Pimples in the mouth can appear as bumps, sores or lesions. They may form on the tongue, the roof of the mouth or even around the mouth. White and red pimple bumps on the corner of your mouth may be a source of discomfort when eating, talking or even yawning. Here are the causes and how to get rid of small mouth pimples.
The adolescent phase represents the toughest phase that any person will encounter in their lives. You will not only have to deal with small pimples appearing on the face, but you may also find yourself having to deal with a pimple in the mouth as well.
White bump inside the mouth.
The pimples appearing in the mouth can best be described as skin lesions that are brought about by clogged pores as well as infections.
These are the most annoying and most uncomfortable type of pimples that a person can encounter, mainly due to the fact that you may end up biting them unknowingly.
Can you get pimples in your mouth?
It is possible to get pimples in the mouth. The pimples may be a result of different health conditions or illnesses.
A pimple in the mouth can appear anywhere inside your mouth, though the most common places are the inner cheeks, tongue, gum, the bottom of the mouth as well as the lips.
The appearance of these pimples can be as a form of response to an allergen, even though they could also be transmitted sexually as well.
What causes pimples in the mouth?
Inflamed taste buds, irritation from food, mouth sores and cysts, oral thrush and even herpes can cause pimple-like bumps in your mouth. Here is a detailed look at what can cause a pimple in the mouth.
1. Food irritation
Bumps may begin appearing inside the mouth mainly because of food irritation. Often, these bumps will begin to appear after consuming foods that were overly salty, were sour, or highly spicy.
You, therefore need to ensure that your food is not spicy and that the temperature of your food or drinks is not very high.
2. Papilla inflammation
A pimple in the mouth caused by papilla inflammation has been known to appear around the area bordering the taste buds. Burning by hot drinks or foods, or injuries sustained through a biting accident can also cause the appearance of this type of a pimple.
3. Canker sores
Canker sore bumps in the mouth.
They appear in the form of a place or yellowish looking ulcer that is accompanied by a reddish looking outer ring. It is possible for you to have or more of these types of sores. Even though they are painful, they are contagious in any way.
- The canker sores are mainly caused by hormone-related changes, which arise when a person has a weak immune system, is under a lot of stress, or is lacking certain minerals and vitamins in the body.
Additionally, the sores can also be caused by mouth related injuries, which occur when undergoing dental work, after an allergic reaction to certain foods, or after biting your cheek.
4. Mucous cysts in mouth
The bumps appear on the inner part of the lips but are not known to affect the floor or roof of the mouth, tongue, or inside the cheeks.
They appear in the form of fluid-filled, painless sacs. Mucous cysts are mainly brought about by damage to the salivary ducts or the presence of mouth piercings.
5. Oral lichen planus
It is an inflammatory condition that is known to produce bumps in the mouth, especially in the area inside the cheeks, as well as on the side of your tongue.
The condition can be caused by liver disease, allergies, certain medications, as well as a hepatitis C infection.
6. Thrush
It is a type of yeast infection appearing on the mucous membrane around your mouth and tongue. Candida is the primary cause of this infection.
Naturally, Candida can be found in small amounts inside the mouth, but when the immune system becomes weakened and is unable to keep Candida in check, it may begin to overgrow, which will result in thrush forming in the mouth.
Why do I get pimples around my mouth?
At times, you can get pimples and white bumps around the mouth. They can also appear on the corners of your mouth. These can be cold sores, normal acne pimples etc. In detail, the appearance of pimples around the mouth can be as a result of:
7. Cold sores
On appearance, they start out like small blisters that are extremely painful. You may have these blisters for a while before they begin to crust.
A cold sore is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and can be passed from one person to the next through sharing or utensils, kisses, or coming into close contact.
8. Mouth herpes
Oral herpes as is known is an infection that occurs in and around the area in the mouth. The infection is caused by HSV-1. According to the Center for Disease Control, the Herpes Simplex Virus will have affected many people in the United States by the time they are twenty years of age.
Once a person has become infected, the virus becomes dormant in the nerve tissues that are found in the face.
9. Hormonal pimples and acne
Many women and men are said to suffer from adult acne around the world. For the case of women, hormonal acne can be found around the chin, mouth, and jawline.
According to the Center for Disease Control, of all people suffering from adult acne, 10% can attribute the appearance of acne around the mouth to stress, other health conditions, as well as changes in hormone levels.
Studies have also shown that there are many women who suffer from hormone-related acne in the course of their lives: the acne occurs when they are teenagers, after giving birth, at the onset of puberty, and again when they are starting the menopause phase.
Where do pimples occur around and inside the mouth?
A pimple around the mouth on lips.
When you have a pimple in the mouth, you can expect to have it in or around the following areas:
A pimple on the roof of the mouth
When starting out, the pimple on the roof of mouth will usually start off as a small bump, which pops up on the roof of the mouth.
Once it has appeared, it will grow bigger and bigger over the next one or two days. A pimple is often filled with pus, and if you were to press it, the pimple would burst in the same manner that a regular pimple would do.
Pimples around mouth
The type of diet that you are consuming will be the main reason for pimples appearing around your mouth.
When you have residue from acidic foods such as vinegar and lemon based dressings, they may end up irritating the skin, which will then lead to inflammation.
Greasy remnants from foods such as chips may end up physically clogging the pores that are present in the mouth.
A pimple inside mouth and cheeks
Pimples appearing inside the mouth and cheeks could be as a result of cold or canker sores. Cold sores are mainly caused by the herpes virus.
Canker sores, on the other hand, can be caused by a combination of factors including stress. The pimples attributed to this type of sores are not only painful, but they can also become a nuisance, particularly when you end up touching them, either knowingly or unknowingly.
White pimples in mouth
Localized abnormalities or sores inside the mouth may be caused by varying causes. The sores can be found on the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks or along the lips.
On appearance, they can be in the form of white bumps or patches, and may at times begin to bleed, if the ulceration is severe.
Red pimples around the mouth
Red pimples occurring around the mouth area may be caused by Perioral dermatitis. It is a rash that occurs around the area bordering the mouth, and which may spread to the nose, as well as the eyes.
It occurs in the form of red scaly or bumpy rash around the area bordering the lips. In some cases, it could be accompanied by a clear, fluid-like discharge.
You may also notice a burning or itching sensation around the areas that have been affected. The condition is quite common in women who are between the ages of sixteen and forty-five years of age, but it may also be seen in all ethnicities, races, and ages.
How to get rid of mouth pimples at home
A pimple in the mouth is something that has bothered many people at one point in their lives. However, this no longer needs to be the case, as using a handful of readily available home ingredients; it will be possible to sooth the pain and discomfort caused by a pimple in the mouth.
The best thing about getting rid of a pimple in the mouth is that you will be able to chew your food normally, without having to worry about biting the pimple or encountering any discomfort while eating.
Do It Yourself Numbing Spray
Eucalyptus and peppermint are two essential oils that not only contain anti-inflammatory properties but which have known to work as antimicrobial agents as well.
Antimicrobial agents are vital as they help reduce the possibility of getting an infection. The two essential oils also come with astringents that help in tightening the tissues that are around the wound, as well as relieving any discomfort that could have been caused by a build-up of fluid or by swelling.
The cooling properties contained by the essential oils will also come in handy in helping numb the nerve endings of the nerves that could be causing pain.
Ingredients
- A glass mister bottle
- Two teaspoons of olive oil
- Ten drops of peppermint oil
- Eight drops of eucalyptus oil
What to do at home
- Take your olive oil drops and pour them into the glass mister bottle
- Add the peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils
- Cap the glass mister bottle and shake well
- Apply the spray directly to a pimple in mouth
- Ensure you shake it before using it
Chamomile tea bag
Chamomile comprises of various plants that are used in promoting relaxation, helping with digestion problems, inducing sleep, and can be used in helping spasms related to digestive problems.
German chamomile naturally contains a chemical compound known as bisabolol. The chemical compound contains antiseptic properties and helps in reducing inflammation.
Ingredients
- Freshwater
- A bag of chamomile tea that has been wrapped in cheesecloth
What to do at home
- Soak the chamomile tea bag in water for at least one minute
- Once it is properly soaked, place it against a pimple in the mouth for at least five minutes
- Repeat daily to assist relieve discomfort, and assist in promoting your speedy recovery
Swish sage
Sage is a herb derived from the evergreen herb known as Salvia officinalis, that is a part of the mint family.
The herb is widely used in the culinary world and in homeopathic remedies as well. The herb was widely used by Native Americans, long before it was adopted by the modern world to help in cleaning the mouth, as well as the healing ulcers and pimples appearing in the mouth.
Ingredients
- Two teaspoons dried sage
- Four ounces of fresh water
What to do at home
- When using dried sage, you will need to boil the water and ensure that the herb is infused for at least ten minutes
- Take this water and swish it in your mouth for at least two minutes
- Spit the water out and rinse your mouth using cold water
- Alternatively, you can use the dried leaves to make some tea
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is not only tasty, but it also happens to contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is a home remedy that is considered safe, and great for getting rid of a pimple in the mouth.
Ingredients
Coconut oil
What to do at home
- Clean your hands, and use a single finger to dab a small amount of the coconut oil to a pimple in the mouth
- If you are unable to do so, you can melt a single teaspoon of beeswax and use it to thicken the coconut oil
- Apply twice each day until you get some relief
Clove oil cotton ball
Clove oil comes with eugenol, which is known to be a potent painkiller. The painkiller has been used by dentists for many decades, and is used in helping patients get relief.
To-date, eugenol is used to extract from and is used to help deal with varying kinds of oral pain, such as the one caused by a pimple in the mouth.
Ingredients
- Half teaspoon of olive oil
- 5 drops of clove essential oil
- Cotton balls
- Warm salt water
What to do at home
- Swish the mouth using the warm salt water to get it clean
- Take your clove oil and combine it with the olive oil
- Take the cotton ball and immerse it in the blend
- Take the cotton ball and apply it directly to the pimple for at least five minutes to help in numbing the area
Honey Rub
It comes with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The raw organic honey makes for a wonder painkiller
Ingredients
- Warm water
- Small amounts of raw, organic honey
What to do at home
- Swish warm water into the mouth
- Apply the raw organic honey to the pimple
- Reapply three times each day
Waxcap
If a pimple keeps rubbing against your tooth, or there are dentures that are irritating the sore, consider placing a little wax cap over its surface.
It will help in reducing irritation caused by friction, as well as assist in speeding up the healing process. If the wax cap is being placed over braces, you have to ensure that you apply a thick layer so that it is not stuck over the braces.
Ingredients
- Two teaspoons of coconut oil
- Single teaspoon of beeswax
What to do at home
- Melt the coconut oil and the beeswax and allow it to cool
- Once it is cool, apply a small drop at the edge of your pimples
- Make sure to reapply two to three times a day
Cayenne cream
Capsaicin is a chemical constituent of cayenne and is what is responsible for making it very hot. When consumed, it helps in inhibiting Substance P.
The substance is responsible for mediating the pain responses present in the body. As a result, cayenne makes for a good home remedy, even though it sounds like something you would not want to use
Ingredients
- Cotton swabs
- Cayenne pepper
- Warm water
What to do at home
- combine enough amounts of water with ground cayenne to form a thick enough paste
- take the cotton swab and use it to apply the paste
- ensure you repeat application three times each day
Aloe Rinse
Aloe is one plant that is highly relied upon when it comes to soothing pain. The gel extracted from the aloe leaf comes with mighty powders that are used in soothing pain that may have been caused by a pimple in the mouth
Ingredients
- One teaspoon of water
- One teaspoon of aloe vera gel
What to do at home
- Take your gel and stir it into the water
- Place it in your mouth and use it to swish at least three times each day
- It will help in reducing pain while facilitating the healing process
Yogurt
When consumed daily, yogurt is one home remedy that can be used in treating pimples appearing in the mouth.
It works by balancing out the bacteria that is present in the mouth.
What to do at home
- Before purchasing the yogurt, read the label to ensure that it comes with live cultures
- Additionally, the yogurt should be plain, and not flavored, or sweetened
- At the very minimum, you will need to consume a single teaspoon of plain yogurt, three times each day
- You may consider adding a small amount of honey to help sweeten your yogurt
Warm salt water
Consuming warm water assists in providing a general sense of soothing relief. The salt contained in the warm water will help keep the area clean
Ingredients
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- A quarter cup of warm water
What to do at home
Stir the salt in your cup of warm water and swish it around the mouth for at least three times each day
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is considered to be highly effective in treating pimples appearing around the mouth
Ingredients
A tube of benzoyl peroxide that can be purchased at your nearest pharmacy
What to do at home
- Apply the gel around the pimple at least twice each day
- For children that are below the age of twelve years, you should pay attention to the instructions provided by the medical practitioner
Ice
It is one of those home remedies that are readily available inside your residence
What to do at home
- Take the ice cube and wrap it using a napkin before placing it on the pimple around your mouth
- Allow the ice to rest on the pimple for a few minutes before taking it off
- Ensure you repeat application of the ice a few times each day
Wipe, and wash your mouth after each meal or drink
Once you are done taking your meal or snack, you should make it a point to always wash your mouth thoroughly.
Take water and swish it inside your mouth. Washing the mouth ensures that the food crumbs inside the mouth are removed. If left behind, they could act as a breeding ground for bacteria, and this may lead to pimples breaking out in your mouth.
Additional tips
- It is recommended that you avoid taking acidic foods when you have a pimple around your mouth. The acidic foods can prolong the healing process. You may also find that the acidic foods are responsible for triggering the appearance of the sores.
- You need to experiment with different natural remedies. You can mix and match the remedies that have been discussed above until you find something that will work for you. For instance, you can combine aloe with cayenne cream.
- You have to pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. There are people who get the pimples in the mouth whenever they have project deadlines coming up. If this is the case with you, ensure you take the time to relax.
The remedies and tips discussed above will assist you to get rid of the pimples appearing in, or around your mouth. In the case of remedies, consider combining one or two remedies, until you find something that works for you.
References
- http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/take-care-of-pimples-on-mouth-and-lips/
- http://www.healthline.com/health/perioral-dermatitis
- http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-mouth-ulcers.html
- http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/advice/a30911/things-your-pimples-say-about-your-health/
- http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/herpes-labialis-oral-herpes-simplex/overview.html
