Are you experiencing red spots on the roof of your mouth, lips, or tongue? There may be several reasons why you are undergoing this condition.
Mostly, the issue is just some minor inconvenience. However, other times, it can imply serious health problems that need to be treated immediately.
What Are These Red Spots?
Red spots in the mouth can be a source of discomfort and pain, making it difficult to eat or speak. These spots can be with symptoms or symptomless. Initially, they can go unnoticed for a long period.
Regardless of the symptoms, these red spots usually indicate an underlying infection or condition that may require immediate medical attention.
Therefore, it is vital to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible to avoid any likely difficulties that may arise from leaving the infection untreated.
Causes of Red Spots
1. Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause the growth of red spots on the roof of the mouth. Although it is more prevailing in children, it can also impact adults.
It is essential to seek treatment for this condition as it can result in kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, both of which pose serious consequences.
If you suspect you may have strep throat, then consult a doctor immediately. By doing so, you can decrease the risk of complications and promote a quick recover
Symptoms
Symptoms of strep throat may include:
- Pain while swallowing
- Inflamed or swollen tonsils (with white pus-filled spots)
- Swollen neck glands
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain in muscles
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Stomachache
Keep in mind that strep throat is very contagious and can spread through the air via droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Although it can occur throughout the year, strep throat is most prevalent during the winter and spring season.
If you or your child gets diagnosed with strep throat, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for effective treatment of the infection. Over-the-counter pain relief products may also be used.
2. Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are sores that appear in the mouth. They cause discomfort and make it difficult to consume food and drink.
Mouth sores tend to disappear in 2–4 weeks, but they can last long, bleed, or become infected in some cases.
Causes
Some common factors that contribute to mouth ulcers are:
- Dehydration
- Lack of oral hygiene
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Lack of protein in the diet
- Vitamin deficiencies
- certain medications or treatments like radiation therapy
In order to alleviate mouth sores, it is important to consume only soft and bland foods along with lukewarm water.
Avoid eating coarse, salty, or acidic foods strictly until the sores have gone. In this way, you can prevent further discomfort and irritation in the affected area.
3. Canker Sores
Canker sores typically occur on the inside of the cheeks or lips. However, they can occur on the roof of the mouth, too. Initially, sores are small, red bumps and often produce a white or yellow center with a red outline.
Causes
Many things can cause canker sores, including:
- Viral infection
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Food allergies
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
- injury in the mouth
If you’re suffering from canker sores, don’t worry – they usually fade in one to two weeks. To relieve the pain, opt for softer, gentler foods and steer clear of spicy, acidic options that could cause irritation in your sores.
Over-the-counter treatments like topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouth rinses can provide pain relief. Consult with your dental professional for recommendations on more gentle and soothing options for mouthwash.
4. Candidiasis
If you notice red bumps or white patches inside your mouth, you may be dealing with oral thrush – a fungal overgrowth.
To effectively treat this condition, it’s important to address the underlying health issue and use antifungal medication.
Causes
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing oral thrush, including:
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Wearing dentures or having a dry mouth
- Certain medications or antibiotics
Symptoms
Candidiasis is a very common fungal infection of the mouth. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms you may experience in addition to red spots may include:
- Dry mouth
- Loss of taste
- Pain while swallowing
- Redness and cracks around the corners of your mouth.
5. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause red spots in the roof of the mouth. These can often develop into sore blisters. Normally, the virus affects infants and children younger than 5 years old.
Symptoms
Other symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Feeling ill
Your child’s doctor or dentist may be able to diagnose the disease based on age, symptoms, and the appearance of sores. They may also collect samples of tissue or feces which are sent to the lab for further diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no proper treatment for this disease. However, it goes away on its own within seven to ten days.
OTC drugs generally help to reduce fever and alleviate pain but may not be able to cure the real issue. Likewise, medicated mouthwashes can also provide relief for oral discomfort until the mouth is fully healed.
Preventive Measures
The CDC does recommend some preventative measures you can take:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Don’t touch your nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Disinfect all surfaces.
- Take plenty of rest
- Don’t come in close contact with other people until you have recovered.
When to see a Doctor?
According to CDC, you should seek professional help when,
- You are not able to drink normally and you’re worried about dehydration.
- The fever lasts longer than 3 days.
- Symptoms do not subside within 10 days.
- You are facing weakened immunity (the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness).
- Symptoms have gotten severe.
- Your child is under 1 year.
Conclusion
Most cases of oral infections are harmless and heal on their own. Still, it is necessary to consult a dental or healthcare professional.
We hope this information was helpful in case you are noticing red spots on the roof of your mouth or your child.
