The palate or the roof of your mouth is a very sensitive part of your body and it is very important in speech, eating, and also during swallowing. Whe
The palate or the roof of your mouth is a very sensitive part of your body and it is very important in speech, eating, and also during swallowing. When you experience pain or some discomfort in this place, it may be annoying and even worrying.Roof of the mouth pain can be caused by several factors such as simple irritation or the fact that it is a symptom of a serious health condition that needs medical intervention. The right treatment and when to consult the professional help can be determined by understanding the potential causes.
Common Causes of Pain in the Roof of the Mouth
Burns from Hot Foods or Drinks
A burn caused by taking something that is too hot like coffee, pizza, or soup can be one of the most common causes of pain in the roof of the mouth. The palate is made up of delicate tissue that would easily be blistered or irritated. Typically, such a burn can be cured in a few days with the help of good oral hygiene and not to irritate it.
Canker Sores or Ulcers
Canker ulcers or aphthous ulcers are painful, small wounds which can be found in your soft tissue around your mouth like palate.These are non-communicable sores that may be precipitated by stress or hormonal fluctuations, nutrient deficiencies or food allergies. They usually resolve themselves in a period of one to two weeks, but the topical drugs may accelerate healing.
Trauma or Injury
When you poke hard or sharp food accidentally on the roof of your mouth like chips, crackers or utensils, they tend to irritate and cut you up a bit. These are minor injuries that can result in soreness of the area in a few days.Spicy or acidic food should be avoided as it may exude the pain in the healing process.
Oral Infections
Bacteria, fungal or viral infection can also cause pain in the roof of your mouth. As an example, oral thrush is a fungi which is Candida-induced and presents as white patches and may leave the palate swollen and irritated. The painful blisters or ulcers on them may also result from a viral infection like herpes simplex virus.
Dehydration and Dry Mouth
The roof of your mouth can be sore or rough as a result of being exposed to dry conditions, such as dehydration, some medications, or having your mouth open so that you have to breathe through it.In order to reduce pain, it is necessary to hydrate the body and apply saliva substitutes.
Allergic Reactions
In some cases, the allergies or the sensitivities of the food may cause the inflammation or burning of the roof of the mouth. Some of the typical allergens are nuts, shellfish, and some fruits. In the worst-case scenario it may result in swelling and difficulty in breathing and this needs urgent medical care.
Sinus Infections
Infections by Sinus may result in pain being referred to the roof of your mouth. Your sinuses may be inflamed or infected and then may radiate the pressure to the upper palate due to the proximity. This pain is usually accompanied by other related symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pressure and headaches.
Oral Cancer
Persistent pain, swelling, or sores that do not heal in the roof of the mouth, although not common, is a symptom of oral health cancer. This disease is commonly accompanied by such symptoms as red or white stains, bleeding, or swelling of the mouth. When you have any of these symptoms longer than two weeks then it is important to see a dentist or doctor.
How to Relieve Pain in the Roof of Your Mouth
Treatment is dependent upon the underlying cause, although a few general remedies will assist in relieving the pain and assist in healing:
- Stay Hydrated: It is important to remember that you have to drink a lot of water that makes you not dry.
- Cold and Spicy Foods: This type of food may lead to irritation of the tissue and retarded healing.
- Keep the mouth clean: clean the teeth with alcohol free mouth wash to make sure that the mouth is clean.
- Rest and Nutrition: Soft foods, bland foods and remember to take the right level of vitamins that contain mainly B12, iron, folate, etc.
Consult your doctor in case the pain persists after one week or other symptoms such as swelling, fever or troubles with swallowing accompany the pain.
When to See a Dentist or Doctor
These are the reasons why you should consult someone with a professional:
- The pain lasts more than 10 days.
- You also have open sores or ulcers which fail to heal.
- You taste white or red on your tongue white or red.
- You end up with lumps, bleeding or swelling.
- You can neither swallow nor speak.
It is important that serious conditions such as infections or oral cancer are managed early enough.
FAQs
Would stress produce aching on the roof of the mouth?
Yes. Stress may also lead to mouth ulcers or tooth grinding and both may lead to either making the roof of your mouth uncomfortable or sore.
What is the period of healing of a burnt mouth?
The healing of minor burns takes 3 to 5 days but the more serious burns take up to one week and even longer.
Do you always feel pain in the roof of the mouth?
Not always. Most of them are blamed on small inconveniences or burns. However, chronic pain that can supplant a duration of two weeks must be investigated by a medical practitioner.
Are home remedies applicable in the case of mouth pain?
Yes. Saltwater rinses and cool soft food such as yogurt can also be applied to the area to calm it down and hasten the healing process.
Which doctor would I consult about pain in the roof of my mouth?
Care should be initiated by the dentist who can then refer you to an ENT doctor or an oral surgeon who will have a more elaborate examination of you.
You can listen to your body, brush your teeth and visit a doctor in time to make sure that your mouth is healthy and pain-free.
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