Pain, swelling, and soreness in the roof of the mouth can interfere with many essential bodily functions, including eating, swallowing, and talking. If your child is experiencing long-lasting soreness in their soft palate, it is time to schedule a dentist appointment to ensure nothing serious is going on. Why Is the Roof of My Mouth Sore is our topic today:
Below are some of the most common causes of sore palate in children.
Table of Contents
Reasons for Sore Roof of Mouth
If your child is asking, “Why is the roof of my mouth sore? ” One of these common causes of sore palates may be the culprit.
Sore Palate After Spicy Food
Spicy food could be the answer if your child’s roof of mouth is sore after eating. These foods have high acidity, which can distress the skin and cause a burning sensation in the sensitive mouth tissue.
Sore Roof of Mouth After Hot Food
Ingesting hot food before it’s sufficiently cooled is a common cause of mouth burns that can lead to soreness. Pizza is a particularly notorious offender in this category. Ensure your child knows to blow on their food and wait for it to stop steaming before digging in.
Cuts and Abrasions
Trauma to the roof of the mouth can cause soreness. A pediatric dentist should examine any significant cuts or scrapes your child sustains to their soft palate. While oral injuries tend to heal fast, your child’s dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are small white or yellow lesions that only form on the inside of the mouth. While they’re usually found inside the cheek or on the tongue, they can also form on the soft palate.
We do not know exactly what causes canker sores, but they seem to be triggered by stress, hormonal changes such as puberty, and certain medications.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth. It manifests as puffy yellow or cream-colored lesions on the tongue, lips, roof of the mouth, and inside of the throat.
This condition is most common in babies and immunodeficient people. While typically non-threatening for babies, it can be hazardous for adults.
Treating Sore Roof of Mouth
A sore palate caused by ingesting spicy foods usually feels better in under an hour.
Burns from hot foods may take longer to heal, depending on the severity of the burn. Pain medications and medicated mouthwash can provide relief during the healing process. Cuts and canker sores will heal on their own in time. Encourage your child to avoid probing the cuts or sores with their tongue, which can exacerbate the issue. Oral thrush is treated using antifungal medications prescribed by a dentist.
Why Is the Roof of My Mouth Sore? Final Thoughts
If your child’s roof of mouth feels raw and the sensation lasts more than a few hours, check them for the other symptoms listed above. While a dentist visit is not necessary for most burns from hot or spicy food, a condition like oral thrush is worth professionally examining.
