10 Causes of the sky

The oral cavity is an important part of the body in carrying out daily activities such as talking and eating food. Therefore, it is very important for you to always maintain the health of the oral cavity. However, have you ever experienced a sore palate?

A sore palate can cause symptoms, such as pain, swelling, dry mouth, sores in the mouth, and muscle spasms or cramps up to the jaw. Then, what are the causes and how to treat it? To find out more, see the following reviews.

What are the causes of a sore palate?

The onset of pain in the roof of the mouth can be caused by minor or severe problems, ranging from trauma, irritation, sores in the mouth, oral diseases, to cancer.

By knowing the exact cause, you can determine the appropriate treatment or even require medical attention. Here are some of the causes of palate pain that you need to pay attention to.

1. Trauma and irritation

A common cause of pain in the palate and oral cavity is trauma or irritation from the food or drink that is consumed. Food that is too hot, with temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius, can scald the soft tissue in the oral cavity.

In addition, foods with a hard and sharp texture, such as chips, hard candy, and the like can cause sores on the roof of your mouth.

2. Dry mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is characterized by a condition where the salivary glands in the oral cavity are unable to produce enough saliva to keep it moist. Several medical conditions, such as the effects of drugs or radiation therapy, can be the cause.

Dehydration or lack of fluids can also cause dry mouth. This can be triggered by lack of drinking water, excessive alcohol consumption, sweating, or symptoms of certain diseases.

3. Anemia

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, anemia can occur if the body lacks blood cells that function to distribute oxygen to all body tissues. Anemia can cause the body to feel tired and weak.

Symptoms such as a swollen tongue followed by a sore mouth, including the palate can be felt by anemic sufferer. Other symptoms can include dry mouth, red cracks at the corners of the lips, and mouth sores.

4. Thrush

Common mouth ulcers are felt by all groups. This type of mouth sores can attack the soft tissues in the oral cavity, such as the inner lips, inner cheeks, tongue, gums, and even the roof of the mouth.

Thrush on the roof of the mouth generally causes pain due to the sores you experience when eating certain foods, for example those that are too hot, hard, and sharp.

5. Gingivostomatitis

Gingivostomatitis is an infectious condition of the oral cavity and gums caused by viruses or bacteria. Quoted from MedlinePlus, oral and gum health problems are common in children under six years of age.

In addition to causing swelling of the oral cavity, such as the gums and roof of the mouth, gingivostomatitis is also characterized by bad breath, fever, and loss of appetite.

6.Oral herpes (cold sores)

Oral herpes that occurs on the lips and mouth is also known as cold sores. Oral herpes is an infectious condition that affects the mouth, lips, and gums due to the herpes simplex-1 or HSV-1 virus.

Unlike canker sores that are not contagious, oral herpes tends to be very contagious when in direct contact with sufferers.

7.Mouth yeast infection (oral thrush)

Oral yeast infection or oral candidiasis (oral thrush) is a disease in the mouth due to a fungal infection named Candida albicans. Infection can cause pain and discomfort that spreads to the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils, and the back of the throat.

This condition is common in people with weak immune systems, such as children, the elderly, or people with diabetes and leukemia. Oral thrush non-contagious can be treated with antifungal drugs.

8. Leukoplakia

Long-term smoking can cause whitish or gray patches that appear on the tongue, gums, walls and roof of the mouth. This condition is known as leukoplakia.

Leukoplakia has been linked to oral cancer, although not all cases turn out that way. A doctor's diagnosis is needed to determine the risk of developing oral cancer or not.

9. Oral lichen planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin disease that can affect the skin and any mucosal layer. When the condition occurs in the oral cavity it is referred to as oral lichen planus. This inflammation can occur at any age, especially women over 50 years, according to the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Oral lichen planus can cause irritation and cause pain. It is not contagious, so there is no need to worry that people who come in contact with sufferers will catch this disease.

10. Oral cancer

A sore palate can be one of the symptoms of oral cancer that you need to be aware of. Oral cancer is a cancer that attacks the tissues in the oral cavity, such as the floor of the mouth and the soft or hard palate.

Other signs and symptoms of oral cancer that you need to watch out for include:

• Pain and difficulty swallowing
• Changes in voice or problems with speaking
• Unrecognized weight loss
• Bleeding and numbness in the mouth
• Loose teeth for no apparent reason
• Difficulty moving the jaw
• Red or white spots on the lining of the mouth like mouth sores that don't go away

Oral cancer must be detected early so that it can be treated immediately and minimize the risk. The doctor will perform a biopsy or cancer test on the related tissue.

How to treat a sore palate?

In general, palate pain will go away immediately if it is caused by trauma and irritation from hot or hard-textured food. Oral diseases such as thrush and cold sores will also go away on its own, about 1-2 weeks.

To be able to treat the palate easily, from changing your habits to using natural ingredients at home, you can do the following things.

• Gargle immediately and use toothpaste to relieve pain due to mouth blisters when consuming hot food or drinks.
• Avoid foods and drinks with spicy and sour flavors to avoid further irritation.
• Make sure the daily consumption of drinking water is sufficient to avoid dehydration, approximately 8 glasses a day as needed.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to relieve pain in the roof of the mouth.
• Gargle with salt water or baking soda to relieve pain in the mouth.
• Gargle with a special mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide, benzocaine, or fluocinonide to soothe sores in the mouth.
• Routinely carry out dental and oral care as recommended, such as brushing your teeth properly, flossing, and use mouthwash.
• Eat foods with nutritional intake according to your body's needs, such as eggs, meat, and chicken as sources of vitamin B12 to prevent anemia.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Reduce stress, for example by doing meditation or yoga.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If the pain in the palate and oral cavity is unbearable, you should immediately consult a doctor. Some conditions also require a visit to the doctor to speed up the recovery process.

• Oral disease due to infections, such as gingivostomatitis, cold sores, and oral thrush need treatment according to the cause. If it is caused by bacteria, you can use antibiotics, if it is caused by a virus you can use antiviral drugs, and if it is caused by fungi you can use antifungal drugs according to a doctor's prescription.
• Sores in the mouth that don't heal and recur, leukoplakia, as well oral lichen planus sometimes requires additional examination in the form of a biopsy. A biopsy is a step in the doctor's diagnosis by taking a sample of the affected tissue to check for the possibility of cancer cells or not.
• If there are cancer cells, the doctor will recommend several treatment methods, such as surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Never underestimate a condition when you experience a sore palate. If you feel the pain is prolonged and unbearable, immediately consult a doctor.