Why is the roof of my mouth swollen?

By: Jenna Fletcher, Medical News Today

Many conditions may cause a swollen roof of the mouth, including sores, dehydration, and mucus buildups. In this article via Medical News Today, learn about six causes of a swollen roof of the mouth, and possible treatment or home remedies. The Woodview Oral Surgery Team

The roof of the mouth consists of a bony plate at the front and a non-bone, soft section at the back. Together, these serve as a barrier between the oral and nasal cavities. From time to time, the roof of the mouth may become swollen.

Swelling on the roof of the mouth may be due to several potential causes, most of which will resolve with minimal treatment. In less common cases, the swelling may be due to a more serious condition.

Other symptoms may accompany the swelling, including:

• blisters or other sores
• dry mouth
• muscle spasms
• pain or discomfort

Read on to learn about the possible causes of swelling on the roof of the mouth.

Causes

A range of conditions can cause a swollen roof of the mouth, including:

1. Sores in the mouth

Sores can cause pain, blisters, and swelling. Some people may notice pain or swelling before the sore appears.

2. Injury or trauma

One of the most common causes of swelling on the roof of the mouth is an injury or trauma. Some of the most common causes of trauma include:

• eating a hard food that may impact the roof of the mouth
• eating or drinking an extremely hot item
• a scratch from a sharp piece of food

3. Dehydration

Dehydration can cause swelling on the roof of the mouth. Dehydration can cause a dry mouth, which can result in swelling if a person does not take steps to relieve the condition.

Some common causes of dehydration and dry mouth include:

• excessive alcohol intake
• certain medications
• not drinking enough water
• excessive sweating, particularly on hot days or while exercising
• illness

A person with dehydration that causes an electrolyte imbalance may also feel especially weak or experience muscle spasms.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323028.php