Dental Offices Located by Robertsdale AL — What to Know About Mouth Cysts
If you’ve discovered a small bump inside your mouth, don’t panic—it might just be a mouth cyst, also known as a mucous cyst or mucocele. These thin, fluid-filled sacs are fairly common and generally harmless, though they can feel strange or annoying. While they’re typically painless, their presence can be distracting and sometimes even interfere with your normal eating or speaking routine. If you’re near Robertsdale, AL, the team at Sweet Water Dentistry can help evaluate and treat these cysts with care and comfort. #downbythebay
What is a Mouth Cyst?
A mouth cyst is a sac filled with clear fluid, often forming as a result of trauma or blockage of a salivary gland duct. They are commonly found on the inside of the lips, but can also show up on the cheeks, the roof of the mouth (palate), under the tongue, or around the site of oral piercings. If one appears on the floor of the mouth, it’s called a ranula. When it appears on the gums, it’s called an epulis. Though the names may vary, they share similar causes and characteristics.
Why Do Mouth Cysts Form?
The most common cause of mucous cysts is minor trauma, such as biting your lip, accidentally sucking the tissue between your teeth, or irritation from oral piercings. These actions can damage a salivary gland duct, causing saliva to pool and form a cyst. While sometimes they seem to pop up randomly, habits like cheek or lip sucking can play a role. Some cysts disappear as quickly as they appear, while others linger for weeks.
Diagnosis
A trained dental professional can usually diagnose a mucous cyst with a simple visual exam. In some cases, imaging or a biopsy may be used to rule out other types of growths or lesions. If you’re unsure about any lump or bump in your mouth, it’s always best to have it checked—especially if it doesn’t go away.
Treatment Options
In most cases, a mouth cyst doesn’t require treatment. Many will rupture on their own and heal without intervention. You should continue your usual brushing and flossing routine and avoid poking or biting the cyst. However, if the cyst becomes uncomfortable, painful, interferes with your ability to chew or speak, or does not improve after a couple of weeks, it’s time to visit your local dentist.
At Sweet Water Dentistry, conveniently located near Robertsdale, AL, we offer compassionate care and can easily treat most mucous cysts. If needed, we may open the cyst using a sterile needle to drain the fluid and relieve any discomfort.
When Removal is Necessary
If a cyst is persistent or returns after draining, a dental professional might recommend surgical removal. This procedure is generally quick and low-risk, performed under local anesthesia. Removal ensures that the cyst doesn’t come back and also allows the dentist to examine the surrounding tissues. In rare cases, untreated cysts may harden into a permanent bump. While this bump is often harmless, it’s always better to have your dentist take a closer look—especially if the bump changes in size, color, or shape.
Visit a Trusted Dentist Near Robertsdale, AL
If you live in or around Robertsdale and are experiencing anything unusual inside your mouth, we invite you to visit Sweet Water Dentistry. Dr. Phillip Greer and our caring team are here to provide thorough evaluations and expert guidance for all your dental concerns—big or small. From diagnosis to gentle treatment, we’re here to help keep your smile healthy and your mind at ease.
📞 Call us today at 251-279-0770 or visit us online at www.sweetwatersmile.com to schedule an appointment.
Visit us for expert care:
Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773
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