The roof of your mouth serves as a barrier between the oral and nasal cavities. The front is a bony plate called the hard palate, and the back is a muscular section called the soft palate, all covered by a delicate layer of skin.
The soft palate directly aids a person’s speech, breathing and swallowing and injuries to this muscle can affect any of the above-mentioned functions.
The roof of the mouth can be subjected to a lot of wear and tear, occasionally causing swelling. In addition to swelling, there are other symptoms you may experience.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Pain may accompany the swelling for several reasons, some quite serious. It is always recommended that if you are unsure of the cause of the pain to seek medical attention or schedule an appointment with your local dentist immediately.
- Blisters and Canker or Cold Sores
- Because these sores may cause blisters or bumps, it can get irritated and follow in swelling and pain. Most canker or cold sores form on the gums or lips but can occur on the roof of the mouth as well. You may not even notice it until eating has irritated the sore.
- Muscle Spasms
- Just like other muscles in the body, the muscles in your mouth (the soft palate) depend on the balance of electrolytes in your body. Suffering from dehydration can cause you to experience these spasms.
- Dry Mouth
- If you are experiencing both dry mouth and swelling, it could be caused by dehydration. Dry mouth can be caused by a blockage in your salivary glands, burns or trauma from hot food or liquid, or medication you may be prescribed.
Prevention & Oral Care
These are all symptoms that a local dentist can help diagnose during a scheduled checkup. As a first line of defense, regularly scheduled dental appointments can help lower the risk of more serious problems, and recommendations can be made by your dentist if additional care is needed.
