What Might Cause a White Bump on the Inside of My Lip?

When you see a white bump inside your lip, it can be due to several common reasons. One cause is a minor injury—for example, accidentally biting your lip or rubbing it against a rough edge. This can lead to irritation and a small white bump as your body heals. Another possibility is a canker sore, which is a small ulcer that often starts white and then becomes red as it heals. Sometimes, a white bump could be part of a larger pattern of oral white lesions, which doctors usually check with a simple decision tree to make sure it is nothing serious. Other times, repeated friction or pressure may cause a fibroma—a tiny growth made by scar tissue. These bumps usually are harmless and go away on their own. However, if you notice that the bump grows bigger, hurts more, or doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, it is a good idea to talk with a doctor or dentist to get a closer look.