While fibromas are painful, they are generally not serious and easy to treat.

When discussing fibromas, the first and most important thing to keep in mind is that they’re usually benign. Regardless of what they look like or how much pain they might cause, they are in essence relatively minor.

Fibromas are commonly found at the oral cavity – essentially outgrowths of tissue that can come hard or soft and white or pink, depending on their makeup.  Here’s what causes one to develop and what types are often found in and around the mouth. You should also know how and where they develop, as well as which treatment is recommended for those who may have one.

How Fibromas Develop

A fibroma is a mass of connective tissue that usually grows in response to trauma or localized irritation. And although they are rarely cancerous, they may get bigger when irritated or simply grow bigger over time. Avoid brushing the sore for this reason, using a mouthrinse to ensure your soft tissue remains healthy without the added irritation of alcohol. They can also develop on the face, or in and around the mouth, and may become raised from the skin or gum tissue.

HOW FIBROMAS ARE FOUND

On rare occasions, fibromas can show up in the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw), but studies in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest these types of fibromas are more likely to be discovered in digital imaging. Nonetheless, because fibromas are usually distinguished from similar outgrowths of fat tissue – called lipomas – based on their hardness and color, they are usually discovered by the patient, a dentist or physician upon routine examination.

Where Fibromas Occur

The most common places to find fibromas are on the top or sides of the tongue, the inside of your cheeks or anywhere on the lips. Keep in mind that they primarily develop from repeatedly biting the area, irritation by a foreign object or trauma to the surrounding tissue. Ill-fitting dentures that rub along the gumline are also a likely cause, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.