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Why the Roof of Your Mouth Hurts and What to Do About It
From burns to infections, here are the most common causes of palate pain and how to find relief.

If you've ever taken a sip of scalding coffee or sucked on sour candy for too long, you know the discomfort of palate pain. The roof of your mouth, or your palate, is a delicate area, making it especially sensitive to irritation and injury. While minor pain is often temporary, persistent soreness can signal an underlying issue that needs attention.
To better understand what might be causing your discomfort, we spoke with Marina Gonchar, DMD, an orthodontist and founder of Skin to Smile. Here are the most common culprits behind roof-of-mouth pain and how to treat them.
7 Common Causes of Roof-of-Mouth Pain
1. Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, including canker sores, can appear anywhere inside the mouth including the roof. These small, painful sores are often red, yellow, or white and can develop due to:
Trauma (biting the inside of your mouth, burns, or irritation)
Stress or hormonal changes
Allergies or infections
How to treat it:
Most ulcers heal on their own within 7 to 14 days, but you can speed up the process by:
Rinsing with warm salt water
Avoiding spicy or acidic foods
Using over-the-counter (OTC) numbing gels like Orajel
2. Cold Sores
Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and often appear as painful blisters. While they usually form on the lips, they can also affect the roof of your mouth.
Other symptoms include:
Tingling or burning before blisters appear
Fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes (during a first-time outbreak)
How to treat it:
Cold sores typically clear up within 10 days, but antiviral medications can help speed healing. Avoid kissing, oral sex, and sharing utensils to prevent spreading the virus.
3. Burns from Hot or Spicy Foods
That first bite of pizza fresh from the oven? It can scald the delicate tissue on your palate, causing pain and peeling. Spicy foods can also cause irritation.
How to treat it:
Sip cold water or suck on ice to soothe the area
Avoid spicy and acidic foods until healing occurs
Let hot foods cool down before eating
4. Cuts or Injuries
Sharp foods (like chips, hard candies, or crusty bread) or accidental pokes from utensils can cut or bruise the roof of your mouth. Dental appliances like retainers or dentures may also cause irritation.
How to treat it:
If the cause is a dental appliance, visit your dentist for an adjustment
Avoid chewing on pens or other hard objects
Rinse with salt water to promote healing
5. Oral Thrush (Fungal Infection)
Thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can cause painful white or red patches on the roof of your mouth. It’s more common in people who:
Have taken antibiotics, which disrupt oral bacteria balance
Have diabetes or weakened immune systems
Wear dentures
How to treat it:
Thrush is treated with antifungal rinses or oral medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. Managing underlying conditions (such as diabetes) can help prevent recurrence.
6. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, leading to inflammation, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
Common causes include:
Medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure meds)
Aging or hormonal changes
Mouth breathing while sleeping
How to treat it:
Use OTC saliva substitutes like Biotène
Stay hydrated throughout the day
If caused by medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives
7. Bony Growths (Torus Palatinus)
If you feel a hard lump on the roof of your mouth, it may be a torus palatinus, a harmless bony growth. While usually painless, larger growths can press on nerves or soft tissue, causing discomfort.
How to treat it:
If caused by pressure from dentures or retainers, adjustments may help
If painful or affecting speech/eating, surgical removal may be necessary
Other Symptoms That May Accompany Palate Pain
Since the roof of your mouth is connected to other structures in your head and neck, pain in this area can sometimes be accompanied by:
Sinus pressure or headaches
Ear pain
Sore throat
Could It Be Oral Cancer?
While rare, persistent roof-of-mouth pain could be a sign of oral cancer. Look out for:
Sores that don’t heal
A lump or thickened area
Changes in tissue color (white or red patches)
Difficulty swallowing
If you notice unexplained or long-lasting changes, see a dentist or doctor promptly for an evaluation.
When to See a Dentist
Most cases of roof-of-mouth pain resolve on their own within a few days. However, schedule a dental visit if:
Pain persists for more than a week
Sores don’t heal or keep coming back
You notice lumps, swelling, or unexplained changes
How to Prevent Roof-of-Mouth Pain
While some causes are unavoidable, you can protect your palate by:
Letting hot foods cool down before eating
Avoiding excessive spicy or acidic foods
Brushing and flossing daily to prevent infections
Staying hydrated to prevent dry mouth
Most palate pain is harmless and temporary, but if you’re unsure, a quick check-up with your dentist can offer peace of mind.
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