Experts say that the color of the mouth can be a telling indicator of our health, so it is advisable to check the inside of your mouth regularly for any unusual changes in color.
Medical professionals at Healthline say that noticeable changes could indicate underlying health issues. This includes oral herpes, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause yellow sores to appear on the roof of the mouth.
“Most causes of yellowing of the roof of the mouth are not serious,” explains Elisha Lockett, a nutrition and health specialist. “However, some causes require medical attention, such as jaundice, some infections, and oral cancer.”
It is important to consult a general practitioner if you are concerned about discolouration inside your mouth. There are some warning signs to look out for that may indicate a more serious problem.
For example, Elisha points out that a yellow palate with white or gray patches could be due to psoriasis (or leukoplakia).
This condition usually develops from irritation inside the mouth, and people with it are at increased risk of developing oral cancer later on.
However, if you have a sore throat with a yellow roof in your mouth, it may indicate a bacterial problem.
In fact, sore throats and pharyngitis can often be treated with antibiotics.
Yellowing is often associated with poor oral hygiene and tobacco use. “Oral hygiene can be improved by brushing, flossing, visiting your dentist regularly, avoiding tobacco products and avoiding mouthwashes that contain oxidizing agents,” explains Elisha.
Apart from this, experts also suggest keeping an eye on the color of your tongue as this can also reveal a lot about your health. For example, a very red tongue can sometimes indicate a fever or an inflammatory condition, while a tongue with a thick white coating could indicate a fungal infection such as oral thrush. Also, a smooth, shiny tongue could be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 or iron.