Oral Mucocele (Oral Cysts)

An oral mucocele, or mucus extravasation cyst, is a saliva-filled sac that can develop on the skin inside your mouth. 

Most oral mucoceles are harmless and are usually painless, but they can be irritating as they cause a small bump in your mouth. Occasionally, they will go away on their own, but if they’re large or painful they can be treated by a maxillofacial specialist. 

Oral mucoceles are common and most often affect people under 30 years old, but anyone can develop them. 

What are the symptoms of oral mucoceles?

An oral mucocele is a soft, dome-shaped bump in your mouth, which can vary in size from 1 millimetre to 2 centimetres wide. They contain saliva, which gives them a clear or bluish colour.

Most oral mucoceles won’t cause pain, but larger ones can be uncomfortable or irritating, especially if they interfere with your speech, chewing or swallowing.

Oral mucoceles most commonly develop on the inner part of your lower lip, but similarly to mouth ulcers, they can also affect your inner cheeks, gums, tongue, roof of your mouth and the floor of your mouth. They can also develop around tongue or lip piercings.

What causes an oral mucocele?

Mucoceles on the upper or lower lip, inside the cheeks and bottom side of the tongue are usually caused by lip or cheek sucking, accidental biting, rubbing on a sharp tooth, or tongue thrusting.

Mucoceles commonly arise when a minor salivary gland is traumatised by biting the lip or cheeks. The damaged saliva gland continues to secrete saliva, but it can no longer pass through the salivary gland duct into the mouth, and the saliva builds up under the skin instead. Sometimes they burst, and you may notice a salty taste in your mouth. After bursting, they usually reform.

A mucocele under the tongue arising from damage to the sublingual salivary gland is known as a ranula. There are several minimally invasive, gland-preserving treatments for a ranula. 

How are oral cysts diagnosed?

In most cases, a maxillofacial specialist will be able to diagnose an oral mucocele or a ranula by examining your mouth. 

If there is any doubt, your specialist may conduct some tests such as a biopsy, ultrasound or MRI scan.

How to prevent oral mucoceles

While oral cysts cannot always be prevented, the following steps can help reduce their likelihood:

• avoid biting or sucking your lip or cheek to minimise trauma to minor salivary glands

• smooth or protect any sharp teeth or dental appliances, such as brace,s that may rub against soft tissue

• practise gentle oral habits and hygiene

• if you have an oral piercing, keep it properly aligned and maintained to avoid repeated irritation or injury

• seek advice if you notice any persistent lump or bump forming in your mouth
  
  

Complications of oral mucoceles

Most oral mucoceles are harmless and may resolve on their own, but certain outcomes can occur if they persist or are improperly treated, such as:

• recurrent cyst formation

• infection

• discomfort or interference with speech, chewing, or swallowing

How are oral mucoceles treated?

Sometimes oral mucoceles will naturally rupture and heal after three to six weeks without the need for treatment. However, often, they need to be removed, together with the damaged minor salivary gland, to treat them and reduce the risk of recurrence. 

We recommend making an appointment to see a OneWelbeck maxillofacial specialist if you have a large, painful or persistent oral mucocele that has not improved after six weeks. They will be able to assess the cause of the fluid-filled lump and offer treatment to remove it and prevent it from coming back. 

You should never try to squeeze or cut a oral mucocele yourself as this can lead to an infection.

Get in touch today to book an appointment with a OneWelbeck maxillofacial specialist. 

Why choose OneWelbeck?

At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the OneWelbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Book your private consultation

Get in touch today to book an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at OneWelbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at OneWelbeck.

FAQS

Can oral mucoceles return after treatment, and how can I prevent this?

While surgical removal, including the affected gland, usually means the cyst won’t come back in the same place, new mucoceles may appear if you continue habits like lip or cheek chewing. Gentle awareness of these triggers and avoiding repetitive irritation can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Are there non-surgical treatments available if I'm anxious about having surgery?

In certain cases, yes. Your consultant may offer treatments such as minimally invasive marsupialisation (creating a small opening to drain and flatten the cyst) or laser therapies. While these options may ease discomfort and healing time, your specialist can advise on whether they are suitable depending on the cyst’s size, location, and your personal preference.

Do mucoceles pose any risk during dental procedures or oral hygiene routines?

Typically, mucoceles are harmless, but they may feel tender if accidentally pressed during brushing or dental treatment. Let your dentist or hygienist know if you have one, and they’ll take care to work gently around the area to avoid discomfort.

How should I care for a mucocele at home while waiting for treatment?

You can reduce irritation by keeping your mouth clean with a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash or warm salt-water rinse. Avoid hot or spicy foods that might aggravate the area, and resist the urge to poke or squeeze it—this helps minimise discomfort and the risk of infection until professional treatment is possible.