You may not pay much heed to the pain in the roof of your mouth until it hurts to an extent your condition becomes unbearable. Well, it is definitely not something you should ignore; our oral health is directly related to our overall well-being. We provide preventive care and screenings for diseases that are pretty grave to help catch them in their early stage. Even though most cases of mouth palate pain are not too serious, it may be due to cancer. Let’s have a look at the relationship between these two and what other reasons could be contributing to mouth pain.
Causes and Risk Factors for Mouth Palate Cancer
The most common risk factors include excessive use of alcohol and tobacco (in any form). Particularly in the case of smoking, a common phenomenon is reverse smoking, which increases the risk of cancer development of the hard palate multifold. In this type of smoking, the lit end of the cigarette is placed in the mouth instead of the butt.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Cancer of the palate usually starts off as an ulcer in the mouth. At first, it is painless, but later becomes intensely discomforting. Other symptoms:
- As the mass grows, it can bleed
- A foul odor in the mouth
- Loose teeth or dentures no longer fit
- Changes in speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inability to open the jaw
- A lump in the neck
If Not Cancer, What Could Be The Reason?
Here are some other reasons why the roof of your mouth may be hurting:
- Mouth Burns
Have you heard the term “pizza palate?” It is a common phrase used when the roof of the mouth burns due to the intake of hot food or beverages. The good news is that a burnt palate typically heals on its own within a few days. - Canker Sores
Canker sores are another cause of pain. They are small, yellow, or red sores in your mouth. Usually, they do not require medical intervention as they go down within 5 to 10 days. However, you can try some home remedies to ease the discomfort. - Cold Sores
Cold sores knock on the door before coming in. This indication is in the form of an itchy sensation or tingling in your palate, along with blisters later on. While they are contagious, the blisters heal on their own within a few days. - Dry Mouth
This condition is known as xerostomia and occurs when the mouth lacks adequate moisture, often due to factors like insufficient water intake, salivary gland dysfunction, or medication side effects. By keeping up with hydration and remedying any medication side effects, you can alleviate this issue. - Electrolyte Imbalance
Your body needs the right balance of minerals for your body to function. When this balance is disrupted, due to any reason, it leads to dry mouth. - Mucoceles
Saliva-filled cysts can develop in the mouth due to salivary gland blockage.Closing Note
It is always a good idea to get in touch with our healthcare professional from Aqeeq Internal Medicine for a complete preventive care screening. Do not hesitate to set up an appointment with us by dialing (832) 786-8195. Or you can also drop by our office in Houston, Texas.