Why is the Roof of Your Mouth Sore?

You have probably experienced a sore mouth at some point in your life. It can be annoying and uncomfortable, as oral pain hinders routine activities like eating food or speaking. Thankfully, the issue is often self-resolving. However, there are some scenarios where oral soreness indicates a serious, underlying medical condition. This article will walk you through the possible causes of soreness on the roof of the mouth, as well as the various ways in which it can be prevented and treated.

Possible Causes

There are a few potential causes of oral soreness:

Canker sores

Mouth sores are called mouth ulcers, canker sores, or aphthous ulcers. They are white or red non-contagious sores that appear on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, and, at times, on the roof of the mouth. The cause of canker sores is not really understood. They appear to be inherited or connected to conditions like vitamin deficiencies or chronic stress.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush or oral candidiasis is a yeast infection in the mouth, caused by a fungus called “candida albicans.” Oral thrush appears in the form of lesions that are creamy and white, resembling cottage cheese. It also causes redness or soreness at the roof of the mouth, often accompanied by a burning sensation. Typically, oral thrush is associated with medical conditions that compromise the immune system, which is why it is commonly found in infants and the elderly.

Warts (squamous papilloma)

Warts, otherwise known as oral squamous papilloma, are benign and asymptomatic masses that appear as a single entity on the roof of the mouth. They have a painful, cauliflower-like surface, and while they’ve been connected to the human papillomavirus (HPV), the actual cause is unknown. Smoking, hormonal imbalance, and dietary deficiencies increase the risk of warts. They can be safely removed through procedures like surgery, cryotherapy, or electrosurgery.

Oral cancer

Another, rather alarming, cause of soreness on the roof of the mouth could be oral cancer. If you have any ulcer that has not healed by itself in two weeks you should consult your doctor. And remember, oral cancer, when detected in the initial stage, can be treated quite effectively.

Infection

The most common infection that can cause soreness on the roof of your mouth is herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. HSV can cause cold sores that take around eight to ten days to heal completely. Apart from viruses, other infectious bacteria (like streptococcus and actinomyces) could be the reason for sores on the palate.

Allergies

Sores on the roof of the mouth can also be caused by an allergic reaction. You could be allergic to a variety of substances like food additives, certain drugs, ingredients of oral hygiene products (like peppermint or menthol), or dental materials (like acrylic resin used to fabricate dentures). If you had a previous allergic reaction to any product, you should avoid it. Inform your doctor if you develop an allergic reaction, like sores or swelling, after the use of any drug or product.

Injury

An injury can lead to swelling or soreness on the roof of the mouth. It could be due to chewing on something hard, gobbling up something hot, or an unfortunate, sharp poke from a piece of food. Jagged teeth or ill-fitting dentures can also injure the inner lining of the cheeks and palate.

Prevention

There are a few simple steps that you can do to protect yourself from unnecessary pain on the roof of your mouth.

Maintain good hygiene

Wash your hands before having food to ensure that your hands are germ-free. Avoid sticking your fingers inside your mouth after touching dirty surfaces like doorknobs. Remember to cleanse your hands after a handshake. Individuals with compromised immunity should be extra-careful in preventing exposure to unwanted pathogens as they are at a high risk of getting easily infected.

Identify your triggering factor

Try to identify the actual cause of the soreness on the roof of your mouth and avoid it, whether it be allergies, injury, or stress. Consumption of harmful products like tobacco or alcohol should also be avoided or limited.

Maintain a healthy diet

A balanced diet has an adequate quantity of all the essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that are needed by your body to maintain good health. Choose your food mindfully so your food becomes your medicine.

At-Home Treatments

In most cases, mouth soreness can heal without treatment. However, rinsing your mouth with a solution of salt in warm water has been found to alleviate pain and irritation. Your dentist may recommend some over-the-counter medicines like topical oral gels or mouth rinses that can reduce your oral pain and discomfort. Having soft food like mashed potatoes can help you prevent further injury to your existing ailment. You should also avoid citrus fruits as the acid within them can further irritate oral pain.

When to See Your Doctor

If you find that your symptoms do not decrease by themselves or by the above-mentioned home remedies, you should consult your physician. The most common recommended measures are:

• Anti-inflammatory medication: Your physician may prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids to combat your oral pain. Steroids can reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery process.
• Antibiotics or antifungal drugs: If your symptoms point towards a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Antifungals may also be prescribed if the soreness appears to be caused by fungi.
• Diagnosis and treatment of a separate, underlying cause: Your oral soreness may be a symptom of a larger issue. Your doctor is the best person to identify your condition and treat you accordingly. For instance, if you have canker sores due to a vitamin B12 deficiency, vitamin supplements can be used for treatment.

Conclusion

Having an oral health issue is never fun. And, often, pain on the roof of your mouth can be a vague (and unpleasant) problem. Thankfully, there are plenty of explanations for oral pain. Whether you find a mouthwash that helps alleviate your issue or you consult with your dentist for a long-term solution, you should be feeling better in no time.