Can oral polyps disappear on their own?

Generally, small inflammatory polyps triggered by minor irritation may resolve on their own. However, polyps caused by mucosal hyperplasia, adenomas, or other pathological changes usually cannot heal spontaneously and require professional medical intervention. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.

If an oral polyp results from minor trauma—such as accidental biting during eating or friction from food—and is small in size with only mild local redness and swelling, it may gradually regress within 1–2 weeks after removal of the irritant, as the oral mucosa repairs itself. During this period, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of local infection.

However, most oral polyps do not disappear spontaneously. For example, mucosal hyperplastic polyps caused by chronic inflammation tend to persist and may even grow larger due to repeated inflammatory stimulation. Polyps arising from adenomatous lesions or abnormal mucosal proliferation carry a certain risk of malignant transformation and cannot be resolved through natural healing. Additionally, polyps caused by residual tooth roots or ill-fitting dentures will persist if the source of irritation is not removed and the polyp left untreated.

Regardless of whether a polyp shows signs of spontaneous resolution, any abnormal growth in the oral cavity should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible to determine its nature. Based on the diagnosis, the doctor can recommend either observation or appropriate treatment.