Introduction
Inflammation of the palate is usually characterized by painful swelling and redness. This can occur due to injuries, infections, allergic reactions or even burns. A distinction is made between inflammation of the mucous membrane of the palate itself and inflammation of the uvula, the tonsils in the soft palate.
Causes
The most common cause of inflammation of the palate is an inflammation of the oral mucosa, which can occur, for example, after injuries caused by braces. Sharp edges cause lesions in the oral mucosa, in which bacteria accumulate and thus trigger the inflammation. Other possible causes include burns from hot food or drinks, as well as viruses and fungi. Inflammation of the palate or gums can also be the result of an ill-fitting or poorly maintained denture. The reason is either the mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane or the colonization of germs, which is favored by the lack of cleaning of the prosthesis parts and the remaining teeth and gums underneath, so that the risk of inflammation of the mucous membrane increases significantly.
Localization of the inflammation
Inflammation of the palatine tonsils (tonsillitis) occurs in the context of an infection, which is mostly caused by viruses, more rarely by certain bacteria (e.g. staphylococci, streptococci, etc.). Inflammation of the gums can be acute or chronic and can have a variety of causes. Inadequate oral hygiene is often the trigger for bacteria to multiply, produce toxins that attack the gums and can lead to unpleasant inflammation.
But also mechanical irritation of the gums, for example by brushing teeth too vigorously or wearing ill-fitting dentures, can cause inflammation in the gum area. Gum inflammation can also occur in connection with immunosuppressive therapy, vitamin C deficiency, hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy, stress and nicotine and alcohol consumption. More rarely, but still possible, inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth or gums can also occur in the context of other diseases, for example the metabolic disease diabetes mellitus.
But also a mechanical irritation of the gums, for example by brushing teeth too vigorously or by wearing ill-fitting dentures, can cause an inflammation in the area of the gums. Gum inflammation can also occur in connection with immunosuppressive therapy, vitamin C deficiency, hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy, stress and nicotine and alcohol consumption. More rarely, but still possible, inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth or gums can also occur in the context of other diseases, for example the metabolic disease diabetes mellitus.
Inflammation of the uvula is usually an accompanying symptom in infections of the mouth and throat of any kind. For example, the uvula can be inflamed as well in bacterial as in viral infections of the throat, the palatal tonsils or the soft palate. The redness and pain at the uvula is often accompanied by swelling, which can be additionally noticeable when looking into the mouth.
Other causes of an inflammation of the uvula, independent of infections of the mouth and throat, can be mechanical irritation caused by alcohol, smoking or strong spices, but also a consequence of an episode of strong vomiting, in which stomach contents, especially stomach acid, can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes. Inflammation of the soft palate does not usually occur on its own, but is often a simple co-reaction of the mucous membrane in infections of the mouth/throat area. If the soft palate is inflamed, this is usually also true for the uvula, which then also looks reddened and swollen.
An inflammation of the soft palate is often found in the context of an inflammation of the palatine tonsils or the pharynx. An inflamed soft palate, like many inflammatory changes of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat area, can lead to pain when eating, swallowing or speaking, which is quickly perceived as very unpleasant. When the actual infection is treated or regresses, the inflammation in the area of the soft palate usually also subsides.