What are yellowish-white bumps inside your lips or cheeks?

Before you assume the worst about those small bumps along your lips, here's some good news: They're unlikely to be a result of anything you did or be contagious. These are often Fordyce spots, oil glands that sit close to the surface of the mouth lining. They tend to be harmless and painless. Still, other mouth changes can look similar, so have new or changing bumps checked.

What you will learn in this article: 

• Fordyce spots are normal oil glands that can look like tiny yellowish-white bumps. 

• The bumps often appear in groups around the lips, though they may also form inside the cheeks. 

• Fordyce spots tend to cause no pain or other symptoms. 

• A mouth bump, sore or patch that remains for more than two weeks should be checked. 

If you notice new or changing bumps inside your mouth, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can take a look and let you know what's going on. 

What causes yellowish-white bumps inside the mouth? 

These bumps are often Fordyce granules, another name for Fordyce spots. They are sebaceous glands, which are glands that make oil. In this case, the glands appear in the lips or cheek lining instead of beside a hair. 

A small study of 16 patients in Korea, published in Annals of Dermatology, described raised bumps that were white to yellow and measured 1 to 3 millimeters across. The tissue samples showed that the glands were not attached to hair roots, and most had a small opening at the surface.¹ 

Where do these bumps usually show up? 

Fordyce spots often appear around the lips. In the same study, the upper lip was involved in 12 of the 16 cases. One patient had spots inside the cheek. Because this was a small study, those numbers may not describe everyone with Fordyce spots. 

The bumps may appear alone or in small groups. Some people notice only a few, while others have many in the same area.¹ 

Do these bumps hurt or cause other symptoms? 

Most Fordyce spots do not cause discomfort. In a small study, 15 of 16 people reported no symptoms. One person had itching along with a separate skin problem, so the study did not show that the Fordyce spots caused the itching.¹ 

If your bumps become sore, swollen or painful, have them checked. Those symptoms may point to a different type of mouth change. 

When should a bump inside your mouth be checked out? 

Not every mouth bump is a Fordyce spot. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends an exam when a sore, irritated area, lump, thickened spot or white or red patch remains for more than two weeks. Tell your dental provider if the area also hurts, bleeds or makes it hard to chew or swallow. These signs do not mean you have cancer, but they should not be ignored.² 

During your visit, your dental provider will examine the bump and the surrounding tissue. They may also look at your lips, mouth, face and neck. If something looks unusual, you may need another test or a visit with a specialist.² 

A bump that feels like a soft lump under the surface may have a different cause. Note where it is, how it feels and whether it has changed before your visit. 

Could it be something else, like a cheek bite? 

Tissue irritated by a cheek bite may feel raised, rough or sore. If the same area keeps getting irritated, consider whether you have been biting your cheek in that spot. 

Other mouth changes can look different from Fordyce spots. A soft lump sits under the tissue, while a white coating forms across part of the tongue. Because several conditions can look alike, do not try to diagnose a bump from online pictures alone. 

What should you do about these bumps? 

Do not squeeze, scrape or try to remove the bumps at home. Note when you first saw them and whether they change in size, color or texture. 

Ask your dental provider whether anything needs to be done. If the bumps are confirmed as Fordyce spots and do not bother you, your dental provider may recommend watching them for changes. 

If you have found new bumps and want a clear answer, contact your local dental provider to have them examined. 

What are yellowish-white bumps inside your lips or cheeks? FAQs 

Still have questions about these bumps? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Are Fordyce spots contagious? 

No. Fordyce spots are oil glands, not an infection. You cannot catch them from another person or pass them to someone else. 

Do Fordyce spots only appear in the mouth? 

No. They can also appear on other parts of the body. A dental provider can examine any new bumps and confirm what they are. 

Can toothpaste or mouthwash cause these bumps? 

Fordyce spots are oil glands, not a buildup from toothpaste or mouthwash. If a new oral-care product seems to irritate your mouth, stop using it and tell your dental provider. 

Should kids be checked for these bumps too? 

A new or lasting bump in a child’s mouth should be checked, especially if it hurts, bleeds or changes. A dental provider can determine whether it is a Fordyce spot or another type of mouth change. 

What if the bump keeps growing? 

Growth alone is worth a check, even without pain. Fordyce spots don't typically enlarge on their own, so a bump that's visibly bigger than when you first noticed it is worth mentioning at your next visit, or sooner if it's changing quickly. 

Sources 

¹ National Institutes of Health, PubMed Central, Annals of Dermatology: “Clinicopathologic Manifestations of Patients with Fordyce’s Spots.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3283840/ 

² National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Health Info: “Oral Cancer.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-cancer