What Are Red Spots on the Roof of the Mouth? Causes & Treatment

Key takeaways:

• Red spots on the roof of the mouth can have several causes, including infections, injuries, and allergies.
• Most cases of red spots on the roof of your mouth are mild and may resolve on their own, but some may require medical treatment.
• Knowing when to see a doctor is important, especially if symptoms worsen or are accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

Identifying the cause of red spots on the roof of your mouth can help speed up recovery and prevent complications. While many red spots in the mouth are minor and may resolve on their own, they may also be a symptom of an illness, infection, or underlying health condition.

Understanding the potential causes and treatments for red spots on the roof of your mouth so you can find relief and decide if medical attention is necessary.

Common causes of red spots on the roof of the mouth

Red spots on the roof of the mouth can occur for reasons, ranging from minor irritations to infections or allergic reactions. Understanding the cause of these spots can help guide treatment and ensure proper care.

Viral or bacterial Infections

Several infections can cause red spots on the roof of the mouth. For example, two viral infections – hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpangina – can cause small, clustered spots that may be red, white, or yellow. While these viruses mostly affect children, they are both highly contagious and can be contracted by adults.

Strep throat, which is a common bacterial infection, often causes tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth.

Injuries or burns

Eating very hot food or accidentally scraping the roof of your mouth can cause inflammation that results in red spots. The redness typically fades as the tissue heals. In more severe cases, you might also notice blisters or peeling skin.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions to certain foods, medications, or oral hygiene products can cause red spots to form on the roof of the mouth. Common allergens include nuts, shellfish, and certain additives in toothpaste or mouthwash.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections, particularly oral thrush, can cause red spots in the mouth. Oral thrush can cause white or red patches on the roof of the mouth, accompanied by discomfort or burning sensations.

Read our full guides on rashes and different types of rashes for more.

Other symptoms associated with red spots on the roof of the mouth

Red spots on the roof of the mouth often accompany other symptoms, which can help pin down the root cause of your spots.

Sore throat

If red spots on the roof of the mouth are accompanied by a sore throat, it may be a sign of an underlying infection like strep throat or a viral illness. In this case, the presence of other symptoms, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes, can help narrow down the cause.

If you think you may have strep throat, it’s important to see a doctor. Strep is typically treated with antibiotics to avoid more serious infections.

Sore red spots

Sore red spots in your mouth and on other parts of the body may indicate an infection or condition.

Viruses like hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause painful red patches on other parts of the body.

Little or tiny red spots

Tiny red spots that appear on the roof of the mouth could be caused when small blood vessels break and cause pinpoint bleeding under the skin. This can be due to trauma, infections, or even certain medications.

Red and white spots

Red spots that are accompanied by white spots may suggest a fungal or viral infection.

Oral thrush, for example, often presents as red and white patches, while viral infections can cause both types of spots to appear simultaneously. It’s best to see a doctor to check for thrush, which can be treated with antifungal medication.

White spots only

If the roof of your mouth has only white spots, this could again be due to oral thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection that can result from taking antibiotics or other causes, but it can also be an indicator of a weakened immune system. Again, it’s best to see a doctor for thrush.

Another type of white spots in the mouth is called leukoplakia. These are thick, white patches that form in the mouth and sometimes spread to the roof of the mouth. Leukoplakia is not cancer, but it can be an indicator of oral cancer, so it’s important to see a doctor.

Reds spots found on the roof of the mouth and in the throat

The appearance of red spots on both the roof of the mouth and the throat is often a sign of a viral infection.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease, for instance, can cause red spots to appear in these areas, along with other symptoms like fever, sore throat, and body aches.

Sore throat and fever

When both a sore throat and fever accompany red spots on the roof of the mouth, it often points to a viral or bacterial infection. Common viral infections – such as hand, foot, and mouth disease or herpangina – frequently present with this combination of symptoms.

Bacterial infections like strep throat can also lead to red spots and cause a sore throat and high fever. If both symptoms are present, it’s more likely that the underlying cause is an infection, making it essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Read our full guide on rash symptoms for more.

Diagnostic process for red spots on the roof of the mouth

When diagnosing red spots in the mouth, your healthcare provider will often begin with a physical examination and a review of your symptoms. They may ask about recent illnesses, injuries, or dietary changes.

In some cases, swabs may be taken from the affected area to test for bacterial or viral infections. Blood tests may be performed to test for an underlying condition like an immune disorder.

Common treatment options for red spots on the roof of the mouth

Treatment options for red spots on the roof of the mouth will vary depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, the spots will resolve on their own, but some may require specific medical intervention, including oral or topical medications.

Antiviral or antibiotic medications

If the red spots are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, a healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral drugs or antibiotics.

Topical gels or creams

For minor irritation, injuries, or allergic reactions, over-the-counter topical gels or creams may provide relief.

These can help soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the affected area.

Antifungal medications

If a fungal infection, such as oral thrush, is causing the red spots, antifungal medications may be prescribed.

These are available in the form of mouth rinses, lozenges, or oral tablets that help eliminate the infection and prevent recurrence.

When you should see a doctor about red spots on the roof of the mouth

If red spots on the roof of the mouth are accompanied by other concerning symptoms or do not improve within a few days, it’s important to seek medical advice.

You should see a doctor if:

• The red spots last for more than a week without improvement.
• There are other symptoms like persistent fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen glands.
• The red spots are accompanied by white patches or unusual discharge.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You experience difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• The red spots are spreading rapidly, or severe swelling is present.
• There is significant pain or bleeding from the spots.

Read our full guide on when to worry about a rash for more.

Questions to ask your doctor about red spots on the roof of the mouth

If you’re seeing a doctor about red spots in your mouth, here are a few important questions to ask:

• What is the likely cause of my red spots and are they related to any underlying condition?
• Are there any specific treatments or medications I should take to alleviate my symptoms?
• Could this be a sign of an infection that requires further testing or follow-up?
• What can I do to prevent these red spots from occurring again?

Frequently asked questions: red spots on the roof of the mouth

When red spots appear on the roof of the mouth, it’s common to have concerns about what they mean and whether they require treatment. Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions:

What if you have red spots in the roof of your mouth, but no pain?

Red spots without pain could be a sign of mild irritation or a viral infection that may resolve on its own.

However, if the spots persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.

What could it mean when a child or toddler has red spots on the roof of their mouth?

Red spots in children are often caused by viral infections like hand, foot, and mouth disease or herpangina. These conditions are usually accompanied by fever, fatigue, and sore throat. If the spots persist or worsen, it’s important to seek pediatric care.

Read our full guide on when to worry about a rash on a child for more.

Final thoughts

Red spots on the roof of the mouth can result from a variety of causes, ranging from minor irritations to more serious infections. While many cases are mild and resolve with at-home care, it’s important to monitor symptoms. If the spots don’t go away, or if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

“About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/index.html. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Corsino, Carlin B. “Herpangina.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507792/.

Mohammed, F., and Fairozekhan A.T. "Oral Leukoplakia." StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 17 July 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442013/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

“Thrush - Children and Adults: Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000626.htm. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Vila T, Sultan AS, Montelongo-Jauregui D, Jabra-Rizk MA. Oral Candidiasis: A Disease of Opportunity. J Fungi (Basel). 2020 Jan 16;6(1):15. doi: 10.3390/jof6010015. PMID: 31963180; PMCID: PMC7151112. https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/6/1/15