Hi All:

this is a really wonderful forum. I recently found an extremely small, painless bump, about the size of a 1/4 of a pea (if that) that's slightly off-whitish (but not a bright white) in color behind my wisdom tooth and the tissue that connects the lower and upper rows of teeth (sorry about my lack of familiarity with oral anatomy). I'm slightly concerned as I was a moderate smoker between 1998-2005 and have recently quit. I'm 25 years of age, healthy, and there isn't any history of oral cancer or disease in my family. This bump is a recent development, I noticed it about nine days ago. It's not getting bigger, but in the same token it doesn't seem to be getting smaller. Should I be concerned?

hello modestmouse

it could be the retromolar pad which lies behind the third molar. if it is rubbed constantly by the opposing upper molar tooth, as when one protrudes the jaw forwards to habitually clench on the edges of the front teeth, it can become hyperkeratinised and look whitish/pale. do see your dentist and let us know.

do stay off the smoking; it increases your risks of mouth cancers.

best wishes
vinod