The roof of your mouth (palate) can become swollen for a number of reasons. Allergic reactions, irritants, injury, and infections are common contributors to mouth pain, but there are a number of home treatments you can use when you find your palate swollen.

What Causes My Roof of Mouth Swollen?

Most sufferers of roof of mouth pain will find that the underlying cause is unknown. However, in some cases, swelling is attributed to infections, physical trauma, allergies, or even larger systemic diseases affecting the body. Typically, conditions that affect the amount of saliva your mouth produces will affect mouth irritation.

1. Infections

You may find your roof of mouth swollen due to a virus or other infection.

• The herpes simplex virus, which causes mouth sores, is typical of the mouth area. The chickenpox virus, varicella-zoster, can cause recurring sores on the side of the mouth that are painful both when raw and healing.
• Bacterial infections due to tooth decay and poor hygiene will contribute to swelling and soreness.
• People with AIDS may sometimes experience painful irritation in the roof of the mouth due to overproduction of candida yeast, and syphilis can cause painful sores that may be contagious.

2. Physical Trauma

Injuring the inside of the mouth will cause swelling and pain in the area. This can be caused by accidentally biting a cheek or be due to orthodontic or dental procedures. Foods like citrus and other acidic items or strong flavors like cinnamon can cause the roof of the mouth to hurt, and cleaning properties in certain dental care products can also contribute to injury or soreness.

3. Smoking and Tobacco Use

Using tobacco can contribute to mouth pain, and like an irritation from food or chemicals, is due in part to the toxic materials they are made from. Using tobacco products also contributes to roof of mouth pain by complicating other conditions, such as drying of the mouth, an imbalance in pH, and reducing the body’s immune properties.

4. Medical Treatments

Mouth pain can be a common side effect of many medical treatments. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or other radiation treatments may develop dry mouth and mouth pain.

5. Systemic Illness

There are a number of systemic conditions that contribute to mouth pain and complications in other areas of the body.

• Rare skin diseases may cause blistering or other painful conditions.
• More common illnesses, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Celiac Disease also affect sufferers with mouth pain.
• Severe allergic reactions and inflammatory illnesses can also attribute to roof of mouth swelling and pain.

10 Home Remedies for Roof of Mouth Swollen

1. Salt Water

It will help with pain and sterilize the mouth in case of infection. Mix salt with warm water and without swallowing, swish it around your mouth for a minute, doing so until the glass is empty.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can heal inflammation, open wounds, and provides soothing relief. Check your pharmacy for a gel made with aloe specifically for the mouth, or make your own by cutting an aloe leaf open and using the gel that emerges.

3. Ice Cube

The cooling sensation will help reduce pain and swelling by lessening blood flow in the area. Hold an ice cube in your mouth in the area of discomfort.

4. Tea Tree Oil 

It is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and can help soothe pain. Make a mouthwash by mixing 10 drops with ½ cup water, swish around and spit after 30 seconds. You may want to rinse with water after.

5. Licorice Root

The licorice root protects mucus membranes, reduces inflammation, and heals wounds. Make a mouthwash by soaking 1 tablespoon of crushed root in 2 cups of water (for at least 2 hours) and use 3-4 times a day.

6. Coconut Milk

It helps relieve pain. Rub the area with a mix of honey and milk a few times a day, or rinse with coconut milk.

7. Coriander Seeds

The coriander seeds reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Make a mouthwash by boiling 1 teaspoon of seeds. Once cool, rinse up to 4 times a day.

8. Sea Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide

The combination reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and fights off infection. Mix 2 teaspoons of sea salt, 2 teaspoons of 3% peroxide with water and use twice a day for a rinse.

9. Baking Soda

Neutralizes acid, reduces inflammation, and fights infection. Apply directly or dilute with water to make a paste.

10. Honey

Moisturizes the mouth while bringing soothing relief. Apply directly to affected area.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor for roof of mouth swollen if you try the above home remedies and notice no relief after about 10 days. If fever or sores elsewhere on the body accompany mouth pain, or if you have a compromised immune system, see a doctor right away. If you’re not sure or have other new symptoms, it is best to check with your doctor.