Understanding Mouth Peeling: Causes and Solutions
If the sensitive skin inside your mouth tends to peel, you’re not alone. Though harmless, mouth peeling can feel uncomfortable. Understanding the common causes along with helpful solutions will have you on your way to relief.
What Causes Peeling in My Mouth?
A variety of factors can trigger irritation and peeling of the delicate oral tissue lining your mouth, tongue, inner lips and cheeks. Typical causes include:
Aggressive Oral Hygiene
Vigorous brushing, flossing or use of mouthwash can scrape the tissue, causing soreness and peeling. Overusing tooth-whitening products can erode enamel and irritate.
Hot, Spicy or Salty Foods
Consuming very hot soups or drinks, heavily spiced dishes or very salty foods may burn sensitive skin. Canker sores often occur after injury from these foods.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Frequent consumption of citrus, tomatoes or vinegar can increase mouth acidity leading to damage. Acid reflux can also cause issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Being deficient in vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, vitamin B12 or zinc can affect oral health and healing ability.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels during puberty, menstruation and menopause can make mouth tissue more vulnerable.
Stress and Anxiety
High stress levels disrupt healthy immune responses making inflammation and mouth sores more likely.
Oral Infections or Medical Conditions
Bacterial, fungal and viral infections like cold sores can damage mouth skin cells. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes and digestive issues may also contribute.
Common Areas of Mouth Peeling
You may experience peeling skin in various places inside your mouth depending on the cause. Common problem areas include:
Lips
Chapped, peeling lips usually stem from licking, biting, weather, allergies or deficiencies. Angular cheilitis specifically affects the corners of the mouth.
Cheeks and Gums
Vigorous brushing often erodes these delicate tissues. Nutritional deficiencies and ill-fitting dentures also irritate.
Tongue
Burning your tongue with hot foods is a prime cause of peeling here. Geographic tongue, an inflammatory condition, also creates irregular worn spots.
Roof of Mouth
Mouth burns from hot pizza or tea can peel this delicate area. The texture of chips, pretzels or toast can also abrade it if you eat with your mouth open.
Signs Your Mouth Peeling Isn’t Normal
FAQs
Is mouth peeling normal?
Occasional minor mouth peeling can be normal, especially if caused by something temporary like biting your cheek or burning your tongue on hot food. Frequent or severe peeling is not normal and may indicate an underlying issue needing treatment.
What vitamins help mouth peeling?
Vitamins important for oral health that may help prevent mouth peeling include vitamins C, A, K2, folate, and minerals like zinc and iron. A balanced multivitamin can help ensure you get enough.
Can certain toothpastes cause mouth peeling?
Yes, some ingredients in toothpastes may irritate sensitive mouth tissue and cause peeling. Switching to a gentle formula without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is recommended if you suspect your toothpaste.
Is mouth peeling contagious?
Mouth peeling itself is not contagious. However, bacterial, viral or fungal infections that cause peeling and sores can sometimes spread between people through saliva or respiratory droplets.
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