Many individuals have felt the pain of red spots or lesions in the roof of their mouth. Wearing dentures, oral infections, or mouth ulcers are some common causes.
Red spots inside the roof of the mouth can cause irritation, but they are usually benign and heal on their own. You can visit your doctor or dentist if you’re anxious or unaware of the cause of your red bumps.
Read on to learn about 5 reasons for red spots formation on the roof of your mouth.
Strep throat infection
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that hurts your throat and tonsils. Red bumps on the mouth’s roof are a common symptom of this condition.
Other symptoms of strep throat include:
- fever
- inflamed tonsils
- painful swallowing
- swollen lymph nodes
If you suspect strep throat consult an ENT specialist or physician. Treatment includes frequent fluid intake, rest, and antibiotic course.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are bumps that can grow inside the mouth and can be painful, making eating and drinking difficult. These lesions usually get better on their own within 2-4 weeks. But sometimes, they can stay longer or become infected.
A few common factors that cause mouth ulcers:
- dehydration
- bad oral hygiene
- excessive intake of alcohol
- chewing or smoking tobacco
- vitamin deficiency
- certain medications
Treatment includes eating soft foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding acidic or salty foods that can irritate the sores. Drinking lukewarm water can also help find relief.
Canker sores
Canker sores are small bumps that form on your mouth’s roof. They have a yellow or white appearance in the middle with red edges. At the start, they are just a tiny spot that gets bigger in a few days.
There’s no exact cause of canker sore, but these may lead to its growth:
- genetics
- stress
- Tiredness
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
A common viral infection HFMD, usually affects infants and children younger than five years. But teenagers and adults can also catch this infection.
Fever is the most common symptom of HFMD. After a day or two, sores can form in the mouth and cause pain. These bumps normally develop as small spots that look red and appear on the roof of the mouth.
Oral trauma
Mouth injury is one of the most common causes of red bump or sore on the roof of the mouth. The trauma can be in the form of a cut or burn due to eating sharp or hot foods.
Other conditions leading to oral trauma include:
- ill-fitted dentures
- the sharp edge of a chipped tooth
- dental filling that has moved out of its place
Wait for at least 15 days for the injury to recover itself. But if the red bump persists, visit your dentist.
See a professional
If the red spots on the roof of your mouth seem to get better, you can relax. But if they tend to persist or worsen, consult your dentist or doctor. Schedule an appointment with the dental experts at Vesna Arezina, DDS in Houston, by calling 281.469.7469.