Once in a while, we suffer from some pain in the roof of our mouths especially given its delicacy nature. This pain can be caused by various factors including a sore, swelling, blister, or even an inflamed bump. And, trust me, this kind of pain is sometimes very frustrating and if possible you will want to end it right away.
In case you have the roof of your mouth sore or swollen, you don’t have to worry much about it since there is plenty of treatment available for this particular condition. Keep on reading to find out more about what this condition entails.
Roof Of Mouth Sore And Swollen – What Does It Mean?
The roof of your mouth is usually composed of two areas, the hard palate(found behind the teeth) and the soft palate (found at the back). If you feel pain in the roof of your mouth, it may mean that the roof of your mouth is sore or swollen. Commonly, this condition occurs on the hard palate of your mouth especially bearing in mind the amount of wear and tear that delicate palate can have to undergo on daily basis. In most cases, a mouth roof sore or swollen can just be as a result of a mere problem while some pains may present serious issues. It’s therefore important to consult your doctor and find out for sure, where the problem lies.
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Roof Of Mouth Sore And Swollen – Possible Causes
Well, there are plenty of factors that can cause the roof of your mouth to become sore or swollen. Some of these factors are common and mere, also easily treated, while others are usually a result of serious body complications including cancers and herpes. Here are a few of the most common causes of a sore or swollen mouth.
Infections
An infection is a common factor that causes pain in the roof of your mouth making it swell or uncomfortable. They can be caused by tooth decay, bacteria, or even a viral infection. Herpes Simplex Virus is a common virus that causes cold sores. Most of them usually last for one week and then disappear.
According to Dr. David F. Murchison, a doctor of dental surgery, infections from gums or teeth can cause inflammation in an infected area thereby affecting the roof of your mouth. He recommends that if you notice a painful swelling on your hard palate, visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment before it spreads to other parts of your mouth.
Burns
Eating hot food and beverages is another common cause of pain or sore on the roof of your mouth. Given the delicacy of your hard palate, consuming hot food can cause burns which in return cause formation of blisters, sores, and swelling. For instance, according to the Journal Registered Dental Hygienist, drinks or foods heated in a microwave usually cause burning on the upper part of your mouth. Microwaves tend to heat foods and drinks unevenly. A roof of mouth sore and swollen on one side mostly indicate a burn.
Injury
This is another common cause of swelling or pain on the roof of your mouth. For instance, a sharp potato chip can scratch your hard palate and cause a tear. In addition, poorly fitting dentures regularly rub against the top of your mouth causing mouth ulcers or blisters which in return cause irritations and discomfort. It’s however not a serious problem since after removing the source of injury, the damaged tissue heals after a while. However, majestic sure you avoid spicy and hot foods since they can prolong the irritations.
Canker Sores
In most cases, canker sores are associated with complications with the immune system. Usually, they are triggered by certain foods, stress, and as well as hormonal changes. Canker sores are sensitive sores which form inside your cheeks, gums near your teeth, however, they can also form on the roof of your mouth, which is rare. Usually, they are painful for about one week, after which they disappear. It’s recommended that you visit a doctor if the sores persist. Also, stay away from spicy foods to avoid aggravating the pain.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol is another possible cause for mouth sores or swelling on the roof of the mouth. According to research, alcohol encourages your body to produce more urine which makes you dehydrated. A dry mouth is one symptom of dehydration and in excess, it leads to tenderness or swelling at the roof of the mouth.
Serious Illnesses
This is however very rare. Health complications such as mouth cancer can present swelling on the roof of your mouth. In addition, other conditions such as hepatitis can result in swelling on the mouth accompanied by abdominal tenderness.
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Roof Of Mouth Sore And Swollen – Symptoms You May Have
Along with a sore or swollen hard palate, you may experience further systems. They include;
Pain
In most cases, a sore or swollen roof of the mouth will be accompanied by pain. For instance, conditions such as burns, oral cancer, hepatitis, and alcohol-related conditions can lead to pain.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is another common condition that indicates several mouth-related problems. For instance, it can be a symptom of trauma, blocked saliva glands, and burns among many others.
Muscle Spasms
In case the levels of your electrolytes are too low, it’s possible to experience muscle spasms, cramps, and contractions. Dehydration is also another serious problem that is accompanied by a sore or swollen mouth.
The Roof Of Mouth Sore And Swollen Treatment
If you notice that the roof of your mouth is sore or swollen, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. You can even make an online appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis. If the condition was caused by bacterial infections, appropriate antibiotics can be administered.
In addition, there are other topical treatments that can be applied to the affected areas. They include
- Protective coating
- Anesthetics
- Corticosteroids
- Burning with chemicals or a laser
- Lidocaine
In most cases, these sores or blisters disappear on their own after a short time.
Home Remedies For The Roof Of Mouth Sore And Swollen
Treating the roof of mouth sore and swollen is quite simple especially if the cause is not serious. There are numerous home remedies for this condition. Some of the most commonly used include;
Honey
You can agree with me that honey is indeed one of the most commonly used home remedies for a variety of conditions. Honey is a natural treatment for cold sores and burns. It contains important components such as phenolic acid which is important for fighting off conditions such as herpes simplex virus. Apply honey directly to the affected area.
Salt Water
Salty water is important for sterilizing your mouth in case of an infection and as well as to ease the pain. Simply mix salt with a glass of warm water. Then swish the mixture around your mouth for about a minute without swallowing. Then spit the mixture.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a great and one of the most widely used home remedies for treating burns. According to a certain journal, aloe vera promotes healing of burns and cuts. In fact, there are mouth gels made of Aloe Vera that can be used to treat and soothe inflammation as well as open wounds.
Ice Cubes
The cooling effect of ice cubes can help reduce swelling and as well numb the pain on the affected areas. Simply place an ice cube in the affected area. It will reduce the blood flow in that part and numb away the pain.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an effective natural home remedy to treat canker sores. It can be used as a mouthwash to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In addition, it promotes faster healing. You can use witch hazel as a mouthwash to relieve the pain and inflammation of canker sores.
In conclusion, the roof of mouth sore or swollen mostly goes away on its own. However, make sure that you treat the condition to avoid further discomfort. Also, as you recover, be patient and avoid extremely hot or hard food since they can irritate the roof of your mouth.
Medically Reviewed By
Catherine is a dedicated freelance health and science writer committed to excellence and professionalism. She specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition, immune-related diseases, surgery, and cancer.
