Why is the Top of My Mouth Peeling? Causes & Treatment

Understanding Mouth Peeling

Having the skin peel off the roof of your mouth or other areas inside your mouth can be unpleasant, inconvenient or even painful. What causes this sensitivity and peeling, and what can you do to prevent and treat it?

What Causes Mouth Skin Peeling?

There are several potential culprits behind mouth peeling and soreness:

• Ill-fitting dentures, braces, retainers or other oral appliances
• Certain foods, especially acidic or spicy items
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Dehydration
• Oral infections like thrush or canker sores
• Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Dry mouth or reduced saliva
• Allergic reactions

However, the most common cause of mouth peeling is irritation from ingredients in toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental treatments.

Toothpaste And Mouthwash Ingredients

Toothpastes and mouthwashes contain detergents and chemicals that help clean your teeth and mouth. But some ingredients can also erode, burn or dry out delicate tissues if used excessively.

Potential irritants include:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Alcohol
• Flavors and fragrances
• Whitening agents
• Tartar control chemicals

You may unintentionally be exposing your mouth to these irritants too frequently or intensely without realizing it. Using an extra-soft toothbrush can also minimize abrasion.

Treating Mouth Peeling And Discomfort

See Your Dentist or Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your dentist or doctor if you experience recurring or severe mouth peeling. They can examine your mouth and rule out issues like:

• Oral infections
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Autoimmune disorders
• Celiac disease
• Medication side effects

Identifying and properly treating any underlying medical cause will provide the best long-term relief.

Use a Gentler Toothpaste

Switching to a sensitive toothpaste designed for easily irritated mouths can reduce discomfort and peeling. Look for products explicitly marketed for dry mouth, canker sores or dentin hypersensitivity.

Ideally, choose a toothpaste with as few extraneous ingredients as possible. Steer clear of whitening agents, strong antimicrobials, abrasives, detergents, alcohols, flavors and fragrances. These can all aggravate sensitive tissue.

Some good options include:

• Sensodyne Repair & Protect
• Toms of Maine Sensitivity & Gum Health
• Hello Sensitive Relief
• Squigle Sensitive Toothpaste

Use Proper Brushing Technique

How you brush also impacts your risk of mouth irritation. Brush gently using short, circular motions while positioning the bristles at a 45-degree angle near the gum line. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.

Only apply light pressure and focus your brushing efforts on the teeth themselves. Let your toothbrush gently grazebut not harshly rubthe gums and other mouth tissues.

Rinse Your Mouth

After brushing, thoroughly rinse your entire mouth with lukewarm water for 30 seconds or more to help wash away excess toothpaste residue. Repeat as needed until the soapy clean feeling dissipates.

You can also rinse with a homemade baking soda and salt solution to help neutralize mouth acidity and soothe sore tissues.

Stay Hydrated

Be diligent about drinking enough fluids, especially water, to keep your mouth moist. Dehydration leads to dry mouth and less protective saliva.Aim for at least sixty-four ounces per day.

Saliva plays a vital role in oral health and prevention of issues like peeling. Try sipping cool water or sucking on ice chips throughout the day to stimulate saliva production.

Use Lip Balm

Apply lip balm liberally to your lips and around the corners of your mouth to moisturize, protect and help damaged skin heal.

Choose a product made from food-grade natural oils and waxes like coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax and vitamin E. Steer clear of petroleum jelly or other synthetic ingredients.

Allow Time to Heal

Be patient and let the irritated skin inside your mouth fully regenerate and repair. This can take 7-14 days or more depending on the severity of the peeling.

During the healing period, be extra gentle while brushing and flossing. Consider switching to a baby toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles as well.

Preventing Future Mouth Peeling

Use Mouthwash Sparingly

Overusing antimicrobial mouthwashes can breed resistant bacteria while killing off beneficial microbes and drying out tissues. Restrict your use to no more than twice daily while rinsing thoroughly with water after.

Brush Wisely

Only brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes at a time plus once after your last meal. Avoid excessive brushing that strips your mouths moisture barrier and natural protections.

Floss Gently

When you floss, use just enough pressure to remove debris without digging painfully into your gums which can promote peeling.

Skip Mouthwash Before Bed

Hold off on using mouthwash at night so tissues have a chance to recover moisture while you sleep without interference from drying ingredients.

Examine Oral Habits

Identify any habits that can contribute to mouth irritation like nail biting, cheek chewing, teeth grinding or using your teeth to aggressively tear open packages.

Avoid Food Triggers

Pay attention to which foods seem to spark mouth discomfort like citrus, vinegar, chips, spicy dishes, crunchy crackers, carbonated drinks or sour candies.

When to Seek Medical Care

Schedule an urgent dental visit if you experience:

• Bleeding or pus
• Difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing
• Progressive peeling or spreading ulcers
• Intense pain
• Swelling inside or around the mouth
• Possible allergic reaction with rash, itching or tight throat

These can indicate a serious underlying infection or health issue needing immediate treatment.

The Takeaway

Mouth peeling is often caused by irritated tissues reacting to common toothpaste ingredients. Switching to a specially formulated sensitive toothpaste while being gentle with brushing and flossing can help sore spots heal while preventing future discomfort.

Pay attention for any signs of an underlying condition warranting medical care. With some adjustments and TLC for your mouth, you can stop annoying peeling and sensitivity for good!

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.