Is the skin on the roof of mouth peeling? What does this indicate?

is your skin on the roof of mouth peeling? (Image by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels)
is your skin on the roof of mouth peeling? (Image by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels)

Is your skin on the roof of mouth peeling? Wondering why the translucent lining is sloughing off? This can happen for a lot of reasons. The inside of our mouth is lined with what is known as a clear mucosa, made of epithelial cells that can get easily scraped off. This lining is necessary for keeping the mouth moist at all times and for the easy passage of food down into the food pipe. The mucosa also helps prevent the onslaught of infection-causing bacteria.

Thus, if you see this mucosal lining in the roof of mouth peeling or coming off, it may indicate a reaction against an external agent. These reactions can be anything from burns to infections or even allergies.

The impact of any external trauma to the mucosal lining can cause the part where it has been impacted to shed in a short period of time. This is the body’s potential way of regenerating and maintaining the efficacy of the barrier.


Causes for skin on the roof of mouth peeling

If you find the skin on the roof of mouth peeling, know that it is due to a reaction caused by the mucosal lining coming into contact with allergens, infections, or external trauma.

Although it could be hard to trace the cause of such peeling, it is the process of regeneration of the epithelial cells by means of which it continues to protect the mouth. Certain causes of the skin on the roof of mouth peeling could be because of the following:

1. Contact of hot substances with the mucosal lining

hot things can burn the mucosa in the mouth causing roof of mouth peeling. (Image via iStockphoto)
hot things can burn the mucosa in the mouth causing roof of mouth peeling. (Image via iStockphoto)

The most common and frequent issue regarding the peeling of the mucosal lining is the ingestion of hot fluids that might scald and peel the roof of your mouth. Hot drinks and sticky substances are mainly the culprits here.

These substances stick to the roof of your mouth, whereupon they burn the mucosa there. It can feel really painful and irritable for a day or two, after which you will notice the mucosa in that part sloughing off.


2. Chemicals in oral hygiene products and foods

certain chemicals in oral hygiene products can cause the mucosa to peel. (Image by iStockphoto via Pexels)
certain chemicals in oral hygiene products can cause the mucosa to peel. (Image by iStockphoto via Pexels)

Certain products of oral or dental hygiene, such as toothpaste or mouthwash, may have specific chemicals that can cause the mucosa to peel. These chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and others, can react with the mucosal lining, causing the roof of mouth to peel.

Certain foods and drinks containing artificial colors or preservatives may also lead to the mucosa peeling off. Caustic agents and drugs such as aspirin and antibiotics can severely damage the mucosa.


3. Autoimmune diseases

Bacterial infection can cause the roof of the mouth to peel. (Image by Edward Jenner via Pexels)
Bacterial infection can cause the roof of the mouth to peel. (Image by Edward Jenner via Pexels)

Autoimmune diseases can also lead to the roof of mouth peeling. Such diseases emerge when the immune system of the body is compromised. Bacterial infections can also lead to such mucosal peeling.


4. Highly acidic or allergic food

Allergic reactions can cause roof of mouth peeling (Image by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels)
Allergic reactions can cause roof of mouth peeling (Image by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels)

Highly acidic foods cause irritation to the mucous membrane inside the mouth, leading to the sloughing of the mucosal lining. This is due to the extremely sour and acidic food reacting with the mucous of the epithelial cells.

The other reason regarding food and mucosal disintegration is the intake of allergens. Certain food allergies might develop with age and be limited to a specific area of the mouth.


5. Oral trauma by external impact

Oral trauma can also cause severe damage to the mucosal lining. (Image via iStockphoto)
Oral trauma can also cause severe damage to the mucosal lining. (Image via iStockphoto)

Any impact caused to the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as while eating or brushing, may injure them and the soft gums. As these injuries heal with time, the mucosal membrane in these parts may come off. This way, the body heals the parts by shedding off the damaged parts of the mucosa and regenerating newer cells there.


6. Oral thrush or candidiasis

Taking too many antibiotics can develop oral thrush which can cause mucosal damage (Image by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels)
Taking too many antibiotics can develop oral thrush which can cause mucosal damage (Image by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels)

This is a type of oral yeast infection that is common in those taking a lot of antibiotics. It can also occur in those who are immunocompromised or have an undiagnosed disease in their system. Thrush can usually appear in people wearing oral appliances such as dentures or partials if they are not properly cleaned.

The condition may leave a white residue that, when wiped away, leaves raw, red skin beneath it. It can cause the mucosal lining on the roof of your mouth and just inside your cheeks to slough off. Probiotics or prescription drugs may help with the condition.


The causes of skin peeling on the roof of the mouth can vary from one person to another. Some causes can be irritable and painful enough for an individual to seek medical attention. Maintaining oral hygiene is of the utmost importance for overall well-being. More than a condition, the skin on the roof of mouth peeling could be a symptom of an underlying issue, which one should be aware of at all times.

Edited by Babylona Bora
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