Unusual white spots or bumps on the lips can come from many different causes, ranging from harmless conditions to issues that need medical attention. Here are the most common explanations, grouped to help you understand what might be happening:

1. Fordyce Spots (Very Common & Harmless)

These are small, painless white or yellowish dots on the lips or inside the mouth.
They are simply visible sebaceous (oil) glands and are:

• Not contagious

• Not dangerous

• Not caused by infection

They often become more noticeable with age or hormonal changes.

2. Canker Sores (Aftas)

If the white spot is painful, it may be a canker sore.
Characteristics:

• White or yellow center with a red border

• Pain when eating, brushing, or talking

• Usually heals in 7–14 days

• Triggered by stress, small injuries, acidic foods, or vitamin deficiencies

3. Oral Thrush (Yeast Overgrowth)

A fungal infection caused by Candida.
More likely if you use inhalers, recently took antibiotics, or have weakened immunity.

Symptoms include:

• White patches that can be wiped off

• Mild burning or soreness

• Dry mouth

4. Mucoceles (Blocked Salivary Gland)

These look like translucent or whitish blisters on the inner lip.

Often caused by:

• Lip biting

• Trauma

• Blocked salivary ducts

Usually harmless and may go away on their own.

5. Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV-1)

These start as tingling or burning, then form clusters of small white or clear bumps that turn into blisters.

• Highly contagious

• Often triggered by stress, sunlight, or illness

• Usually appear near the border of the lips

• Heal in 7–10 days

6. Milia

Small, white, hard bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin.

• More common on the face but can appear on the lips

• Painless

• Firm to the touch

7. Allergic Reactions

Lip products, foods, toothpaste, and dental materials can trigger reactions that cause:

• Small white bumps

• Swelling

• Itching or burning

Nickel in dental appliances is also a common trigger.

8. Oral Lichen Planus

A chronic inflammatory condition that may cause:

• White lacy patches

• Burning

• Sensitivity to acidic or spicy foods

Needs evaluation if persistent.

9. HPV-Related Warts

Appear as small, raised, sometimes cauliflower-like white bumps.
They require a medical diagnosis and treatment.

10. Other Less Common Causes

• Vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, iron, folate)

• Dehydration

• Autoimmune conditions

• Trauma from biting or dental appliances

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should get evaluated if:

• The spots last more than 2–3 weeks

• They are painful, spreading, or growing

• You have fever or swollen glands

• The bump bleeds or becomes ulcerated

• You suspect a cold sore or infection