Black Dot Inside Cheek: Causes and When to See a Doctor

What Does a Black Dot Inside Your Cheek Mean?

Finding a black dot or spot inside your cheek can be alarming. But in many cases, these small lesions in the mouth are harmless canker sores that clear up on their own. However, some oral spots could potentially indicate more serious conditions. Here's a guide on possible causes and when to see a doctor about a black dot inside your cheek.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, round lesions that form inside the cheek, on the tongue, gums, lips, or throat. They appear as white or yellowish spots surrounded by a reddish halo. Canker sores usually begin as pinpoint bumps that rapidly ulcerate, leaving round or oval ulcers.

The most common cause of canker sores is accidental biting or irritation inside the mouth. Certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, or deficiencies in iron, folate, zinc or vitamin B12 can also trigger canker sores in susceptible individuals.

Canker sores are not contagious and usually heal within 7-10 days without treatment. Rinsing the mouth with saltwater, avoiding irritating foods like citrus or spices, and using over-the-counter numbing gels can provide symptom relief.

Oral Melanotic Macules

Oral melanotic macules are benign dark spots found inside the cheek, lips or gums. They contain increased amounts of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

These flat macules can be brown, black, blue, grey or the same color as the surrounding tissue. Oral melanotic macules are usually 1-10 millimeters wide and oval shaped. While harmless, they can look similar to a canker sore when newly formed.

The cause of oral melanotic macules is unknown, although sun exposure may play a role. No treatment is required since these spots are benign. But a biopsy can confirm the diagnosis if there is uncertainty.

Mucoceles

Mucoceles are harmless cysts that can develop inside the mouth. They form when salivary glands get obstructed and saliva leaks into surrounding tissues, creating a painless bump.

Mucoceles appear as bluish, clear or white round bumps on the inner lips, cheeks, under the tongue, or on the roof of the mouth. They range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters wide. Mucoceles may rupture on their own and then refill with saliva.

Common causes include sucking or biting the inner cheeks or lips. Mucoceles require no treatment unless they rupture often or affect eating. In that case, surgery can remove the damaged salivary gland.

Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that affects mucous membranes inside the cheek, gums and tongue. It appears as lacy white patches, red spots, open sores, or raised bumps resembling canker sores.

Oral lichen planus may occur alone or accompany lichen planus rashes on other body parts. Doctors don't know what triggers oral lichen planus, although its considered an autoimmune reaction.

Mild cases may not require treatment beyond regular dental cleanings. More severe instances can be treated with topical steroids, medications that suppress the immune system, and other methods to alleviate discomfort.

Trauma

Injury to the inner cheek is a common cause of small black dots or painful ulcerations. Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek creates a self-inflicted wound.

Aggressive brushing, rubbing sharp teeth edges, dental work, piercings, braces or ill-fitting dentures can also traumatize oral tissues. The resulting lesion often appears as an irregular ulcer with a black, red or yellow center.

Treatment involves allowing the wound to heal and avoiding further trauma. An oral anesthetic gel brings pain relief until the lesion resolves. See a dentist if the ulcer persists beyond two weeks.

When to See a Doctor

While most causes of a black dot inside the cheek are harmless, some may require medical care. Contact your dentist or doctor if you experience:

Persistent Pain

Ulcers inside the mouth typically heal within 7-14 days. Lingering pain that lasts longer could indicate infection or another underlying problem requiring treatment.

Bleeding

Bleeding from a mouth lesion that wont stop could be a sign of trauma, vitamin deficiency or conditions like platelet problems or hemophilia.

Numbness

Numbness or tingling around a mouth ulcer could signal nerve damage or more serious conditions like oral cancer.

Swelling

Significant swelling around an oral lesion may suggest a bacterial or viral infection that warrants medical attention.

Slow Healing

Ulcers that dont begin to improve within two weeks could be infected or precancerous. Have your dentist or doctor examine any non-healing lesions.

Other Symptoms

Oral ulcers accompanied by fever, fatigue, unintended weight loss or other worrisome symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional.

When Black Spots Indicate Oral Cancer

In very rare cases, a lingering black spot inside the cheek could be oral cancer or a precancerous condition. Oral cancer may initially resemble a canker sore that does not heal.

Later, oral cancer lesions appear as red or white patches, colored spots, ulcers, lumps, or raised tissue inside the mouth. Unexplained loose teeth, numbness, or difficulty swallowing and speaking can also signal oral cancer.

Risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, excessive alcohol use, HPV infection, and sun exposure. Anyone experiencing suspicious mouth lesions or unusual symptoms should see a doctor immediately.

Early oral cancer treatment improves outcomes. But cancers allowed to advance untreated become life threatening. Thats why prompt evaluation of any unusual, persistent mouth spots is crucial.

When to Get a Biopsy

If your doctor is concerned that a mouth lesion could be precancerous or cancerous, they will likely perform a biopsy.

During a biopsy, a small sample of the abnormal tissue is removed and sent to a lab for analysis. The results can definitively diagnose or rule out oral cancer.

Biopsies cause minimal discomfort and can be done in your dentists office. Getting an abnormal mouth spot checked out early provides the best chance for effective oral cancer treatment.

Preventing Oral Spots and Sores

You can reduce the chance of developing troubling spots and sores inside your mouth by:

Avoiding Tobacco

Any form of tobacco use increases oral cancer risk. If you smoke or chew tobacco, consider quitting to protect your oral health.

Using Sun Protection

Limit unprotected sun exposure that can lead to cancerous mouth lesions, especially on the lips.

Eating a Balanced Diet

A diet low in vitamins and minerals like iron, folate and zinc makes you more prone to canker sores. Eat a varied, nutrient rich diet.

Managing Stress

Chronic stress is linked to canker sores. Making time to relax and unwind can help.

Practicing Oral Hygiene

Gently brush teeth twice a day, floss daily, and replace your toothbrush regularly to lower your oral cancer risk.

Visiting Your Dentist

Get professional teeth cleanings every 6 months and ask your dentist to examine any mouth lesions that concern you.

Seeking Treatment for Persistent Lesions

While most oral spots and ulcers disappear harmlessly within two weeks, its important to monitor any lesion that lingers longer. Black, discolored or painful sores in your mouth could potentially indicate issues requiring treatment.

Dont panic if you notice a strange dot inside your cheek. But do consult a dentist or doctor if the lesion persists, bleeds excessively, or causes worrisome symptoms. Getting an abnormal oral spot examined as soon as possible is crucial for ruling out serious conditions.

With timely evaluation and proper care, the majority of lingered mouth spots turn out to be benign. In rare instances when a lesion does prove precancerous or cancerous, early detection from a biopsy greatly improves prognosis.

So be vigilant about monitoring any unusual spots or sores inside your mouth. Promptly report any lesions or symptoms that concern you to your dentist or doctor. Taking quick action if you notice a strange black dot inside your cheek provides peace of mind and allows treatment to begin early if needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.