"Oral swellings" refer to any abnormal lump, bump, or enlargement occurring inside the mouth. They can have many causes, ranging from harmless to serious. Here's a breakdown of the common causes, types, and when to seek help:
🦷 Common Causes of Oral Swellings
1. Trauma or Injury
Cause: Biting your cheek/tongue, sharp foods, dental work.
Appearance: Swollen, possibly bruised or ulcerated area.
Painful?: Often painful.
Resolves: Usually within days if no infection develops.
2. Mucoceles (Salivary Gland Cysts)
Cause: Blocked salivary duct (often from lip biting).
Appearance: Soft, bluish, fluid-filled swelling, often on inner lip.
Painful?: Typically painless.
Treatment: May resolve on their own, but persistent ones need minor surgery.
3. Dental Abscess
Cause: Infection from decayed or dead tooth pulp or gum infection.
Appearance: Swelling near the tooth or gum, possibly with pus.
Painful?: Very painful, often throbbing.
Treatment: Urgent dental treatment (e.g., root canal, extraction, antibiotics).
4. Fibroma
Cause: Chronic irritation (e.g., from biting, dentures, braces).
Appearance: Firm, smooth, pale bump (usually on inner cheek).
Painful?: Usually painless.
Treatment: Surgical removal if bothersome.
5. Torus (Tori)
Cause: Bony growth, normal variant.
Appearance: Hard, non-movable, painless swelling on the palate or inner mandible.
Painful?: No.
Treatment: None unless it interferes with function.
6. Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
