Understanding Peeling Skin on the Roof of Your Mouth
If you have experienced discomfort from peeling skin on the roof of your mouth, you're not alone. This seemingly minor issue can cause irritation when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
What Causes Peeling Skin in My Mouth?
There are a few potential causes of peeling oral skin:
- Excessive brushing - Aggressive brushing can wear away at the delicate tissue on the roof of your mouth.
- Toothpaste ingredients - Ingredients like baking soda or peroxide can sometimes irritate the tissue.
- Mouth injuries - Cuts or burns from hot food can damage the tissue, leading to peeling.
- Oral thrush - A yeast infection in the mouth can also cause peeling between patches of white growth.
- Dehydration - Dry mouth from lack of fluids, mouth breathing, or medications can cause peeling skin.
When to See Your Dentist About Mouth Peeling
In most cases, peeling in the mouth is a minor annoyance that clears up on its own. However if it persists longer than two weeks or causes bleeding and pain, it's best to make an appointment to see your dentist.
They can examine your mouth tissue and determine if an infection is present. For recurring bouts of peeling skin, your dentist may test for vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, or oral allergies.
Soothing Peeling Skin on the Palate at Home
While waiting for your dentist appointment or if the peeling is mild, you can take measures at home to protect your sensitive mouth tissue:
Use a Soft Bristle Toothbrush
Switch to a very soft or ultra-soft bristle toothbrush, and be gentle when brushing the roof of your mouth. Take care not to wear away the thin delicate tissue covering your palate.
Pick Soothing Toothpaste Ingredients
Choose toothpastes free from irritating ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Opt for brands with aloe vera or vitamin E to soothe sensitive mouths.
Improve Moisture Levels
Keep your mouth from drying out by drinking plenty of water, avoiding mouth breathing when possible, and using an oral moisturizing gel or mouthwash without alcohol.
Gargle With Salt Water
Salt water naturally helps cleanses wounds and removes debris to speed up healing. Mix 1 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds twice per day.
Toothpaste Selection for Sensitive Mouths
If your usual toothpaste seems to make your mouth peel, switching brands can provide relief. Some top options include:
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
This toothpaste is specifically formulated to avoid mouth irritation. It contains a low abrasion formula to protect enamel, fluoride to prevent cavities or sensitivity, and potassium nitrate to soothe discomfort.
Hello Sensitivity Relief Fluoride Toothpaste
Free from dyes, artificial sweeteners, and irritating ingredients, this toothpaste uses stevia and xylitol to freshen breath. Natural ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and tea tree oil provide gentle cleaning and calming properties.
Squigle Sensitive Toothpaste
This natural toothpaste is specially designed for sensitive teeth and mouths prone to sores. It avoids irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate and instead uses soothing aloe, olive oil, and willow herb.
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste
Colgate designed this toothpaste to repair sensitive areas in the teeth and provide lasting relief. It contains gentle silica polishing agent and Pro-Argin technology to actively seal dentin tubules.
Protecting Your Mouth from Further Irritation
Once the peeling in your mouth heals, you can take proactive steps to prevent it from occurring again. Here are some tips:
Use Lip Balm
Apply lip balm before eating, drinking anything hot, or going out in cold dry weather. This protective barrier shields your mouth corners from cracks and peeling.
Beware of Canker Sores
Mouth injuries that won't heal can turn into canker sores or cold sores. Avoiding sharp foods, vitamin deficiencies, stress, and food allergies reduces outbreaks.
Quit Smoking
Smoking dries out your mouth tissues and increases likelihood of oral thrush. Quitting can greatly improve mouth health and comfort.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Your dentist can catch early signs of infection, oral disease, vitamin deficiencies, or other issues. Getting your teeth cleaned removes debris that could irritate mouth tissues.
Dealing with peeling skin on the palate or roof of your mouth can be uncomfortable and frustrating. In most cases it clears up on it's own, but recurrent or worsening peeling warrants seeing a dental professional. Be gentle brushing the area, keep your mouth moisturized, and choose sensitive toothpastes to find relief.
FAQs
Why does my mouth peel after I brush my teeth?
Aggressive brushing can wear away at the thin delicate tissue on the roof of your mouth. Switching to a soft bristle toothbrush and brushing gently can help prevent this.
Is mouth peeling a sign of vitamin deficiency?
Possibly. Recurring bouts of mouth peeling can sometimes indicate a deficiency in vitamins B12, zinc, or folate. Your dentist may order blood tests to check.
What is the white skin in my mouth that peels off?
White patches that peel could be caused by oral thrush, a yeast infection. See your dentist to get anti-fungal medication to clear up thrush.
When should I worry about peeling in my mouth?
See your dentist if the peeling lasts longer than 2 weeks, causes bleeding or intense pain, or is accompanied by redness and swelling. This may indicate infection or other oral conditions.
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.
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