When the roof of your mouth turns a yellowish color, it can be alarming and you may be wondering what is causing the discoloration. While it’s normal to have some pigmentation in the roof of your mouth, a yellowish discoloration can be a sign of something more serious.
Why is the roof of my mouth yellow?
The main reason for the yellow roof of the mouth is Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and using certain mouthwashes. By improving your oral hygiene, you can keep your mouth clean and free of unwanted bacterial buildup. You can improve your oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.
Causes of Yellow roof of the mouth
There can be many potential causes of a yellow roof of the mouth. Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, or mouth breathing can all contribute to a yellow roof of the mouth. Oral thrush, canker sores, and even oral herpes can be to blame as well. Jaundice, certain medications, and even certain mouthwash can contribute to a yellow roof of the mouth. And lastly, tobacco smoke can also cause a yellow roof of the mouth.
A yellow roof of the mouth can be alarming, but many of the causes are not as serious as they may appear. Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth or mouth breathing, and certain medications with bismuth can all play a role in why the roof of your mouth may be yellow.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these potential causes of a yellow roof of the mouth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene is the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth. When you don’t brush or floss regularly, bacteria and plaque can build up on your teeth and gums. This bacteria can then spread to the roof of your mouth and cause it to become yellow.
Dry Mouth or Mouth Breathing
When you don’t produce enough saliva, you can develop dry mouth or mouth breathing. Saliva helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria, so having a dry mouth can increase your risk of yellowing on the roof of your mouth.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is an infection caused by Candida albicans, a type of yeast. It can cause white, creamy lesions on the tongue, palate, and inner cheeks. While it doesn’t usually cause yellow discoloration on the roof of the mouth, it can if it spreads to the back of the throat.
Canker Sore
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that develop inside your mouth. They are usually white or gray in color and can cause yellow discoloration on the roof of your mouth if they spread.
Oral Herpes
Oral herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can cause small, painful blisters on the lips, tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. This blister can sometimes leave yellow or brownish stains on the roof of your mouth.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow-colored pigment that is produced by the liver. If jaundice is present, it can cause the roof of your mouth to become yellow.
Medications With Bismuth
Some medications, such as Pepto-Bismol, contain bismuth. This element can cause black or yellow discoloration on the roof of your mouth.
Mouthwashes With Oxidizing Agents
Mouthwashes that contain oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, can also cause yellow discoloration on the roof of your mouth. The oxidizing agents can break down the proteins on your teeth and gums, leaving a yellow residue.
Tobacco Smoke
Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause yellow discoloration on the roof of your mouth. The tar and nicotine in the smoke can stain the teeth, gums, and roof of your mouth.
If you’re concerned about a yellow roof of the mouth, it’s important to visit your dentist and get a proper diagnosis. Your dentist can help determine the cause of the discoloration and recommend treatments to help restore the health and appearance of your mouth.
Treatment of the yellow roof of the mouth
Having a yellow roof of the mouth can be a worrying symptom, as it can be indicative of a serious underlying condition. It’s important to identify the cause of the yellowing so that you can receive the appropriate treatment. Fortunately, many yellow roof of the mouth cases can be easily treated at home or by a doctor, depending on the cause.
Take medical attention
If you have jaundice, it is important to seek medical attention as fast. Jaundice is a serious condition and requires medical treatment. Other symptoms of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin, should also be addressed by a doctor.
Improving oral hygiene
Improving your oral hygiene can help treat a yellow roof of the mouth. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to a yellow roof of the mouth, as can smoking and using certain mouthwash products. Keeping your mouth clean by brushing and flossing regularly can help reduce bacteria and another unwanted buildup in the mouth.
Treating infections with medication
If the yellowing is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the type of infection. For example, strep throat is a bacterial infection that is treated with antibiotics. Oral thrush, a fungal infection, is treated with antifungals.
It is important to consult your doctor to find the cause of your yellow roof of the mouth in order to receive the appropriate treatment. With the right treatment, the yellowing can be reversed and the roof of the mouth will return to its normal color.
When to see a doctor
Seeing a doctor when you notice a yellow roof of the mouth is essential because it could be a sign of jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. If you have jaundice, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible to prevent complications.
The roof of the mouth, or the ‘palate’, is usually a pink or red color. If you notice it turning yellow, it could be a sign of jaundice. Other symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms in addition to a yellow roof of the mouth, you should see a doctor immediately.
It is also important to see a doctor if the roof of your mouth is painful or bleeding, or you find it hard to swallow food and drink. Sometimes, yellowing of the roof of the mouth can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as cancer. This is why it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your mouth.
Your doctor will be able to perform a physical exam and order tests to determine the cause of the yellowing of the roof of your mouth. They may also refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment. The sooner you see a doctor, the better your chances of getting the necessary treatment and making a full recovery.
If you have noticed a yellow roof of the mouth, don’t wait to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications and ensure that you make a full recovery. So if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about them as soon as possible.
Conclusion
It is important to note that discoloration of the roof of your mouth can be caused by a variety of health issues and not all of them are very serious. If you notice any yellow discoloration in your mouth, it is important to speak with your doctor who can provide advice on how best to treat the condition. Furthermore, if you are struggling with bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol, then it is possible that your lifestyle could be contributing to the yellow color.