What Causes Skin Peeling Inside the Cheeks and How to Heal

Causes and Treatments for Peeling Skin on the Inside of the Cheeks

Noticing your skin peeling on the inside of your cheeks can be alarming. But in most cases it is harmless and several home remedies can provide relief. Understanding the common causes and applying simple solutions can help resolve cheek peeling.

What Causes Skin Peeling Inside the Mouth?

Some of the most common culprits of peeling skin on the cheeks include:

• Irritation from oral hygiene habits - Aggressive brushing, flossing or use of mouthwash can cause irritation and dryness leading to peeling. This is especially true if using a stiff-bristled toothbrush.
• Toothpaste ingredients - Toothpastes containing detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or flavored ingredients may not agree with sensitive cheek tissue for some people, causing peeling and inflammation.
• Dry mouth - Conditions that reduce saliva flow like medications, illness, mouth breathing, anxiety or aging can leave the cheeks vulnerable to flaking and peeling.
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies - Being deficient in certain nutrients like iron, folate, zinc or vitamins can affect oral health and cause the cheeks to peel.
• Oral yeast infection - An overgrowth of oral thrush or candida fungus can lead to creamy white patches or plaques on the cheeks that may peel.
• Skin conditions - Disorders like eczema or psoriasis that cause skin peeling and flakes on other body parts can also affect the inside of the mouth.
• Chemotherapy - Cancer treatments can damage cells in the mouth lining, leading to painful inflammation and peeling.

When to See a Doctor

In some cases, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional about peeling inside the cheeks, including:

• Peeling is severe and widespread
• Peeling is accompanied by redness, pain or swelling
• You have other symptoms like mouth ulcers, lesions or fever
• Peeling persists despite good oral hygiene and home remedies
• You have an underlying condition or immune dysfunction

A doctor can properly diagnose the cause and rule out serious mouth infections or allergic reactions. Proper treatment can then be prescribed if necessary.

Gentle Oral Hygiene Habits

Being overly aggressive with brushing, flossing or using mouthwash can traumatize the tender cheek tissues. Try these tips for gentler hygiene:

• Use a soft or extra soft toothbrush and brush gently
• Consider switching to a SLS-free toothpaste
• Floss carefully using waxed floss or water flosser on lower settings
• Rinse mouthwash gently without gargling vigorously
• Apply moisturizing lip balm or coconut oil to cheeks before brushing

Avoid Irritating Foods

Spicy, acidic or coarse foods can further aggravate peeling cheeks. While healing, stick to bland, soft foods like:

• Porridge or oatmeal
• Mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables
• Broth-based soups
• Yogurt
• Smoothies
• Bananas and peeled fruits

Stay Hydrated

Drinking adequate fluids helps prevent your mouth from drying out, which can worsen cheek peeling. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Sipping water after eating can cleanse your mouth and provide moisture.

Use a Humidifier

Running a humidifier at night and inhaling the vapor can provide moisture to your mouth and entire airway. This combats the drying effects of mouth breathing that can lead to peeling.

Avoid Mouth Breathing

Constantly breathing through your mouth dries out the inside of cheeks and lips. Try to breathe through your nose as much as possible. If congestion is an issue, use saltwater rinses and nasal strips to keep nasal passages clear.

Stop Smoking and Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco use dehydrates the mouth and introduces many chemicals that can irritate and peel the cheek tissues. Quit smoking and chewing tobacco to eliminate this source of irritation.

Apply a Moisturizing Lip Balm or Oil

Keep your cheeks moisturized by rubbing a hydrating lip balm, coconut oil, aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil directly onto the affected areas several times a day. This helps retain moisture and allows peeling skin to heal.

Use Products for Dry Mouth

Over-the-counter dry mouth products like sprays, gels and lozenges can coat the inside of the cheeks to keep them moist and less prone to peeling. Look for products containing xylitol or hyaluronic acid for added benefits.

Take Supplements

If nutritional deficiencies are suspected, your doctor may advise taking supplements like vitamin B-complex, iron, zinc or folate. A probiotic can also help restore a healthy oral microbiome.

Treat Oral Thrush

For peeling caused by oral thrush, antifungal medications are used to kill excess Candida fungus. Practice good oral hygiene and limit sugary foods to prevent thrush from recurring once treated.

See a Dermatologist

For chronic cheek peeling related to skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis, see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment with medicated creams or ointments as needed.

When to Expect Relief from Peeling Cheeks

With consistent gentle care and hydration, your cheeks should stop peeling within 7-10 days. Severe or recurrent cases may take a few weeks to fully clear. See your doctor promptly if symptoms persist or worsen despite home care.

Catching cheek peeling early and taking measures to reduce irritation is key. With time and patience, you can soothe inflammation until the cheek tissue heals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.