The palate is known as the taste buds that let us enjoy the taste of our food. Without a plate, there is no such taste sensation in the mouth.
The roof of the mouth is called the palate, and usually, it is divided into two parts – hard palate or soft palate.
The hard palate is located behind the teeth on the roof of t mouth—the soft palate in the area at the back. Most of the roof of the mouth sores occur on the hard palate.
Generally, the roof of the mouth sore isn’t worrisome unless it starts becoming painful. A bump on the roof of the mouth or palate is different from a bump or an ulcer in the mouth.
At times, it can also occur in the form of a sore or a blister on the roof of the mouth, and it can cause extreme discomfort.
Causes for Roof of Mouth Sore
In common instances, sore palate or roof of mouth sore is caused by eating hot, sharp and spicy food.
However, sometimes sore roof of the
1. Smoking
Smoking cigars or pipe causes a condition called smoker’s palate or nicotine stomatitis. Prolonged smoking or constant heat generated in the mouth leads to the occurrence of such bumps. These bumps look whitish with a red depression at the centre. Once a person stops smoking, the bumps will automatically disappear with time.
2. Burns
Burns or pizza palate is the phenomenon caused by eating hot food. This doesn’t imply that eating only pizza may lead to irritation in the mouth; any hot food like tea or coffee can burn the blisters on the roof of the mouth. Usually, the burned palate heals on its own within three to seven days. If the soreness persists, please see your doctor.
3. Infections
Infections caused due to tooth decay, bacteria, or a viral infection can cause soreness on the roof of the mouth. There may be a formation of pus-filled bump, swelling, discomfort or painful abscesses in the hard palate. If you see any such signs, get a checkup from your dentists.
4. Injury
Foods like potato chips or nachos are sharp in nature, and they can cause an injury or trauma on the roof. They also tend to scratch the palate while chewing. An injury may also cause poorly fitting dentures that rub against the roof of the mouth and cause the formation of blood blisters or mouth ulcers. Until the tissues of the mouth heal themselves, one must avoid consuming hot and spicy food.
5. Canker Sores
Non-contagious ulcers are called canker sores. They’re quite common but can cause a lot of pain and irritation. Typical causes of canker sores are weak immune system, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal infection or injury from dentures or braces. They heal on their own and cause a tingling or burning sensation.
Some other causes include tooth abscess, oral cancer, mucous cyst, cold sores, Epstein pearls, Exostosis, Maxillary sinus growth, Papillomas etc.
Natural Remedies for Roof of Mouth Pain/Sore
Many natural remedies can help you soothe roof of the mouth pain, such as,
- Using mouthwash is a good option as it keeps the infected area clean and hydrated. It helps in the healing process and reduces mouth dryness.
- Aloe vera is known to possess healing effects. Its juice helps to alleviate the pain caused by sores. One can cut open an aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to the affected area. Or can gargle with an aloe vera juice.
- Milk is rich in protein and carbohydrates. Use cold milk or even buttermilk to relieve the pain by swishing it in the mouth like a mouthwash.
- Applying a wet tea bag to the sores may help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Chewing a gum is a good trick to help alleviate the burning sensation. It would help in producing saliva in the mouth and keep it hydrated.
- Honey is known to have multiple properties. Applying honey to the affected area will reduce burning and provide relief.
- One of the oldest and effective remedies to treat sore palate is by using baking soda. Just apply baking soda to the affected area for about two to three times a day. it will be normal on its own.
- Another effective remedy is to eat some yogurt after having spicy food in order to prevent sore palate.
- A well-balanced diet is a key to good health including the health of your mouth. Diet should be rich in vitamins as vitamins help in healing and treating infections.
- If your roof of the mouth is sore, avoiding consuming spicy, salty and acidic food. Such type of food may cause irritation, dehydration and may increase the risk of infection.
- Always use a soft toothbrush as the hard brittle of the brush may injure the palate and cause blisters on roof of mouth.
One must maintain hygiene to prevent this condition. Unfortunately, even after trying these remedies, the signs of pain show, immediately visit a doctor.
