6 Reasons Your Roof of Mouth Is Swollen [+5 Easy Fixes]

Maintaining oral health is needed to prevent serious complications such as oral cancer, ulcers, and more. The roof of our mouth acts as a barrier between our nasal cavities and mouth. During COVID-19, many cases of roof swelling were reported. 

If you ever notice a swollen palate, there is a chance that the roof of the mouth and oral tissue will be inflamed. In such a condition, see if it is inflamed in the front or back and the possible symptoms. 

Although the mouth roof swelling cases are minor and can be easily treated, they can sometimes result after tooth extraction.

At Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our professional team is available to handle all such issues and guide about the proper treatment. 

6 Major Causes of Swelling on the Roof of the Mouth:

Swelling on the mouth roof can occur for several potential causes, which will be resolved with some minor treatments. The roof of the mouth consists of a bony plate at the front and a non-bone section at the back.

Together, they are a barrier and can result in significant complications. The symptoms include:

1: Mouth Cuts (Trauma) 

An injury or trauma is one of the most common reasons your mouth roof swells. It can occur as a result of some accident, eating something hard, or drinking something scorching.

It can also occur when a sharp piece of food scratches the top. 

2: Cold sores (Fever blisters)

Sometimes, cold sores and cankers often appear around the mouth, accompanied by inflammation, blisters, and pain.

Before the sores appear, the first symptom most individuals face is the pain that occurs on the palate, leading to inflammation and blisters. 

3: Dehydration

In some individuals, insufficient water intake can be problematic. Dehydration can cause the roof of the mouth to become sore.

Some common factors that cause such an issue include:

4: Underlying medical conditions

Sometimes, an underlying medical condition can cause swelling on the roof of your mouth. For instance, in patients with oral cancer and hepatitis, it’s a common sign.

Likewise, there is a chance that your mouth dryness and palatal inflammation will result from the medical condition. 

5: Mucoceles

Mucocele is a condition in which painless asymptomatic swelling on the roof of the mouth fluctuates in size. Mucoceles mostly appear when there is a small cut or injury. 

It can rapidly enlarge or rupture in the oral cavity if left alone. However, a good idea is to have it examined by professionals for more insights. 

Some common signs of mucoceles include:

6: Oral thrush

Oral thrush is caused by a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, a fungus. Most people with weak immunity are prone to get it. It looks like a raised cream or pale yellow lesion in your mouth that can show up at the roof of your mouth and the surrounding area. 

Sometimes, these lesions bleed and cause mouth soreness, resulting in cracked lips and pain while eating or swelling.

A change in the taste is also a common symptom of having oral thrush. In babies, it goes away on its own, but antifungal medications are helpful to treat it quickly.

Improper dental hygiene, especially after dental treatment such as tooth extraction or root canal, can cause fungal infection in the mouth and cause roof swelling. 

5 Home Remedies to Ease Roof of the Mouth Swelling

By getting examined by a professional, you can better understand the situation in your mouth. Meanwhile, if you are thinking of treating it at home, here we share a few home remedies that can help: 

1: Warm water rinse

Take a tablespoon of salt and add it to the warm water cup. Rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds before spitting it out. 

2: Drinky healthy liquids

Sometimes, our mouth needs a hydration boost to improve overall oral health. Take fresh and healthy drinks enriched in vitamins and minerals. 

3: Avoid spicy food

Do not consume spicy food or acidic products that can trigger discomfort. Take the food that is light and easy to chew and digest. 

4: Apply cold compress

Ice is a good source to alleviate the discomfort in the mouth. It gives you a pleasant feeling and reduces the sense of burning in the mouth. Apply ice directly. 

5: Good oral hygiene

Make sure that you brush your teeth twice daily. Additionally, mouth lozenges should be incorporated to relieve symptoms such as throat irritation, mouth burning, and inflammation. 

When to See a Doctor for Pain in the Roof of the Mouth? 

Any medical condition needs proper treatment. Ignoring such issues for long can result in various complications.

So, the best way is to figure out the symptoms immediately and get emergency medical help. It would help if you saw a doctor for the swollen roof of your mouth when: 

The Bottom Line:

To sum up, there are a number of signs and symptoms that can cause pain in your mouth. From tiny cuts to the canker sores, there are various causes. Usually, the milder cases resolve quickly with home remedies such as cool fluids, pain relievers, and warm water rinses. 

However, if you ever feel your mouth roof is swollen after a dental treatment or due to a tooth infection, book an appointment with your dentist.

Book your online appointment with PVPD today and share all your concerns about palatal swelling and pain.

FAQs

What does it mean when your soft palate is swollen?

If you have a swollen soft palate, it can occur due to allergies or any underlying medical conditions. It is often accompanied by some other symptoms, such as redness and difficulty swallowing food.

How do you fix a swollen soft palate?

To fix the swollen soft palate, the best approach is to gargle with warm water, take over-the-counter painkillers, and drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. 

What is a swollen gland on the roof of your mouth?

A swollen gland on the roof of the mouth is a lumpy cyst known as a macula. It is usually painless but can occur due to a minor injury or trauma. It usually doesn’t need any treatment as it bursts on its own. 

Can a sinus infection cause swelling on the roof of the mouth?

There is a chance that the roof of the mouth has swelled due to the sinus infection, which serves as a barrier between the sinus and the mouth. Mainly, it occurs due to streptococcus, tonsils, or sinusitis.