A mucous cyst or mucocele is a bump that usually develops on the lips, floor of the mouth or tongue. It might even develop at the roof of the mouth. It is also called a ranula or an oral cyst.
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When our salivary gland gets blocked or injured in some way, an oral cyst might occur. Any trauma to you’re the inside of your mouth can cause a mucocele. For example, you get a blow or accidentally bite your tongue or the inside of your mouth.
Causes and symptoms of mucocele
According to the New York Times,
“Mucous cysts are common. They are painless but can be bothersome because you are so aware of the bumps in your mouth. The cysts are thought to be caused by sucking the lip membranes between the teeth.
Mucous cysts are harmless. If left untreated, however, they can organize and form a permanent bump on the inner surface of the lip.
They are called ranula when on the floor of the mouth, and epulis when on the gums.
The sac may form around jewelry (piercings) that has been inserted into the lips or tongue.”
A thin, fluid-filled sac appears on the inside of the lip. The sac is bluish and clear. It is painless, but bothersome.
The sac can also occur on the tongue, palate, inside the cheeks, the floor of the mouth, or around tongue or lip piercings.”
Usually, if the mucuos cyst is small, it is not painful; however, if the cyst becomes large, it might get really painful. Also, mucous cyst that are shallow can be burst, but a deep cyst can last really long. When a shallow cyst is burst, you can expect a yellow-colored puss-like fluid to be released.
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Risk factors of mucocele
People who have a poor dental hygiene are more likely to get a mucous cyst. Also, if you have a habit of biting your lips or the insides of your cheek, you are more susceptible to developing a mucocele.
The home remedies for mucocele discussed in this post will help you get rid of the painful cyst and make it easier for you to speak, chew as well as swallow your food.
Note: Do not confuse mucocele with canker sores. While the latter usually appears are ulcers, the former is a form of blister.
Generally, the shallow oral cysts dissolve on their own. But with these natural treatments for mucocele, you can not only reduce the discomfort, but also speed up the healing process.
We suggest that before you give these remedies a try, you should get the cyst checked by a doctor. That way you can be sure that this is not a serious condition, and then go ahead with your natural treatment at home.
Home remedies for mucocele
Here are the top 10 natural treatments to cure mucous cysts in the mouth.
1. Honey
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The first remedy on our list is honey, which due to its anti-inflammatory properties, has a soothing effect on the cysts, and thus reduces both pain as well as inflammation.
Honey is also antibacterial, and so it will help prevent the chances of further infections. This, in turn, hastens the healing process.
For this remedy, begin by mixing one-fourth of a teaspoon of turmeric powder with one teaspoon of honey. Make sure the honey is natural. Now apply this paste on the cyst/s. Do not rub. Leave the paste on for about 20 minutes, and then rinse out with lukewarm water.
This remedy should be repeated thrice a day for a week, for the cysts to get cured.
As a preventive measure, you can also apply pure honey around the inside of your mouth, every night before hitting the bed.
2. Salt
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The next natural treatment for mucocele is salt. It has therapeutic values, which makes it a key ingredient used to treat a number of conditions.
Also, salt aids to get rid of the mucus present in the oral cyst faster. This, further, reduces the pain and accelerates recovery.
For this remedy, heat a cup of water. Then add a teaspoon of salt to this warm water. Mix and use the solution to wash your mouth thrice a day. Your mucocele will get cured in no time.
3. Ice
Ice is the third remedy on our list of natural treatments for oral cysts. In fact, ice is one of the most effective treatments as it numbs the pain. It also helps get rid of the irritation which is a general symptom associated with oral cysts.
For the remedy, take a thin and clean washcloth. In it, wrap some ice cubes. Now place the wrap on the cysts for about a minute. You should do this treatment at least thrice a day, until the cysts are completely gone.
Do not directly apply the ice on the cysts.
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4. Glycerin
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Another very effective home remedy for mucocele is glycerin, which is popular because of its antiseptic nature. It is also anti-bacterial, and as such, helps fight the microbes that are causing the cysts.
Also, as glycerin keeps the mouth moist, it quickens the healing process.
It also keeps the affected area well-moistened, which is essential for quick healing.
For this remedy, simply dab some glycerin on to the affected area. After half an hour, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
You should repeat this remedy thrice a day.
You can also get yourself a glycerin-based mouthwash, and use it to cleanse your mouth.
5. Moist Tea Bag
Believe it or not, a moist tea bag can help you treat your mucocele in no time. This is because the tannic acid in tea works like an astringent. This helps redcue the inflammation that is linked to mucous cysts and also hastens the healing process.
For this remedy, take prepare a cup of tea using a tea bag. Now chill this tea bag in the fridge for about half an hour. Now gently press this chilled tea bag on the cysts for about 15 minutes.
One should do this thrice a day for as long as it takes for the cyst to go away.
6. Aloe Vera
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The next remedy on our list is aloe vera, which due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, is a hit when it comes to treating oral cysts. Also aloe vera soothes the skin thus quickly treating the cyst.
For the remedy, take an aloe vera leaf and extract its juice. Apply this juice on your cyst/s. After 20 minutes, wash your mouth with lukewarm water.
This treatment should be done 3 times a day.
7. Turmeric
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Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a great remedy for mucocele.
For this remedy, begin by mixing half a tablespoon of turmeric powder with some milk. Form a consistent in paste and apply it on the affected area. After half an hour, wash your mouth with some warm water.
The remedy must be repeated thrice a day for as long as it takes for the mucous cyst to cure.
The other solution is to apply pure turmeric juice on the affected area.
8. Sage
The last remedy on our list of natural treatments for mucocele is sage. Also, sage has astringent properties, which helps dry up the cyst faster, thus curing the condition.
For this remedy, bring two cups of water to boil. Add to this water 3 teaspoons of dried sage. After the water boils, cover it for 15 minutes, and let it steep. You should then strain the tea and let the solution cool. You should use this tea as a mouth wash.
A word of caution: Be sure not to swallow this mouthwash while rinsing your mouth.
Additional tips for mucocele
- You need to make sure the cyst does not get infected. And so you should get it checked by a doctor.
- Stop biting your lips or your cheek.
- To avoid the biting, you can start chewing on sugarless gum.
If these remedies, do not help, you will have to get your cyst checked by a doctor. According to WebMD,
“There are the two types of treatment a doctor or dentist most commonly uses:
Removing the gland. The dentist or doctor may use a scalpel or laser to remove the salivary gland. Local anesthesia numbs the pain.
Helping a new duct to form. Called marsupialization, this technique helps a new duct form and helps saliva leave the salivary gland.
The dentist or doctor:
-
Disinfects the area
-
Puts a stitch through the mucocele and ties a knot
-
Gently presses out saliva
-
Removes the stitch after about a week”
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That is all we have on the home remedies for mucocele. Do you think this post was helpful? Do you have some suggestions for us? Let us know in the comment section below.
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See you again tomorrow with a new set of remedies for a general medical condition.
Until then!
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