Red Spots

Red Spots on Roof of Mouth, Causes, Itchy, Sore, Treatment

cropped Red spots on roof of mouth

What causes red spots on roof of the mouth? Get more insights on the symptoms, treatment and prevention of red spots on roof of the mouth.

Red spots on Roof of Mouth Causes and Treatment

Here are diseases and conditions that causes sores and lesions on roof of the mouth, symptoms, how to treat and prevent them.

Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)

This is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by a group of yeasts called Candida. It is not contagious and can successfully be diagnosed and treated by antifungal medications. The condition is more common in infants although adults are also at risk.

What Causes Oral Thrush

Naturally, there are low numbers of candida fungus in the mouth and digestive system of most human beings. They cause no problem except only when they multiply and increase in numbers due to the following factors:

  • Use of antibiotics for a longer period or at high dose.
  • Generally poor oral hygiene.
  • Chemotherapy, or radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
  • Using inhaled corticosteroid medication especially for asthma.
  • Dry mouth due to underlying medical condition or due to medicines you are taking.
  • Poorly fitted dentures.
  • Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, HIV and underactive thyroid among others.

How to Treat Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can successfully be treated with antifungal medicines in form of gels, capsules and tablets. While using tropical medication, regular use on daily basis is recommendable.

There are possibilities of side effects while using such medication. This include nausea, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating.

Antibiotics or corticosteroids use may also lead to oral thrush and for such a case, a different administration method may be preferable as well as reduction on the dose.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

  • Creamy white lesions on tongue or inner cheeks.
  • White patches in the mouth.
  • Red spots on the tongue.
  • White spots on tongue, tonsil and inside cheeks.
  • Red spots on roof of mouth.
  • Painful irritating and burning sensation in the mouth.
  • Cracks at the corners of your mouth.
  • Lack of appetite and bad taste in the mouth.
  • Difficult in eating, drinking and swallowing especially in babies.

How to Prevent Oral Thrush

You can prevent oral thrush through different ways among them include the following:

  • Rinse you mouth after every meal.
  • Using fluoride toothpaste to brush at least twice a day.
  • Clean the gums, tongue and inside the mouth by brushing with a soft brush at least twice a day.
  • Regularly visit a dentist for check-ups and if your dentures are not properly fitting.
  • Remove and clean your dentures every night. Use soap or paste and water to clean before placing them in a provided solution of water and denture cleaning tablets.
  • Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out after using a spacer and corticosteroid inhaler.
  • Get treatment of any underlying medical condition.

Erythroplakia

This is a condition of the mouth that can also cause red spots on roof of mouth. Erythroplakia contains abnormal cells that cannot classify it clinically or pathologically. The world Health Organization (WHO) however define it as any type of lesion of the oral mucosa that presents a bright-red velvety plaque.

What Causes Erythroplakia

The main cause of this condition is heavy use of tobacco products. Either chewing or smoking cigars and cigarettes forms a risk factor. Alcohol consumption is also a cause. Fractures teeth and ill-fitting dentures causes long term irritation which can also trigger this mouth condition. Age and weakened immune system are also contributing factors.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment of Erythroplakia by a dentist is recommended. You should however visit the dentist to carry out screening and examination of your mouth regularly. This condition at advanced stage can easily cause oral cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment is however important.

Positive biopsy results will lead to complete removal of the abnormal cells. This will help in preventing the lesion from spreading as well as recurring. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption can help prevent Erythroplakia. Treatment of any underlying condition is also a way of healing this condition.

Oral Lichen Planus

This is an inflammatory condition that affects the underlying mucous membranes in the mouth. It is characterized by white spots on tongue, red spots on roof of mouth, swollen painful tissues and sore throats. Symptoms causes pain, burning sensation and discomfort in the mouth and throat.

It is caused by an attack by the immune system against oral mucous membrane cells for unknown reasons. It is however a contagious disorder that can lead to moth cancer. It therefore requires regular monitoring by the dentist or a specialist.

Oral lichen planus can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin, which appears with purplish, itchy bumps. Genitals which are characterized by pain or burning discomfort. It can also affect ears leading to the loss of hearing, scalp, nails, eyes and esophagus among other organs of the body.

What Causes Oral Lichen Planus

The main causes of this inflammatory disorder is not known although there are some factors that researchers have claimed to be the reasons. They include the following:

  • Hepatitis C and other liver infections.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine.
  • Allergic substances such as foods and dental materials among other irritants.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen derivatives among others (NSAIDs).
  • Some types of medicines for heart conditions, high blood pressure or arthritis.
  • Underlying medical conditions that affect the immune system.
  • People with some types of genes are at high risk.
  • Most affected people are middle aged women according to statistics.

Symptoms of Oral lichen planus

Mucus membranes are the main target of this disorder and it is characterized by the following signs.

  • White raised patches and lesions on the affected tissues.
  • Lesions and open sores on gums, inside cheeks, tongue, palate, inside lips and roof of the mouth.
  • Red spots on roof of mouth, sores and lessions.
  • Open sores and inflamed red lesions causes pain and a burning sensation.
  • Blunted taste in the mouth especially when the tongue is affected.
  • Inflammation of the gums.
  • Bleeding and irritated gums when brushing.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if:

  • There are sores in the mouth which doesn’t respond to antibiotics and does not heal.
  • Severe white or red spots and patches in the mouth.
  • Frequent bleeding in the mouth especially when you are brushing.
  • Change in the appearance and taste in the mouth.
  • There is formation of lesions or sores on genitals, nails, skin or scalp.
  • You experience inflammation and scarring of the membranes in your mouth.

How to Treat Oral Lichen Planus – Drugs and Medications

Testing and diagnosis of this disorder is important. Several mechanisms are employed for this and among them include screening which helps in detecting cancer, biopsy that involves lab testing of a removed small part of the affected tissues. Cultures that utilizes a cotton swab to obtain samples, blood and allergy testing are all involved.

Treatment will however follow after the examination and it include the following:

  • Treatment of the symptoms may involve the use of topical numbing agents such as corticosteroids that reduce inflammation. They are used in form of ointment, injection or mouthwash solution depending on the side effects.
  • Retinoids may be used in the treatment of this condition although not commonly used. They are orally taken or by application in form of an ointment. Retinoids have side effects such as irritation of the membranes, birth defects and have to be taken under doctors instructions.
  • Use of immune response medicines is also the best alternative.
  • Directly dealing with the immediate causes of oral lichen planus can be employed.

Canker Sores

Canker sores can cause red spots on roof of mouth and bumps anywhere in the mouth including on sides and under the tongue. It is characterized by white or red painful bumps although not contagious. The real cause for this condition is not known and symptoms go away after few days without treatment.

You will have to see your doctor when symptoms persist for more than 10 days especially when it associate fever. The doctor may prescribe over the counter painkillers or tropical treatments to ease the symptoms.

What Causes Canker Sores

The real cause of this condition is unknown although it is closely associated with stress and tissue damage. Some types of foods such as acidic fruits and vegetables like lemons, tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, pineapples and apples can trigger this types of condition or make it worse.

Dental items such as braces, ill0fitting dentures and a tooth that has a sharp surface can also cause canker sores. Underlying medical conditions such as weak immune system, nutritional deficiency of vitamin B-12, iron and zinc and folic acid deficiency are also the reasons.

Canker sores and cold sores are different conditions although confusing. Cold sores are also known as fever blisters which are fluid filled and painful. They are usually formed on lips, outside mouth and even under the nose. Cold sores are caused by virus which are highly contagious unlike canker sores.

Symptoms of Canker Sores

The following signs may imply that you have canker sores:

  • Sores that are painful inside the mouth, tongue, soft palate or inside cheeks.
  • Red spots on roof of mouth especially on the back portion.
  • Burning or tingling sensation right before the sores are formed.
  • Round, gray or white sores that have red border.
  • Fever for severe cases of canker sores.
  • Swollen lymph nodes and body weakness.

Treatment of Canker Sores

This condition usually disappears or get cured on its own after two to three weeks without treatment. For severe canker sores that associate pain, the doctor or dentist will prescribe pain killer solution, antimicrobial mouth wash or corticosteroid ointment for you. Generally canker sores has no exact treatment although it is a recurrent condition. However think of preventing it.

How to Prevent Canker Sores

There are ways on how you can prevent the recurrent of canker sores. This include the following:

  • Avoid taking foods that causes irritation in your mouth especially acidic fruits and vegetables.
  • Gum chewing can also trigger canker sores hence good to avoid.
  • Gently brush your mouth after every meal using a soft-bristled brush to keep your mouth fresh.
  • Let your mouth be examined regularly by a dentist.

When to See a Doctor or Dentist

You should consider visiting a dentist if the canker sores has the following characteristics:

  • Large and painful sores.
  • Rapid spreading sores.
  • Canker sores lasts for more than three weeks.
  • Recurrent sores even after avoiding use of acidic foods.
  • Difficulty in drinking, chewing and swallowing food and fluids.
  • Canker sores that associates high fever.

Coxsackievirus Infection

This is a types of virus that causes hand, foot and mouth diseases in human beings. Coxsackievirus causes red spots on roof of mouth and painful blisters on foot and hands. This infection is more common in children below five years of age although adults across all ages can also get infected.

Treatment of coxsackievirus infection include over the counter medication that ease pain and fever. Oral hygiene and use of medicated mouth rinse can help in relieving pain and discomfort. Lesions and oral sores can also be a sign of underlying medical condition, however a reason to be examined by the doctor.

Injuries

Hard materials hitting against the soft palate can also red spots. Such injuries include hard foods, brushing of teeth and chewing of gum among others. Spots that results from injuries are likely to heal within two weeks although you can use painkillers if they associate pain and discomfort.

If the injury causes open wound in the mouth, rinse with warm salt water. Sometimes bacterial infections may occur, a reason you should seek medication. It is however important to avoid food and materials that can cause damage and injury in the mouth.

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