Mucoceles are small, painless cysts that form when saliva becomes trapped in a small pocket on the inside of the mouth, usually on the inner surface of the lips, particularly in lower lip or under the tongue. It is also known as ranula.

Mucocele is different from canker sore. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that form on the inside of your mouth, including the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth. They are usually white or yellowish with a red border and can make eating and talking uncomfortable.

Common reasons for mucoceles development in mouth are:

• Trauma: Accidental biting of the lip or cheek, or any injury to the mouth’s soft tissue, can lead to the development of a mucocele.
• Salivary gland duct blockage: Anything that obstructs the salivary gland ducts, such as thickened saliva or damage to the ducts themselves, can cause saliva to accumulate and form a mucocele.
• Oral habits: Certain oral habits like lip biting, sucking on the lips or cheeks, or constantly running the tongue over the lips can contribute to the development of mucoceles.
• Oral piercings: Tongue or lip piercing can sometimes cause trauma to the surrounding tissues, leading to the formation of mucoceles.
• Dental procedures: Trauma or injury during dental procedures, such as injections or dental extractions, can also result in mucocele formation.
• Minor salivary gland abnormalities: Sometimes, abnormalities in the minor salivary glands themselves can lead to the development of mucoceles.

Some of the home remedies that may provide relief from mucoceles are:

1. Warm salt water rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
2. Avoiding irritating foods: Spicy, acidic, or hard foods may irritate the mucocele and prolong healing. Avoiding these foods can help prevent further irritation.
3. Aloe vera gel: Applying a small amount of pure Aloe vera gel directly to the mucocele can help soothe irritation and promote healing.
4. Turmeric paste: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and discomfort. Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste and apply it to the mucocele.
5. Honey: Applying a small amount of honey to the mucocele may help soothe irritation and promote healing. Make sure to use pure, raw honey.
6. Ice packs: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary relief from discomfort.
7. Avoiding trauma: Try to avoid biting or sucking on the area where the mucocele is located, as this can further irritate it and prolong healing.
8. Vitamin E oil: Applying vitamin E oil directly to the mucocele may help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
9. Tea tree oil: Dilute tea tree oil with water and apply it to the mucocele using a cotton swab. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that may help prevent infection.
10. Maintain oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing further irritation and promoting healing. Brush and floss gently and rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

If home remedies do not provide relief or if the mucocele persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend draining the mucocele or surgical removal.

Image credit: Klaus D. Peter, Gummersbach, Germany, CC BY 3.0 DE <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/de/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons