Today, right after I ate, I felt something rubbing against my tongue. I first thought it was either a grain of rice stuck in my mouth or bits of food. When I looked at it in the mirror, there was this pimp-like bump except that I can tell it’s filled with a light fluid. So I reached inside my mouth and squeeze it. The CLEAR fluid poured out and the elevation went back down to normal. There was no blood at all. No pain-like feeling. The thing is, I had this exact thing happen to me about 2 weeks ago at the SAME spot. I squeezed it and it went back to normal. It came back today. Before eating, I didn’t notice it, but eating after I did. The fluid-filled bump is located on the floor of my mouth under my tongue.  Can you please provide me insight on this?  If so, how can I permanently relieve it?

Answer:

Based on what you are describing, it sounds like you may have a salivary gland obstruction. The sublingual gland releases its contents (saliva) at the base of tongue. Saliva is stimulated and released periodically throughout the day but mainly when eating. Individuals whom experience salivary gland obstructions, also called sialolithiasis, usually have flair ups right after eating a meal. Symptoms for sialolithiasis include:

• Pain at mealtime
• Swelling of the gland at mealtime or right after mealtime
• Infection

If left untreated, this obstruction can eventually lead to a decrease in function of your salivary gland.  Many treatment options are available.  However, only a dentist can confirm this finding.

Good luck!