Our oral cavity is made up of two areas that together constitute what we know as “the roof of the mouth”: the palate. This is made up of two portions: the hard palate and the soft palate. The hard palate runs from the root of the teeth to an imaginary line that would cross both upper wisdom teeth. The soft goes from the wisdom teeth to the uvula. Both can suffer inflammatory processes of multiple origins, including infectious causes (viruses, bacteria and fungi) and traumatic causes, among others.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain all the possible causes of an inflamed palate, its treatment and the home remedies that will help you solve this condition.
Table of Contents
Swollen palate: infectious causes
Bacterial infections
In the mouth, normally, they inhabit a set of bacteria that remain in balance without affecting us. Under certain circumstances, the ideal conditions are produced for the proliferation of some of these bacteria, causing inflammation of the palate.
At present, orthodontics are frequent and poor hygiene or care of them is a factor that we observe more and more frequently as a cause of inflammation of the palate.
Viral infections
In the environment, there are a multiplicity of viruses that have the potential to contaminate the mouth and cause inflammation of the palate. The most common form of transmission is through saliva , either through kissing or from objects contaminated by it from previous use.
Among these viruses, we can highlight:
- Epstein-Barr virus (“kiss” virus, producer of infectious mononucleosis ).
- Herpes simplex virus type 1.
- Cosackie virus, producer of herpangina (inflammation of the leaflets, uvula and palate)
- Chickenpox herpes virus.
Yeast infections
Mycoses can also cause inflammation, the appearance of red spots on the palate and whitish lesions. They are more common in immunosuppressed patients (HIV, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and patients receiving steroid therapy).
In the case of patients with HIV, the appearance of fungal infections in the mouth (usually Candida albicans ) is a warning sign that must be dealt with quickly.
Swollen palate: traumatic causes
Food burns
Burns from very hot or very cold foods (potatoes, coffee, tea, ice cream and others) are a frequent cause of inflammation of the palate, varying in degrees of severity.
Dental prosthesis injuries
Worn or broken dentures due to improper use or care can injure the gums and the roof of the mouth, allowing the growth of germs that would inflame the roof of the mouth.
Bone injuries
The bones of chicken, turkey, fish and other foods can injure the lining of the palate, allowing the growth of germs and causing inflammation.
Direct trauma
Traumatic injuries (falls, direct blows, traffic accidents, etc.) can cause inflammation of the palate.
Swollen palate from nutritional deficiencies
A major cause of “spontaneous” palatal inflammation in economically depressed countries is deficiency of B vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B1.
In the following article, we explain in detail what are the causes, symptoms and treatment of low folic acid .
If, in addition to inflammation, you detect a lump on the palate, we recommend that you consult the article Lump on the palate: causes and that you consult your doctor or dentist as soon as possible.
How to cure inflamed palate: treatment
The treatment of the inflammation of the palate will depend on the cause that is causing this symptom:
- In bacterial infections , the indication will of course be compliance with antibiotics.
- In viral infections , management depends on the person’s immune status. In immunosuppressed patients, antivirals and antibiotics should be administered at the discretion of the treating physician.
- Yeast infections will require the use of antifungals.
- The injury will require the proper handling of each of them, according to established protocols.
In all cases, a diet consisting of soft foods should be indicated : rice, pudding, ice cream, mashed potatoes, soups, yogurt, among others, monitoring their temperature.
Home remedies for a sore palate
Sodium bicarbonate
It would neutralize the acidity of the mouth, facilitating the healing of the tissues and allowing a better action of the medications.
Manzanilla
It is an anti-inflammatory agent par excellence. In infusions, cold or hot (depending on the case), direct application with dressings, would contribute to the rapid reduction of inflammation of the palate.
Blackberry
It also has anti-inflammatory properties. In this case, we can use the leaves and the stem in infusion.
Honey
It has antibacterial properties and also modifies the acidity of the oral cavity.
Hydrogen peroxide
Alone or mixed with water and administered with dressings or rinses.
Aloe vera
The aloe leaf gel can be applied directly on the inflamed palate.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Inflamed palate: causes, treatment and remedies , we recommend that you enter our Teeth and mouth category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.