The roof of your mouth, or palate, is the hard, bony structure that forms the top and back of your oral cavity. It separates your mouth from your nose and plays an important role in speech and eating.
Reasons why the roof of your mouth might hurt
There are a number of reasons why the roof of your mouth may hurt. The most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. This can cause the palate to become inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain.
Other possible causes of pain in the roof of your mouth include:
- • Allergies
- • Oral thrush (a yeast infection)
- • Canker sores
- • Mouth ulcers
- • Trauma to the mouth or teeth
If you have a sudden, severe pain in the roof of your mouth, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a tooth abscess or oral cancer. If this is the case, you should see your dentist or doctor right away.
In most cases, roof-of-mouth pain is not cause for concern and will go away on its own. However, if the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, you should see your dentist to rule out any underlying dental problems.
