Should You See a Doctor for a Painful Bump in Your Mouth?

Q: Should You See a Doctor for a Painful Bump in Your Mouth?

Hello Mr. Chen： There is a white, pimple-like growth in the upper right side of your mouth. This is generally a response to irritation of the mucosa, leading to hyperplastic changes. It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang

The upper right area inside the oral cavity (located deep inside and generally not easily accessible)?

There is a white, pimple-like bump located in the upper right area of my mouth (deep inside, usually hard to reach).
It feels raised when I touch it with my tongue.
I don't feel any discomfort while eating, but it does hurt a bit when I drink water and it touches that area.
It doesn't seem like a canker sore.
Should I see a doctor about this?

Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/19

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Hello Mr.
Chen: There is a white, pimple-like growth in the upper right side of your mouth.
This is generally a response to irritation of the mucosa, leading to hyperplastic changes.
It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination.
Dr.
Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2020/06/19

More Info

If you have developed a painful bump in your mouth that resembles a white pimple and is located deep in the upper right area, it is advisable to consult a doctor, particularly an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a dentist. While the bump may not cause significant discomfort during regular activities like eating, the pain when drinking water indicates that it could be an issue that requires professional evaluation.

There are several potential causes for such a bump in the mouth. It could be a mucous cyst, a canker sore, or even a more serious condition such as an oral infection or a benign tumor. Mucous cysts, for instance, are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the mouth and may cause discomfort when they come into contact with food or liquids. Canker sores, on the other hand, are small, painful ulcers that can appear on the soft tissues of the mouth and may be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods.

Given that the bump is painful when touched or when drinking, it is essential to have it assessed by a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including a visual inspection and, if necessary, imaging studies or a biopsy to determine the exact nature of the bump. This is particularly important if the bump persists for more than a week or two, as any lesion that does not heal or changes in appearance should be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions, including oral cancers.

In addition to physical examination, the doctor may ask about your medical history, including any recent injuries to the mouth, changes in diet, or other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as fever or swelling in other areas. This information can help them make a more accurate diagnosis.

If the bump is determined to be benign and not a cause for concern, the doctor may recommend home care strategies, such as saltwater rinses or topical treatments to alleviate discomfort. However, if the bump is indicative of a more serious condition, timely intervention may be necessary to prevent complications.

In summary, while the bump may not seem alarming at first glance, the presence of pain and its persistence warrants a visit to a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes and peace of mind. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice; your health is important, and addressing any changes in your body promptly is always the best course of action.

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