Ductal papillomas have unique papillary features arising from the salivary gland duct system. It comprises three rare benign adenomas, namely, inverted ductal papilloma, sialadenoma papilliferum and intraductal papilloma. Here the first case of intraductal papilloma developed in the minor salivary gland of the vestibule of the oral cavity in a 71-year-old Chinese female living in a nursing home is described. This case is worthy of clinical investigation as it presents as an intraoral swelling and is mistakenly regarded as the result of a periapical pathosis. It also emphasises that a nurse or an oral hygienist who is usually the first-line oral carer of the residents of a nursing home, should be trained to perform the daily dental check and request a dentist's services when necessary.