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Red spots in the mouth can occur on the lips, roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and tongue. Certain types, like cold sores and oral herpes, can be very painful. Red spots are usually caused by an infection from bacteria, like strep throat, a virus, or fungus. Treating it depends on the cause but you can reduce the pain with numbing creams. Last updated September 23, 2021 Last updated September 23, 2021 Red spots in the mouth quiz Take a quiz to find out what's causing your red spots in the mouth. What are red spots on the roof of mouth, lips, or tongue?Red spots in the mouth can coincide with pain and discomfort making everyday activities such as eating and talking very difficult. On the other hand, red spots in the mouth may be asymptomatic and go unnoticed for a long period of time. Regardless of the presentation, these spots often signal an underlying infection or systemic condition that requires medical follow-up. Common characteristics of red spots in the mouthThese spots can also have various appearances. They can be described as any combination of the following:
Common accompanying symptoms of red spots in the mouthRed spots in the mouth can also be found outside of the mouth on the lips or lower face and may also be associated with symptoms such as:
If you are experiencing red spots in the mouth or any of the associated symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. What causes red spots in your mouth?Red spots in the mouth can have a variety of different causes, many of which are inflammatory in nature. Inflammation can occur from systemic diseases or environmental triggers that irritate the mucosal lining of the mouth. There are many different causes which can most easily be grouped into the following categories: Infectious causeThe mouth is the body's first line of protection against different pathogens and toxic substances, and as a result, it is exposed to many infectious causes of red spots in the mouth.
Autoimmune causesMany inflammatory conditions that result in the body attacking itself can also affect the mouth and cause injury and inflammation that results in red spots or sores.
Environmental causesEnvironmental causes can be related to certain exposures or lifestyle habits.
Cancer
How to treat red spots in your mouthSince the causes of red spots in the mouth are so varied, your treatment plan will depend on the specific cause of your symptoms. Depending on the cause, your healthcare provider may suggest:
FAQs about red spots in the mouthAre there things I can do to prevent the development of red spots in the mouth?Since many of the causes of red spots in the mouth are infectious in nature, it is important to protect yourself from pathogens by maintaining proper hygiene such as hand washing. Avoid putting your hands in your mouth especially after touching doorknobs or interacting with sick individuals. In addition, maintaining proper nutrition and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can also go a long way in preventing the occurrence of red spots in the mouth. Are red spots in the mouth dangerous or life-threatening?For the most part, red spots in the mouth are more annoying and uncomfortable rather than dangerous or life-threatening. However, a red spot in your mouth may also be a sign of a cancerous process, so never ignore your symptoms. It is always important to follow-up on your symptoms since many of the underlying conditions often require follow-up and treatment. How long will the red spots in my mouth last?The duration of your symptoms will depend on the specific cause. For example, bacterial causes of red spots in the mouth often go away with the resolution of the underlying bacteria whereas autoimmune causes of red spots in the mouth may be a lifelong problem. Are red spots in the mouth an acute or chronic condition?There are some cases in which red spots in the mouth can be chronic, especially those associated with autoimmune conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, viruses such as herpes can persist within the body and recur in times of physical and emotional stress. Red spots related to chronic habits such as tobacco and alcohol may also persist and become chronic whereas bacterial infections are more acute. Can red spots in my mouth spread to other parts of my body?Red spots in the mouth can spread or appear on other parts of the body depending on the cause. For example, infectious causes ranging from bacteria to fungi can cause spots to appear not only in the mouth but also in areas such as the genitalia and under the armpits. Questions your doctor may ask about red spots in the mouth
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Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions. Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP... Read full bio Was this article helpful? 15 people found this helpful References
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