluish in colour.
- Painless.
- Round or dome-shaped.
- Variable in size, often changing over time.
Some mucoceles burst on their own and then return because the damaged salivary gland continues to leak saliva.
Does It Need Treatment?
Small mucoceles sometimes heal on their own, especially if the gland recovers.
However, if the swelling keeps coming back, becomes uncomfortable, interferes with eating or speaking, or continues to grow, treatment may be recommended.
This usually involves a minor procedure to remove the mucocele along with the affected salivary gland, helping to reduce the chance of it returning.
It’s important not to try to burst or pop a mucocele yourself, as this can introduce infection and usually doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Any lump or swelling in the mouth that lasts for more than two weeks, continues to enlarge, or keeps returning should be assessed by a dentist. While most mucoceles are harmless, other conditions can sometimes look similar, so it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis.
The Bottom Line
Mucoceles are common, harmless swellings caused by saliva leaking from a damaged minor salivary gland. Although they’re usually painless, persistent or recurring lumps should always be examined to ensure the correct treatment.
At Dural Dental Practice, we carefully assess any lumps or changes in the mouth as part of our comprehensive oral examinations. If you’ve noticed a swelling inside your lip or elsewhere in your mouth, our friendly team can diagnose the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
