Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Mouth feels rough in texture

08/06/2008

Question:

Hello there, I noticed a few days ago that the front of my mouth (inside of lips and a bit under the tongue) have became rough in texture. I have not changed my eating habits or anything else that I would normally do to my mouth. It does not hurt and it is not irritable, but my niece has thrush and I just wanted to see it this could be a symptom. I looked it up on the net, but it seems that I would have white on my tongue, and this I do not have.

Any help would appreciated.

Answer:

It is possible that the roughness you feel may represent a reaction of the skin of your mouth to some form of food or drink. This type of reaction, a mild form of hypersensitivity or allergy-like response, is most common to things like gum or candies that have very intense flavorings or spices such as cinnamon. Tracking down the specific culprit, though, is often quite difficult. In some cases, the areas may appear whitish and/or reddish, but in very mild reactions, roughness of the oral mucosal surface may be the only clinical evidence of anything out of the ordinary.

This change should resolve quickly (unless you run into the problem food/drink/oral hygiene product again). Should the problem persist of worsen, it would be advisable to have your dentist or a dental specialist such as an oral pathologist examine the area(s) more closely.

Good luck!

For more information:

Go to the Dental and Oral Health (Adults) health topic.