I Have a Sore on the Roof of My Mouth That Won't Heal
A sore on the roof of your mouth that lingers can be worrying. Here is what could be causing it.
The roof of the mouth (palate) can develop sores for many reasons, and most heal quickly. Common causes include:
- Burn from hot food β pizza cheese, coffee, or hot soup are classic causes. The roof of the mouth is easily burned
- Canker sore β can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the palate
- Irritation from dentures β poorly fitting dentures can rub and create sores
- Smoker's palate (nicotinic stomatitis) β a red, irritated palate with tiny raised bumps from smoking, especially pipe or cigar smoking
- Toris palatinus β a normal, hard, bony growth in the middle of the palate that some people mistake for a lump
- Salivary gland tumor β rare but possible, especially if the sore appears as a lump or swelling
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Sore that appeared after eating or drinking something hot
- Painful ulcer with clear borders
- Heals within 1β2 weeks
- Hard midline bony bump that has been there for years (torus palatinus)
- Worth having checked:
- Sore that does not heal after 2 weeks
- A lump or swelling that is getting larger
- Painless lump on one side of the palate
- Sore that bleeds easily
- Dentures that no longer fit properly
- Red or white patch on the palate
When to See a Doctor
- See a dentist or ENT doctor if:
- The sore has lasted more than 2 weeks without healing
- You notice a lump or swelling on the palate
- You have a history of smoking or heavy alcohol use
- You have trouble swallowing or a lump in your neck
- Your dentures suddenly do not fit