Red Spots in Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Understanding Red Spots in the Upper Mouth

The appearance of red spots or sores in the upper mouth can be alarming. However, in most cases these spots are harmless and clear up on their own. Identifying the underlying cause is key to finding the right treatment to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

What Causes Red Spots in the Upper Mouth?

There are several potential culprits behind the development of red spots or sores in the upper mouth:

• Canker sores - These small, painful ulcers can crop up on the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, lips, or throat. They are thought to be caused by damage to the mucous membranes from acidic foods, stress, or deficiencies in certain nutrients.
• Cold sores - Also called fever blisters, cold sores manifest as groups of small, fluid-filled blisters around the lips or mouth. They are triggered by infections with the herpes simplex virus.
• Oral thrush - This fungal infection leaves creamy white lesions on the tongue, gums, tonsils, or roof of the mouth. Oral thrush typically occurs when the normal balance of microbes in the mouth gets disrupted.
• Leukoplakia - These raised white or gray patches develop on the gums, cheeks, or floor of the mouth. Exact causes are uncertain but may involve long-term irritation.
• Oral lichen planus - This chronic condition results in lacy white patches or spots in the mouth. It's thought to stem from an overactive immune response.

Other Causes of Red Spots in Mouth

Less common culprits behind red spots or sores in the upper mouth include:

• Mouth injuries from sharp foods, dental work, or accidental bites can lead to painful ulcers
• Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies may trigger mouth ulcers
• Certain medications can cause mouth sores as a side effect
• In rare cases, oral cancer, autoimmune disorders, or viral infections are behind mouth lesions

Identifying Characteristics of Mouth Spots and Sores

Paying attention to the details of any mouth spots or sores can aid in determining the cause:

Location

The location of spots in the mouth provides clues about the source. For example:

• Canker sores - typically occur on non-keratinized oral tissues like the cheeks, tongue, soft palate, or throat
• Cold sores - manifest along the outer vermilion border of the lips or around nostrils
• Oral thrush - first appears on the tongue and inner cheeks before potentially spreading to the gums, tonsils, and roof of the mouth
• Leukoplakia - develops on the gums, cheeks, or bottom of the mouth

Number & Size

The number and size of mouth spots also offers insight:

• Canker sores - often appear individually in sizes from 2-10 mm
• Cold sores - emerge in groupings of small clustered blisters
• Oral thrush - exists as patchy creamy lesions that can coat inside of mouth
• Leukoplakia - arises as singular or multiple raised patches over 5 mm in size

Color

The color of mouth spots helps pinpoint the culprit:

• Canker sores - red with whitish center
• Cold sores - transparent blisters that scab over and crust
• Oral thrush - distinctly white lesions
• Leukoplakia - white or grayish patches

Texture

Feeling the texture of the spots leads to answers as well:

• Canker sores - painful oval ulcers with red perimeter and yellowish center
• Oral thrush - slightly raised creamy lesions that can be wiped away
• Leukoplakia - thick, raised, irregular benign patches that can feel rough or wrinkled

Accompanying Symptoms

Associated symptoms provide further insight into mouth spots:

• Canker sores - cause moderate pain but no fever
• Cold sores - preceded by burning, tingling, itching, swollen glands, and fever
• Oral thrush - some mild soreness but usually painless
• Oral lichen planus - can cause painful sores and sensitivity to spicy/acidic foods

When to Seek Medical Care

Schedule an appointment with your physician or dentist if any mouth spots have concerning features like:

• Very painful sores
• Blisters accompanied by high fever
• Prolonged lesions lasting over 2 weeks
• Difficulty eating/drinking due to pain
• Significant gum/mouth bleeding
• Persistent bad breath or foul odor in mouth
• Red, white, or black discolorations on tongue or gums
• Sore throat, hoarse voice, or swollen lymph nodes along jaw/neck
• Unexplained numbness in mouth or face
• Rapidly-enlarging skin growths/moles in mouth
• Unexplained loosening of teeth not due to gum disease

Diagnosing Red Spots in the Mouth

Doctors can often diagnose the cause of mouth spots and sores from physical examination and discussion of medical history. But tests may be needed including:

• Blood tests - can check for vitamin/mineral deficiencies, diabetes, celiac disease
• Oral swab - to isolate infectious organisms like yeast or virus
• Biopsy - for abnormal tissue changes to test for fungal infections, autoimmune issues, or oral cancer
• Patch testing - to uncover allergic reaction triggers

Treatment Options for Red Spots in Mouth

Treatments vary based on the underlying cause but may involve:

• Medications - topical numbing agents, antibiotic/antiviral/antifungal meds, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain
• Nutritional supplements - iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc
• Healing agents - salt water rinses, baking soda paste, coconut oil swish and spit out
• Lifestyle changes - quit smoking, reduce alcohol/caffeine/spicy food intake
• Stress reduction - relaxation techniques, counseling for chronic canker sores

Self-Care Measures for Mouth Sores

While waiting for spots to clear, provide soothing relief by:

• Gently brushing with ultrasoft toothbrush
• Rinsing mouth with salt water or baking soda solution
• Avoiding irritants like acidic or crunchy foods
• Applying OTC numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine
• Covering canker sores with orthodontic wax
• Taking OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Preventing Recurrent Mouth Sores

Recurrences of troubling mouth spots and sores can often be minimized through protective strategies like:

• Using SPF lip balm and hydraulic acid serum for cold sores
• Taking vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid supplements for canker sores
• Replacing toothbrush after sickness to avoid reintroduction of pathogens
• Having new custom mouthguard made annually to prevent irritation
• Treating gastrointestinal issues to reduce instances of acid reflux into mouth
• Practicing good oral hygiene and getting routine dental checkups/cleanings

Paying attention to any lesions in the mouth allows for prompt treatment. In most cases red spots and sores in mouth heal quickly with no lasting problems. But recurrent mouth ulcers or growths merit further investigation. Partnering closely with your dentist and doctor provides the solutions needed to keep your mouth healthy.

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.