is it red or white? There are many normal structures that can be "bumps" in the mouth, but there are other "bumps" that can be a sign of disease. The only way to be sure what these bumps and lumps are is to have an evaluation by a dentist or oral specialist such as an oral pathologist. These dental professionals can provide you with a definitive diagnosis. Although it is not possible to offer specific advice without examining your mouth, the following information may help you determine whether or not you need to see your dentist. A bump behind the front teeth is likely what is known as the incisive papilla. Everyone has one of these bumps, and you would need to see someone who is familiar with the mouth in order to find out if your incisive papilla is enlarged or just temporarily irritated. Your dentist might be a good place to start, but you may need to be evaluated by an oral pathologist as well. If you smoke, and especially if you smoke a cigar or pipe, whitish bumps on the palate (roof of the mouth) could represent a benign condition known as smoker's palate (nicotine stomatitis). These bumps will often have a small reddish depression in the center that could look like a little hole in the mirror. An Exostosis or mandibular torus may also be found on the roof of the mouth, in addition to the tongue-side of the lower jaw. This common process represents extra bone that protrudes and is often injured by sharp or hard foods. Such injury may lead to a painful ulcer or sore that is slow to heal since the area gets bumped and bruised a lot when you eat. Mucoceles can form on the roof of the mouth. This happens when one of the small salivary glands either is blocked or is cut. Mucus builds up under the lining of the mouth until it reaches a breaking point, then the bump disappears, only to re-form again. An oral surgeon usually has to remove the little gland in order to completely stop the process, but this is a rather minor procedure. The tissue should then be examined by an oral pathologist in order to make sure that the bump doesn't represent a rare salivary gland tumor of this area.