It is not uncommon for individuals to experience bump on roof of mouth, accompanied by pain. In a large number of cases, the bump clears naturally in around one week, without the need for any medical intervention. In some cases, the condition persists, demanding attention and possible treatment. While the bump is generally harmless and is attributed to one of many reasons, it can also be an indication of possibly serious conditions, if it persists. Let’s look at the reasons behind the formation of the bumps, and simple home remedies that will help alleviate the condition. 

But before that here’s a little thumb rule that you can possibly use to determine if the bump is relatively harmless or requires greater attention. If the pain from the bump on roof of mouth is intense, increasing in intensity and shows no sign of subsiding, then you need attention. If the condition persists beyond a week then your attention. 

What exactly are the causes for the formation of bump on roof of mouth and how you can treat it?

The bump on roof of mouth is typically attributed to one of many commonly identified causes. Here is a look at eight reasons that are either responsible for the formation of the bumps or trigger the formation of the bumps. 

Canker Sores

One of the most common conditions, these are round and open sores that generally form in the gums and the cheeks. They are also known to form in the roof of the mouth. The color of the sores is pale pink, sometimes whitish and rarely yellowish. The shallow lesions are always on the insides of the mouth and not on the surface. These sores very sensitive to touch and individuals with this condition generally find it tough to eat and talk, as the slightest pressure or touch can cause serious discomfort. 

Canker sores generally resolve naturally in under a week and do not require specific medication or remedial measures. However, for the purpose of speeding up the natural healing process, individuals are known to use OTC topical applications that swiftly clear the lesions. Cauterizing is also carried out in some cases, but is not as popular as topical applications. 

What needs to be done to treat the condition – In the event that you have identified and attributed the bump on roof of mouth to canker sores, it would be a good idea to avoid food and drinks that trigger inflammation. Maintain proper oral hygiene and allow the sore to subside.

Torus palatinus

This is another common condition that is known to affect a significant percentage of the global population. The condition is, however, more common among individuals of Asian descent. It is a small painless growth that is generally located on the roof of your mouth, immediately behind the upper front teeth. The texture of the bump on roof of mouth as a result of this condition is generally smooth and hard.  When you run your tongue on it, you will feel that it is smooth and hard to inconsistency. 

This bump is a bony growth that you inherit with your genes. It is generally not observed prior to puberty and the shape of the growth may differ from person to person. It could flat, or shaped like a spindle and the size may vary slightly. This growth will not resolve by itself in a short period. This should help you rule other possibilities for the bump. In certain cases, the growth shrinks, due to the ability of the body to reabsorb bone growth as the individual ages. However, it is not the case with all patients. 

What needs to be done to treat the condition – The only treatment option for bump on roof of mouth attributed to torus palatinus is a surgical procedure. This may be necessary when the condition causes extreme discomfort and adversely impacts routine activities. 

Cold Sores

 These are among the few contagious conditions among other causative factors for the bump on roof of mouth.  These are basically viral infections that result in the formation of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters are a result of the herpes simplex virus that comes with contact from individuals with a virus. The infection spreads through physical contacts such as oral sex and kissing. The single biggest problem with this condition is its spread from person to person even when the blisters are not visible on the infected person.

What needs to be done to treat the condition – Presently there is no cure for this condition, as the virus remains in your nerve cells. You can opt for anti-viral creams and speed up the process of natural healing. Cold sores take anywhere between one to two weeks for the outbreaks to resolve naturally. You may get one or multiple fluid-filled blisters anywhere in your mouth and this could probably be the bump on roof of mouth. The size of the blisters is small, very similar in size to the canker sores, and the formation of multiple cold sores can give the bump. 

Any individual who experiences the outbreak of cold sores once is likely to experience repeat outbreaks at some point in time in the future, which could be a result of some trigger that causes the virus to manifest again.

Epstein pearls

This highly prevalent among newborn babies. This is therefore or more relevant to parents. Eight out of ten newborn babies are expected to have Epstein pearls. This is typically indicated through the formation of small bumps on the roof of the mouth, with either whitish or yellowish coloration. It can also form along the gum line. The duration of this outbreak is generally less than two weeks, following which the bump on roof of mouth resolves and disappears naturally. 

What needs to be done to treat the condition – While it does not require any specific medical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition, it may sometimes be necessary to opt for pain management. This could in the form of pacifiers that aid in the management of pain.  

Oral thrush/Candidiasis

This belongs to the category of fungal overgrowth that results in the formation of lesions on the roof of your mouth. The whitish color lesions generally form in the inner cheeks and the tongue and create difficulties in routine activities such as eating and swallowing. In the event that the bump on roof of mouth is attributed to candidiasis, it effectively means that your immune system is not the best. The condition which is yeast infection is called oral thrush when it affects the mouth. If you happen to suffer from immunodeficiency disorders or HIV or bronchial asthma, you are likely to be at higher risk of exposure to the condition.

What needs to be done to treat the condition – Treatment options include OTC anti-fungal cream and pills. Prescription medication also includes a single dose of antifungal medication belonging to the category of azole antifungal medications.

Oral lesions from human papillomavirus

This non-cancerous growth is attributed to the human papillomavirus that is one among the other contagious conditions that are responsible for the formation of bump on roof of mouth. It appears as a whitish or pinkish colored growth on the roof of your mouth and other areas in the mouth. The texture and appearance are similar to that of cauliflower and the only treatment option is surgical removal. While the mass of flesh is actually harmless and may not cause any other problems, its appearance is telltale in nature and causes possible embarrassment.  

What needs to be done to treat the condition – While HPV is one of the reasons for the formation of oral lesions that are generally known as squamous papilloma, it is not necessary the only reason. The outcome is the same and individuals with squamous papilloma can use surgical removal as the only option for removing the growth. 

Blisters from burns

The insides of your mouth are sensitive, with a lining that is not intended to be exposed to extremely hot or cold fluids/food. Blisters that form in the roof of your mouth from hot food and liquids can result in the formation of a bump on roof of mouth. Among all the causative factors, this is probably to easiest to self-heal without the need for any medical intervention or treatment. However, this depends on the severity of the burns/blisters. 

What needs to be done to treat the condition – Simple measures can be used for alleviating the discomfort from these blisters. This includes proper oral hygiene, consumption of cold fluids and avoiding hard and crisp food products that can aggravate the condition by piercing the blisters.

Oral mucoceles

The cysts that form in the mouth due to an inflamed salivary gland is generally known as mucoceles. This condition results in the formation of a bump or growth that is filled with a buildup of mucus. The irritated salivary gland swells with fluid, manifesting into a benign cystic lesion that is typically found in various locations in the mouth, including the roof of the mouth.  

What needs to be done to treat the condition – This is another self-healing condition and does not specifically require any medication. However, the single biggest issue that most individuals are likely to face is the urge to touch the lesion with the tongue. This needs to be avoided to ensure that the natural healing process is unimpeded. 

Simple management of the conditions is essential to alleviate the conditions arising from the formation of a bump on roof of mouth regardless of the reason behind it. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may rely on home remedies, or opt for medical intervention to prevent the manifestation of the bump into a complicated condition.

Sarah Thompson

Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.