OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Lump on the Roof of My Mouth

2/17/2026, 9:00:27 AMMale25-34

I’m an 18-year-old. About seven years back, I had braces and ended up chipping half of a tooth in my front left teeth, but I opted out of getting a root canal. Greetings! Sometime around November or December last year, I noticed a lump forming on the roof of my mouth. When I touch it, I can feel a connection to my left front tooth. It's been present for a few months now, and I think it may have increased in size, possibly swelling a bit more than before. Whenever I press on it or when food comes into contact with it while eating, I experience some sensations radiating through my front teeth. Initially, I assumed it would resolve itself within a few weeks, yet it remains. When I apply some pressure, it feels as if I’m shifting my teeth! Unfortunately, I don’t have the time or funds to visit a healthcare professional right now. Is there anyone who might have an idea of what could be going on or how serious it might be? I appreciate any insights! As for the location, I believe it’s situated in the hard palate of my mouth, close to the ridge. Just to mention, a couple of years back, I did chip my left front teeth, but I did not pursue a root canal, which may be relevant. I could really use some assistance, but my parents aren’t convinced it’s pressing enough to warrant a doctor’s appointment. Thank you!

Crohn's DiseaseInternal MedicineRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

2/17/2026, 9:00:46 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about a lump on the roof of your mouth, especially when it's been present for several months and may be linked to a previous dental issue. Here's some important information regarding your situation.

Key Points:

  • A lump on the roof of the mouth can arise from various causes, including dental concerns, infections, or cystic formations. Your past dental history, such as the chipped tooth, may contribute to this issue.
  • Sensations in your front teeth when pressing the lump suggest it might be connected to your dental nerves or bone structure.

Explanation:

The lump you describe could be due to several factors:

  1. Dentigerous Cyst: This is a fluid-filled sac that can form around the crown of a non-erupted tooth, often associated with dental issues.
  2. Abscess: If there's an untreated area related to your chipped tooth, an abscess (infection) may have formed, causing swelling and discomfort.
  3. Fibroma or other benign growths: Sometimes non-cancerous growths can occur in the mouth tissue due to irritation or previous injury.

Since you’ve noted that the lump feels related to your front tooth and has grown, monitoring it closely is essential.

Next Steps:

  1. Self-Examination: Keep an eye on the size and appearance of the lump. Note any changes over the next couple of weeks, such as increase in size, changes in color, or if you develop new symptoms like pain or bad taste.

  2. Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth and the area around the lump gently but thoroughly to avoid irritants.

  3. Avoid Pressure and Irritants: Try not to poke or press on the lump, and be cautious with hard or abrasive foods that might aggravate it.

  4. Cold Compress: If there's swelling, applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth (not directly on the lump) can help reduce discomfort temporarily.

  5. Keep your parents informed: Share your observations with your parents to help them understand your concerns. If symptoms worsen (e.g., severe pain, fever, pus), encourage a check-up with a dentist.

While I understand that you may be unable to see a healthcare professional at this moment, if the lump persists or worsens, prioritizing a visit when possible is key to addressing any underlying issues before they become more serious. Remember that your health and peace of mind are crucial.

Related Questions

Second Episode of Strep Throat Within Three Months

Hi there, I’m a 21-year-old male who experienced strep throat diagnosed by my physician in late December. After completing the prescribed antibiotics, I felt fully recovered. However, I’ve recently started to feel my throat getting sore again throughout the day. When I checked my throat using my phone’s flashlight, I suspect that I might be facing a recurrence of the same issue. I'm unsure what might be triggering these episodes, but I’m curious about how common it is to have strep throat reappear. I understand that it's possible to encounter it more than once, but I didn't expect another bout so soon after the last. I plan to visit my doctor again on Thursday to get another round of antibiotics.

Internal MedicineEndocrinologyRheumatology
Male25-34
43 minutes ago

Concerns About a Hard Lump on My Tailbone

As a 17-year-old female dealing with significant health anxiety, I've found myself quite unsettled by a recent discovery on my body. I’ve already asked my parents to arrange a doctor’s visit, so I’m hoping for some clarity soon. The lump I noticed is somewhat painful when I sit, and I’ve been experiencing discomfort in my tailbone for a little while, which I’ve largely brushed aside until now—something I truly regret. It’s an irregular shape and has a hardness to it that feels almost bony. I hope it’s okay to discuss this here, as I'm at a loss for where to seek advice. I worry my dad will react negatively to my anxiety, while my mom may become overly anxious, neither response providing the reassurance I need. I feel overwhelmed and can't shake off thoughts of the worst possible outcomes. I'm really unsure about my next steps.

ArthritisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
53 minutes ago

Understanding Foot Numbness Due to Nerve Compression

At 21 years old, I've been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I often experience a prickly sensation, or what’s known as pins and needles, particularly when I sit on the toilet for just around three minutes. Occasionally, I also lose all sensation in my right foot to the point where walking becomes nearly impossible, as it feels as though the foot isn’t even there. I should mention that I frequently sublux my hips and knees and my spinal vertebrae tend to be quite unstable. Recently, while seated for about 20 minutes, my right foot went numb again. I attempted to wiggle my toes, and although I felt them move, visually there was no motion. I tried to lift my foot off the ground with my heel remaining in contact with the floor, but despite my efforts, I couldn’t get it to budge even slightly after many attempts. I resorted to using my hands to lift my leg, but my foot dangled down with zero feeling. Naturally, this situation caused me a great deal of anxiety as such an extreme numbness had never occurred before. Gradually, after exerting my arms to reposition my foot, sensation returned, and it feels normal now. This issue has consistently affected my right foot. Is this something others experience too?

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Frequent Coughing Episodes in a Short Span

I'm a 22-year-old male, not currently on any prescription medications, but I do take vitamin D regularly and occasionally vitamin C as well. Around four weeks ago, I began experiencing symptoms akin to a cold—sore throat, runny nose, and a mild cough. This bout lasted longer and felt more severe than what I usually encounter. Although I improved initially, I noticed on February 14th that I developed a persistent wet cough accompanied by greenish-yellow sputum, and occasionally even orange. Alongside this, I’ve been feeling tightness in my chest that becomes painful when I cough, with some wheezing present as well. I also have the sensations of a cold returning, featuring nasal congestion and sneezing. My main worry is that I've fallen ill twice within a mere four weeks, each time with symptoms that seem more intense than normal, leaving me uncertain about what steps to take next. In my last episode, I reached out to my general practitioner, but now I’m hesitant about whether I should do so again.

AsthmaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns After Accidental Exposure to Cleaning Products

I’m a 22-year-old woman, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds. I don’t smoke and I have a history of eczema and TMD (temporomandibular disorders). I accidentally exposed myself to bleach and cleaning chemicals while taking a shower. Here’s what happened: Earlier, my roommate had been cleaning some mats in the shower with bleach and possibly other cleaners like Lysol or Fabuloso – I'm not entirely sure what she used. Unfortunately, she got some of that on my shower loofah, which I didn’t realize since I’m currently unwell and couldn’t detect the odor before applying soap to it. Now I’m feeling quite anxious about it. My skin has a bleach scent, but I don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Everything seems normal, yet I can’t help but worry. Am I in the clear?

ArthritisInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago