A small, soft, clear or slightly bluish bump on the lower lip or under the tongue, not very painful but bursting and refilling again and again, is often a mucocele. It is harmless but tends to come back.
- A mucocele is a small clear or bluish bump on the lip, cheek or under the tongue caused by a blocked or torn minor salivary gland.
- It often follows biting the lip or cheek and is harmless but tends to return.
- Do not prick or squeeze it, since this easily causes infection and faster recurrence.
- A bump lasting over two to three weeks, growing or returning many times is a reason to be checked.
Many people find a small round, soft bump on the lower lip, the inside of the cheek or under the tongue, clear or slightly bluish and not very painful. It may burst by itself, release clear mucus and then fill up again a few days later. This is usually a mucocele, a harmless condition that tends to return if the cause is not dealt with.
What is a mucocele and why does it appear?
The lining of the mouth contains many small salivary glands. When the duct of one gland is blocked or torn, saliva leaks into the surrounding tissue and pools into a bump. A common cause is biting the lip or cheek, a habit of sucking or biting the lip, or a knock. See also what causes frequently biting the cheek or tongue.
Is it dangerous?
A mucocele is usually not dangerous and not contagious. However, the bump can grow, burst and refill many times, and may interfere with eating and speaking. A large one under the tongue can be more bothersome.
What should you do about it?
- Do not prick, cut or squeeze it, since this easily causes infection and it usually returns faster.
- Avoid biting or sucking the lip and cheek.
- Keep the mouth clean and rinse gently with saline.
- Watch it for a few weeks, as some small ones may shrink by themselves.
When should you see a dentist?
Have it checked if the bump lasts longer than two to three weeks, keeps growing, returns many times, interferes with eating or speaking, or you are not sure it is a mucocele. The dentist will examine it and, if needed, remove the bump together with the gland that caused it with a minor procedure, which makes recurrence less likely. See also how long mouth ulcers take to heal and what fissured and geographic tongue are.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will examine the lesion and advise a suitable approach, and refer you to another specialist if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mucocele on the lip go away by itself?
Some small ones may shrink by themselves, but many burst and refill. If it lasts longer than two to three weeks or keeps returning, have it checked.
Should I prick a mucocele myself?
No. Pricking it easily causes infection and the bump usually returns faster. Let the dentist deal with it when needed.
Why does a mucocele keep coming back?
Because the small salivary gland that caused the bump is still there and its duct may be blocked or torn again. Removing the bump and the gland makes recurrence less likely.