Red Spots on Roof of Mouth: Causes and Treatment

Red Spots on the roof of the mouth are caused by various possible causes, which are usually harmless and cure on their own. As the roof of the mouth (palate) is a sensitive area, the appearance of red spots can cause inflammatory problems if you are looking out for the reason and treatment for the red spot. Then this blog post explains to you why red spots may appear on the roof of the mouth, Treatment options, and preventive methods to avoid the inflammation.

Causes of Red Spots on Roof of Mouth

Strep Throat Infection

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by a Group A Streptococcus (GAS). This strep A bacteria is found on the skin in the throat and sometimes it causes an infection that is called strep throat.

strep throat is a contagious infection that can spread from one person to another person quickly. These infection causes symptoms like

• Sore throat

• Fever

• Pain during swallowing

• Tiny red spots on the roof of mouth

Strep throat could spread easily. Therefore consulting with a healthcare provider to get prescribed antibiotics. Strep throat easily spreads to children as strep throat is common in children’s age from 5 to 15.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that can cause a red, spotty rash on the roof of the mouth, hands, and feet. This condition is most common in young children but can also affect adults.

If you are affected by hand,foot and mouth disease then the red spots appear in the tongue and inside the mouth at the roof  and those spots convert into mouth ulcers with red edges. Which makes irritation during eating, drinking or consuming something difficult. These red spots go within a week.

Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, or stomatitis is a general term used for any type of sore or inflammation in the mouth. These mouth ulcers can appear as red, painful spots on the roof of the mouth and causing the eating and drinking a difficult thing.

Mouth ulcer is most commonly caused by inner cheek biting and other causes include

• Injury or Trauma (eating hot foods, injury during brushing)
• Infections (hand, mouth and foot disease, Autoimmune diseases, viral infections)

These red spots caused by mouth ulcers go on their own. consult with your dentist if it persists for more than two weeks.

Erythroplakia

Erythroplakia is a precancerous condition characterized by red, velvety patches on the roof of the mouth(especially on the soft tissue lining of the mouth), tongue and throat. Erythroplakia mostly affects people over 40 years of age and affects the people who are addicted to smoking, alcohol and tobacco.

Erythroplakia is considered a precancerous condition. Thus, consulting with a healthcare provider can identify the cancerous lesions and non cancerous lesions. 

Symptoms of Erythroplakia are,

• Easy Bleeding when it’s scrapped
• One or more bright red spots on roof of mouth
• velvety looking tissues

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that can cause the development of red, painful spots on the roof of the mouth. This condition is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, people older than 60 and toddlers.

Symptoms of oral thrush,

• White or red spots on the throat, roof of the mouth or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Losing the sense of taste
• Fever

Thrush can spread to other parts of the body for the people who have weakened immune systems. Consulting with a healthcare provider if you are having a weakened immune system is necessary to avoid spreading of thrush to heart, lungs and skin of the body.

Physical Injury

A physical injury, such as biting the roof of the mouth or burning it with hot food or drink, can also cause red spots to develop. 

Some other physical injuries that might cause red spots are,

• Using allergic toothpaste or mouthwashes
• Hard brushing
• Unfit dentures
• Disturbing the roof of the mouth with broken teeth’s edge 

These spots do not require any treatment or medications as mostly they heal within a few days on their own. 

Canker Sores

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers. These sores are small and painful sores which develop on the roof of the mouth, back of the tongue and other areas of the oral cavity. They appear in white or yellow color with red borders in the mouth

canker sores are not contagious and are often caused by,

•  Stress
• hormonal changes
• minor mouth injuries
• Acidic foods
• Unfit dentures

Canker sores go on their own within a week of time. Consulting with a healthcare provider is needed when it spreads, larger than usual or lasting for more than two weeks.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are also called fever blisters. These red sores on the roof of the mouth are caused by herpes simplex virus (type 1 and type 2). These Fluid filled blisters are typically painful and may be accompanied by a fever or other flu-like symptoms. Cold sores are highly contagious and can spread through close contact as they are caused by the viral infection.

Home remedies for red spots on the roof of the mouth

While some causes of red spots on the roof of the mouth are unavoidable, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to certain conditions.

2. Avoid irritants: Avoid overly hot or spicy foods and acidic beverages, which can damage the delicate skin of the palate.

3. Manage underlying health conditions: If you have a condition that affects the immune system or oral health, work with your healthcare provider to keep it under control.

4. Red Spots on Roof of Mouth Home Remedies: To relieve and start the healing process slowly, you can prefer the listed home remedies.

• Salt Water Rinse
• Honey
• Baking Soda Paste
• Chamomile Tea
• Cold Compress
• Aloe Vera Gel

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you notice red spots or other discolouration on the roof of your mouth, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or dentist. They will perform a physical examination and may order additional tests, such as a biopsy, to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment will depend on the specific condition causing the red spots. For example, canker sores and mouth ulcers may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication, while oral herpes or oral thrush may require antiviral or antifungal medications. In the case of erythroplakia or other precancerous conditions, the affected area may need to be closely monitored or removed.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and to seek prompt treatment for any persistent or concerning changes in your oral health. With the proper care, most cases of red spots on the roof of the mouth can be effectively managed.

Takeaway

Red spots on the palate usually affect children less than 5 years old and adults. There are numerous possible causes, and you need not visit healthcare providers whenever you have red spots. Over-the-counter medications can relieve pain. Consult with a dentist when over-the-counter medications do not work and when you have swellings that last more than a week.