Why the Roof of Your Mouth Hurts and What to Do About It

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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