greatist.com Open in urlscan Pro
13.32.27.57  Public Scan

Form analysis
2 forms found in the DOM

/search

<form id="healthline-search-form" action="/search" class="css-70qvj9"><button type="submit" aria-label="Open Greatist Search" aria-expanded="false" data-testid="nav-search-button" class="css-6fmqbr"><svg viewBox="0 0 41 41" width="40" height="40"
      class="css-1e2i8y1">
      <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-search"></use>
    </svg></button></form>

POST /newsletter-signup

<form action="/newsletter-signup" method="post" novalidate="" class="css-30l4a7">
  <div class="css-8i1gnu"><input placeholder="Enter your email" aria-label="Enter your email" type="email" class="css-19e94d0 gr8-id-class"></div><button class="gr8-id-class css-1ezkxjw" type="submit"><span class="css-14ktbsh"><span
        class="css-1huyk6v">SIGN UP</span></span></button>
</form>

Text Content

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR PRIVACY TERMS

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking on “Privacy Settings” in
the footer at the bottom of the page.

We believe that trustworthy health information should be free to everyone and we
rely on advertising to make that possible. Providing authoritative experiences
that are reviewed by physicians and other health and wellness professionals is
expensive, but it’s an invaluable service. We collect and securely process your
personal data to deliver a relevant experience and support our business, so we
ask that you allow cookies in order to access all of our content and features.

We and our partners process your personal data in the following ways:

 * cookies or unique IDs, for storing and/or accessing information on your
   device
 * personalized ads and content
 * ad and content measurement
 * audience insights and product development
 * ensuring security, preventing fraud, and debug
 * technically deliver ads or content

Your personal data use applies only while using Healthline Media Websites and
Apps. Some of our partners do not ask for your consent to process your data and
rely on their legitimate business interest. You can modify your setting or
object by clicking on “Manage Settings.”

At this time, we cannot provide the full site experience if you disallow any
purposes, features, or partners. Instead, we will provide a version of our site
that shows 10 of our most popular articles without ads, cookies, or tracking
technologies.

ACCEPT AND CONTINUE TO SITEMANAGE SETTINGS
 * Health & Wellness
   * Wellness
     * Women's Health
     * Men's Health
     * Mental Health
     * Sexual Health
     * Relationships
     * Skin & Hair
     * Sleep
     * CBD
     * Home
     * Pets
     * Weight Loss
     * Travel
   * Health Conditions
     * ADHD
     * Allergies
     * Cold & Flu
     * Diabetes
     * High Cholesterol
     * HIV
     * IBD
     * Mental Health Conditions
     * Migraines
     * Psoriatic Arthritis
     * Skin Conditions
     * STDs
 * Food
   * Food
     * Nutrition
     * Vitamins & Supplements
     * Vegan & Vegetarian Eating
     * International Food
     * Cooking 101
     * Kitchen Gear
   * Recipes
     * Breakfast & Brunch
     * Appetizers & Snacks
     * Main Dishes
     * Sandwiches
     * Salads
     * Sides
     * Desserts
     * Drinks
 * Fitness
   * Fitness
     * Workout Tips
     * Strength Training
     * HIIT
     * Kettlebell
     * Resistance Bands
     * Running
     * Cycling
     * Yoga
     * Stretching
     * Gear
   * Workouts
     * Beginner
     * Abs & Core
     * Legs
     * Arms
     * Butt
     * Full Body
 * Faves
   * Product Reviews
     * Health
     * Fitness & Home Gym
     * Food & Cooking
     * Skin & Beauty
     * Home & Garden
     * Sleep
   * Series
     * The Lift
     * Crash Course
     * First Gear
     * DJ Gr8st
     * Greatist Reads
   * How-To
     * Train for a 10K
     * Better Sex in 10 Days
     * 30 Days of Yoga
     * 14-Day Guide to Plant-Based Eating
 * Connect
   * The Greatist Community
     * Instagram
     * Facebook
     * Twitter
     * Pinterest
     * TikTok
     * Spotify
     * YouTube
   * About Greatist
     * Who We Are
     * Our Editorial Process
     * Our Product Vetting Process
     * Content Integrity
     * Conscious Language

Greatist
 * Health & Wellness
 * Food
 * Fitness
 * Faves
 * Connect

Subscribe






PIMPLE IN MOUTH: COMMON CAUSES AND BEST TREATMENTS

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Zia Sherrell, MPH on March
13, 2023
 * Mouth sores
 * Symptoms
 * Canker sores
 * Cold sores
 * Mucoceles
 * Torus palatinus
 * Candidiasis
 * Hand, foot, and mouth disease
 * Epstein pearls
 * Hyperdontia
 * Squamous papilloma
 * Oral cancer
 * When to see a doctor

Mouth sores are very common and tend to be harmless. However, mouth pimples can
also indicate a chronic condition that needs prompt medical attention. Talk to
your doctor if you suspect your mouth sore is a sign of something serious.

Got a pimple, blister, ulcer, or sore in your mouth? In most cases, mouth sores
aren’t a major cause for concern. But since they can indicate a more serious
health condition – like oral cancer or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) –
it’s important to understand your specific symptoms.

Here’s a detailed overview of the different causes of mouth sores, plus the best
treatments for all.

Share on Pinterest


WHAT ARE MOUTH SORES?

Mouth sores are, er, sores in your mouth! These lesions can take many guises,
from tiny blisters to large open sores, practically painless to seriously
uncomfortable.

You can develop a mouth sore anywhere on the soft tissues of your mouth,
including the:

 * lips
 * gums
 * tongue
 * roof of your mouth
 * floor of your mouth
 * inside of the cheeks

Some types of mouth sores, like canker sores, disappear on their own within a
couple of weeks. Others, like candidiasis, aren’t particularly alarming but
might indicate an underlying health concern.

At the far end of the mouth sore severity spectrum is oral cancer. No, it’s not
a likely culprit, but if your mouth sore won’t leave you alone, go see your
doctor and find out why.

Mouth ulcers and sores have a load of possible causes. Some are due to a
short-term cause like:

 * Canker sores, which are random mouth ulcers with many triggers
 * Cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus
 * Trauma caused by physical damage like biting your tongue or abrasions from
   braces
 * Allergies or reactions to ingredients in food, toothpaste, or medications
 * Stress due to your lifestyle, job, or relationship woes
 * Infectious mononucleosis (mono, an infection by the Epstein-Barr virus
 * Oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast
 * Hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by the Coxsackie virus
 * Leukoplakia, or white patches caused by repeated injury or irritation

On the flip side, your mouth sore could be due to a long-term cause, like:

 * Celiac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks you when you
   eat gluten.
 * Nutritional deficiencies shortfalls in vitamins and minerals like iron,
   folate, vitamin B6 and B12
 * HIV/AIDS can weaken your immune system
 * Oral cancer is fairly rare and can cause mouth sores.
 * Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare long-term condition where your immune system
   attacks healthy cells, causing blisters on the skin and mouth

As you can see, there are oodles of causes. So if your mouth zit won’t go away,
it’s time to book an appointment with your doctor and find out what’s up.


WHAT DO MOUTH SORES FEEL LIKE?

Mouth sores may look and feel different depending on the underlying cause.
Here’s what to look out for:

 * Pain. They may be seriously painful, slightly uncomfortable, or completely
   painless.
 * Color. They can appear in a rainbow of colors, from the same as the
   surrounding tissue to white or yellow and gray to red or purple.
 * Size. They can range in size from a tiny dot to several centimeters wide.
 * Texture. Smooth, raised, bumpy, lumpy, velvety, or like a raspberry. There
   are multiple variations.
 * Location. They can appear on any part of the mouth, from the inner cheeks and
   tongue to the lips and gums and the roof or floor of the mouth.
 * Sensation. You may feel tingling, burning, or itching at the sore’s location.



CANKER SORES

If your mouth sores are small, round, open, and seriously painful, canker may be
the culprit. These white, yellow, or pale pink lesions aren’t contagious, but
they can make it tricky to eat or speak.

Possible causes of canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, can range from
stress to genetics. Other contributing factors include minor injuries, certain
foods or drinks, and allergic reactions.

Most minor canker sores go away on their own and heal within a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and numbing gels can help
with the discomfort and avoid irritating alcohol-based mouthwash.



COLD SORES

Annoying AF blister lingering on your lips? Tingling and burning? You may have a
cold sore. These clusters of red, fluid-filled bumps are caused by the herpes
simplex virus and are highly contagious.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for a cold sore. But the good news is that it
will probably go away on its own within two weeks after appearing. While you
wait, ice packs, OTC pain relievers, and antiviral creams can ease symptoms and
speed recovery.

MUCOCELES

An oral mucocele is a harmless and painless mucus-filled cyst that’s typically
smooth and round. They can crop up if you bite your lip or inner cheek, or if
the skin experiences some other minor trauma. The injury can damage or block a
salivary gland, so saliva builds up and forms a cyst.

You usually don’t need treatment because these mouth sores go away on their own.
by themselves. But your doc can remove any that cause discomfort.


TORUS PALATINUS

Not all mouth sores involve soft tissue. Torus palatinus is a harmless, bony
overgrowth that can show up on the roof of your mouth. It can be a single, large
bump or a few small ones clustered together.

You shouldn’t experience pain or other symptoms with most minor torus, so
treatment is usually unnecessary. But if it’s large or causing discomfort, your
doc can remove it with a small procedure.

Experts are unsure why some folks develop torus palatinus, but it may involve
your family history.


CANDIDIASIS

Candidiasis, or oral thrush, is a yeast infection that often affects newborns
and peeps with an underlying condition that weakens their immune systems.
Symptoms may include creamy white patches inside the mouth, difficulty
swallowing, soreness, and a red rash on the tongue and roof of the mouth.

If you have oral thrush, there’s a good chance it won’t go away on its own. If
you develop candidiasis, your doctor can prescribe antifungal meds for 7 to 14
days.


HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by coxsackievirus. This
charmingly named virus shows up unannounced and wreaks havoc in your mouth by
producing painful blisters and red bumps, not to mention fever and body aches.
As you may guess by the name, HFMD can affect your hands and feet too.

This virus is more common in young kids but can affect anyone. If you’re
suffering, you’ll be glad to know HFMD tends to go away in a week, but rest,
fluids, and pain relievers can help relieve the symptoms.

EPSTEIN PEARLS

Epstein pearls are common in newborns. These small, harmless cysts usually go
away within a few weeks without causing any problems.

If you spot these on your baby, don’t fret. Just monitor them and check in with
your healthcare team if you have any questions or concerns.


HYPERDONTIA

Hyperdontia is the technical term for having additional teeth. If you notice a
painful bump on the roof of your mouth or behind your other teeth, it might be
an extra player trying to wrestle to the surface.

Depending on where they are and how many, some teeth may need to be removed
because they can interfere with your bite. Consult with your dentist to figure
out a plan.

SQUAMOUS PAPILLOMA

When mouth sores look like bumps or warts with a bumpy, cauliflower-like
texture, it could be squamous papilloma. The culprit here is the human
papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts.

These growths are non-cancerous and painless. And although they’re fugly, they
often go away without treatment. But remember folks, these


ORAL CANCER

Rarely, what looks like a sore or zit inside your mouth turns out to be oral or
mouth cancer. Symptoms can include white, gray, or bright red sores or bumps
that are oddly shaped, may bleed, and don’t heal. They can appear anywhere
inside the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue. The sores may be
painful.

A condition called leukoplakia increases your risk of oral cancer. These
thickened, white patches can’t be scraped off. It seems that chronic irritation
from tobacco is the main culprit in its development.

If you suspect oral cancer, see your doc stat. Early detection is key for
successful treatment and outlook. Surgery is often the first treatment for these
cancers and may be followed by radiation or chemotherapy.

WHEN TO SEE A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Any mouth ulcers, sores, or bumps that don’t improve within a couple of weeks
deserve an evaluation by your healthcare provider. Likewise, if you notice the
lesions worsening, with increased swelling, bleeding, or changes to skin texture
or color, make that appointment pronto.

Bumps and sores inside your mouth are usually harmless, but your doc can take a
look, assess the situation, and recommend the best course of action. It’s always
better to be safe than sorry!


BOTTOM LINE

Lumps, bumps, and sores inside your mouth might be related to a virus, fungal
infection, injury, or something else. Usually, they don’t require extensive
treatment and often go away on their own.

But if they persist or worsen, or you’re concerned, see your healthcare
provider. They can evaluate the situation and offer guidance on the best
treatment plan.



Last medically reviewed on March 13, 2023

7 sourcesexpanded

 * Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. (2021).
   cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html
 * Canker sores. (2019).
   ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250
 * Guerra AM, et al. (2022). Hand foot and mouth disease.
   ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431082
 * Plewa MC, et al. (2022). Aphthous Stomatitis.
   ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431059/#article-17766.s9
 * Saleh D, et al. (2022). Herpes Simplex Type 1.
   ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482197
 * El Sergani AM, et al. (2020). Prevalence of Torus Palatinus and association
   with dental arch shape in a multi-ethnic cohort.
   ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7674192/
 * Surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. (2021).
   cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/treating/surgery.html

FEEDBACK:

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Zia Sherrell, MPH on March
13, 2023




WAS THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL?

YesNo



READ THIS NEXT


 * Going Undercover: How to Hide a Pimple with Makeup
   
   Makeup can be a great way to mask the appearance of pimples. Here’s how to
   apply cover up like a pro, plus a rundown of the best products to use.
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Pimple on Your Earlobe? Let’s Zap that Ear Zit
   
   Just like you can on your face, you can get a pimple on your earlobe. Here
   are the causes and treatment options to help you get rid of earlobe pimples…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Pimples on Your Eyebrow: Why Do They Happen and How Can You Get Rid of Them?
   
   Eyebrow pimples can be uncomfortable and irritating. We rounded up why they
   happen, plus how to get rid of them and stop them happening in the first…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Homemade Toothpaste Recipes: Make Your Teeth Sparkle on a Dime
   
   There are lots of reasons why you might want to switch from storebought to
   homemade toothpaste. Here are three recipes that are easy to DIY at home…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Breathe Better: How to Stop Being a Mouth Breather
   
   Chronic mouth breathing can cause bad breath, sore throats, and respiratory
   problems. Here are some easy tips to help you breathe better.
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Order Matters: Is Flossing More Important than Brushing?
   
   Read on for the dental deets.
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Floss Like a Boss: 5 Benefits of Flossing Regularly
   
   Flossing might not be mentioned as often as brushing your teeth is, but
   there's some evidence that it's just as important. We get to the root of the…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * How the Heck Does a Mouth Detox Work? Here’s the Drill
   
   A mouth detox aims to improve your oral health by removing the buildup of
   harmful bacteria. Here are 8 different methods and how they *might* work.
   
   READ MORE
   







WANT MORE GREATIST?

Get the health & wellness stuff that matters delivered daily to your inbox.


SIGN UP

Your privacy is important to us. Any information you provide to us via this
website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside of the EU.
If you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information.

 * About Us
 * Contact Us
 * Terms of Use
 * Privacy Policy
 * Privacy Settings

 * Advertising Policy
 * Medical Affairs
 * Content Integrity
 * Newsletter
 * © 2023 Greatist, a Healthline Media Company. Our content does not constitute
   a medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis.
   See additional information.

© 2023 Greatist, a Healthline Media Company. Our content does not constitute a
medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis. See
additional information.
AboutCareersAdvertise with us

OUR BRANDS

HealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych CentralBezzy