In Van Nuys, California, people value their appearance and make an effort to look good. Good oral health is part of your appearance, and a bright and white smile can create a lasting first impression. While people often care about the color of their teeth, one sign that should not be ignored is the yellowing of the roof of your mouth. 

Yellowing of your mouth’s roof can be scary, but the causes are often not serious. The color change can come from normal things like eating too much turmeric and smoking. However, some serious concerns may include an oral thrush infection. Also, post-nasal drip can cause mucus to build up, which can irritate the mouth and make it look yellow.

If your mouth has been looking persistently yellow, it could indicate a more serious health problem. The warm weather in California also increases the possibility of fungal infections. If you notice that your roof of the mouth stays yellow, especially if it hurts, visit a Van Nuys dental clinic today. A professional can treat you on time and prevent the problem from escalating. 

Possible causes of yellowing of the roof

The yellow color on the roof of your mouth can happen for many reasons. Some possible causes, along with infections, are listed below:

1. Fungal infections. 

Oral thrush, also called candidiasis, is a common fungal infection that happens due to the overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Usually, this fungus is harmless and lives in your mouth in small amounts. However, factors like weak immunity, antibiotics, or steroid medicines can lead to its overgrowth. This can cause yellow or white patches on the roof of your mouth.

2. Bacterial infections. 

Bacterial problems like strep throat can also cause yellow patches. Strep throat is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. People often experience a sore throat, fever, and swollen neck glands. 

Sometimes, it makes the roof of your mouth look yellow or white, especially near the tonsils. Sinus infections can also irritate the palate because of mucus dripping down the throat, making it appear yellowish.

3. Viral infections. 

Viruses can also cause yellow spots in your mouth. For example, the herpes simplex virus causes painful blisters or sores that turn yellow when they heal. Other viruses, like enteroviruses, can also make the roof of your mouth look yellow as part of an infection.

4. Trauma or irritation.

Hot food or drinks, like pizza fresh from the oven or a steaming cup of coffee, can burn the roof of your mouth. You may have eaten something really hot and felt the roof of your mouth burn. The tissue there is soft and sensitive and it is easy to damage. When it heals, you might notice a yellow or red spot where the burn took place. 

5. Spicy or acidic foods. 

Foods like citrus fruits or hot peppers can irritate your mouth. They might make the roof of your mouth feel sore or burn a little. When you keep eating these foods, it can cause yellowish spots because of swelling or minor injuries from the irritation. It is important to eat these types of foods in moderation to protect your oral health. 

6. Dehydration. 

Not drinking enough water can make your mouth dry, which is not good for your oral health. Adequate saliva production is crucial for your mouth as it washes away the bacteria. When you are dehydrated, there is less saliva production. As a result, bacteria can grow more easily. This can cause yellow patches, bad breath, and an uncomfortable sticky feeling.

Noticed yellowing on the roof of your mouth?

If you have noticed that the roof of your mouth has started showing a yellow color and you are not sure about the cause, visit a dentist today. Letting the problem go untreated may make it worse!