Why Does the Skin in My Mouth Peel? (2024)

Why Does the Skin in My Mouth Peel? (2)

Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology

December 22nd, 2023

Is it ever the case that you wonder, “Why is the skin in my mouth peeling?” This behaviour may have multiple causes. The skin within your mouth, particularly the inside of your cheek, is highly fragile. It’s uncommon to see some peeling. Persistent peeling may suggest an underlying problem.

We can blame this issue on an active component (SLS) or allergic reactions to unobserved illnesses. Let’s look at some likely causes and simple solutions to this problem.

Understanding the Basics

Oral mucosa covers the inside of the mouth. This tissue layer protects the inner layer from infections and food particles that may penetrate it. It also functions as an immune barrier, preventing pathogens from growing in the mouth cavity. This is why peeling of the inside of the mouth is an issue. Infections and food particles may enter the bloodstream without this barrier.

You should start paying more attention to what you put in your mouth. Then, it will be much easier to determine the source of the problem.

Common Causes of Mouth Peeling

This exploration aims to shed light on the common causes of mouth peeling. These factors are essential for adopting effective preventive measures and maintaining a healthy oral environment. Let’s look at some of the causes:

Hot Fluids

The primary culprit behind mucosal peeling is the consumption of hot fluids. Some mucosa may peel off when you indulge in hot foods or drinks. Repeated exposure to these thermal burns can escalate, leading to the development of ulcers.

Chemicals

Chemicals present in medications and beverages can contribute to peeling inside your mouth. Certain drugs, like aspirin, are particularly implicated in mucosal damage. Accidental ingestion of certain chemicals or acidic substances can also prompt peeling.

Autoimmune Diseases

Some cases of mucosal peeling are associated with autoimmune diseases. Such cases are where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive. These diseases can manifest with peeling inside the mouth, indicating an immune system response.

Natural Peeling

Occasionally, the inside of the mouth may peel naturally over time. This peeling occurs spontaneously and is not linked to pain or discomfort. It’s a natural process that doesn’t necessarily indicate an underlying issue.

Oral Irritation

One of the most frequent reasons is oral irritation. Various factors can trigger this. Some of them consume hot or spicy foods, acidic beverages, or even harsh toothpaste. These irritants can lead to the skin inside the mouth peeling.

Biting or Chewing

Biting your cheeks or chewing on pens and pencils can create abrasions. Such an action can result in peeling. Be mindful of these habits to prevent unnecessary irritation.

Lack of Moisture

Besides, Insufficient hydration can contribute to the inside of the cheek peeling problem. Ensure you drink enough water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.

Potential Health Concerns

You know most cases of mouth peeling are harmless and temporary. Still, persistent peeling might signal an underlying health issue. Conditions like oral thrush, allergies, or vitamin deficiencies can be the main culprit of this problem. Thus, it’s essential to be aware of possible health concerns.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida, can lead to mucosal peeling. If you notice white patches along with peeling, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

Allergies

Allergic reactions to certain foods, oral care products, or medications can result in peeling. In cases like this, identifying and avoiding allergies is necessary.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins, can affect oral health and contribute to mucosal peeling. Maintaining a balanced diet is vital to addressing this concern.

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition. It can affect the oral mucosa, leading to peeling, white patches, or sores. So, you must consult a healthcare practitioner for a proper diagnosis.

Infections

Viral or bacterial infections, while less common, can cause mucosal peeling. Symptoms may involve redness, swelling, and discomfort.

How to Stop Skin Peeling Inside Mouth?

When dealing with skin peeling inside the mouth, it is necessary to understand its reason. There are numerous ways to deal with this issue. You may try the following:

  • Ensure you stay adequately hydrated to prevent dryness. Water is your mouth’s best friend!
  • Identify and avoid foods or substances that may be irritating. Opt for mild toothpaste and steer clear of overly spicy or acidic foods.
  • Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss gently to avoid any unnecessary trauma to the delicate skin inside your mouth.
  • Make sure you have a balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins. Sometimes, nutritional deficiencies can contribute to skin issues.

Outlook

Discovering why your skin inside the mouth starts to peel can be a lprocess of elimination. Keep an eye on your oral hygiene and remain hydrated. If the problem continues, seek assistance from a dental expert. Keep in mind that a healthy mouth brings overall wellness.

Feeling troubled by persistent peeling or have concerns about your oral health? If yes, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Why Does the Skin in My Mouth Peel? (2024)

FAQs

Why Does the Skin in My Mouth Peel? ›

Skin Peeling Inside Mouth, known as the oral mucosa, is the peeling of the thin, delicate tissue that lines the oral cavity. This can be caused by trauma, harsh oral care products, infections, allergies, dry mouth, systemic diseases, or vitamin deficiencies.

Why is skin peeling off inside my mouth? ›

Skin Peeling Inside Mouth, known as the oral mucosa, is the peeling of the thin, delicate tissue that lines the oral cavity. This can be caused by trauma, harsh oral care products, infections, allergies, dry mouth, systemic diseases, or vitamin deficiencies.

Why does the skin in my mouth peel when I use toothpaste? ›

Toothpaste containing certain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate can sometimes cause irritation, leading to peeling inside the mouth. Consider switching to a mild toothpaste.

What is the white film in my mouth peeling? ›

What Is It? The white film in your mouth is a condition known as oral thrush. It is an infection caused by the candida fungus, which is a naturally occurring yeast in your body. Usually, this fungus is kept under control by other bacteria, but sometimes mitigating factors can lead it to grow out of control.

Why does my mouth skin peel after mouthwash? ›

Most of the time this occurrence is related to a chemical or food sensitivity. If this happens to you, try changing your toothpaste, mouthwash or any other substance you use regularly in your mouth. Some anti-tartar and whitening agents in oral health care products may cause skin sloughing in some people.

Why is my skin peeling inside white stringy stuff in my mouth after brushing my teeth? ›

This sticky, disgusting layer of film is called oral thrush, and it's normal to want to rid your mouth of the foul substance as quickly as possible! Read on to learn more from your dentist about what causes oral thrush, along with some measures you can take to address it and maintain good oral health.

How do I get rid of peeling skin around my mouth? ›

Moisturizing with lotions or oils can often help relieve dry skin around the mouth. Avoiding potential irritants, such as steroid creams or inhalers and fluoride toothpaste, is also a good idea. If dry skin is persistent, a person can often find relief by treating the underlying cause.

Is Sloughing bad for mouth? ›

This tissue peeling or sloughing is not really a serious matter since the oral tissues are one of the fastest tissues to reproduce in the body. It can just be annoying when this takes place and should be resolved if possible. You should note a difference within a week or after changing.

What causes rough skin inside the mouth? ›

Leukoplakia Causes

Causes of leukoplakia include: Irritation from rough teeth, fillings, crowns, or dentures that don't fit well and rub against your cheek or gum. Smoking or using chewing tobacco regularly. Long-term, heavy alcohol use.

How to fix peeling gums? ›

Beyond practicing good oral habits, here are some professional treatments for peeling gums:
  1. Scaling and Root Planing – This is also known as deep cleanings. ...
  2. Antibiotics – Medication may be beneficial if the issue is due to a bacterial infection.
Sep 25, 2023

What causes white skin inside mouth? ›

Leukoplakia appears as thick, white patches on the inside surfaces of the mouth. It has several possible causes, including repeated injury or irritation. It also can be a sign of mouth cancer or a sign of changes that could lead to cancer.

What causes oral tissue sloughing? ›

Oral epitheliolysis (also known as shedding oral mucosa or oral mucosal peeling) is a rarely described and often unrecognised superficial desquamation of oral mucosa that may be caused by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) containing oral hygiene products, though some cases appear idiopathic.

What is chemical peeling in mouth? ›

The second reason for the insides of your mouth peeling is due to chemicals. Many different chemicals contained in drugs and drinks tend to cause peeling. Certain drugs such as aspirin play the biggest role in mucosal damage. Certain chemicals and caustic products when accidentally ingested may also cause peeling.

Is skin peeling in mouth bad? ›

The skin within your mouth, particularly the inside of your cheek, is highly fragile. It's uncommon to see some peeling. Persistent peeling may suggest an underlying problem. We can blame this issue on an active component (SLS) or allergic reactions to unobserved illnesses.

Why is skin peeling off my tongue? ›

Takeaway. If your tongue is peeling, it could be the result of damage to your tongue's surface. It also might indicate an underlying condition such as oral thrush or geographic tongue. It could also be canker sores.

What does gingivitis look like? ›

Gingivitis can cause bright or dark red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. They fit tightly around the teeth.

How to get rid of white stringy stuff in mouth? ›

Oil pulling: Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth can help eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the formation of white mucus. Gentle brushing and flossing: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices can help prevent the accumulation of white stringy stuff in the mouth.

What infection causes peeling skin? ›

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a serious skin infection. The infection causes peeling skin over large parts of the body.

Is peeling the skin off my lips bad? ›

Don't peel or bite flaky skin.

The skin on your lips is thin and delicate. Picking at it can cause it to bleed and hurt, slow the healing process, and cause more irritation.

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