Why does the skin inside of your mouth peel?
Dr. B. Kanagasabapathy MDS(Ortho), Fellow ICOI Orthodontist and Implantologist
Do you notice any skin peeling inside mouth or oral mucosal peeling off in your mouth?
We usually need to use the process of elimination to determine the causes of skin peeling inside the mouth. Peeling inside mouth, inside of cheek peeling, mouth lining peeling, lips peeling, and roof of mouth peeling may be caused due to allergic reactions from active chemicals (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) in your toothpaste. Once you start paying attention to what you are using on your teeth and gums and any other warning signs, it becomes simpler to find out the root causes of skin peeling inside mouth.
Is skin inside mouth peeling normal?
Small inside of cheek peeling or skin peeling inside mouth are normal as they heal themselves after a few days. They arise from habits like cheek biting, acidic substances in foods and drinks we intake, and so on. Likewise, taking hot foods also tends to cause the skin inside your mouth to peel. Meanwhile, it might happen as a side effect of dental complications like oral thrush.
However, oral mucosa peeling is instigated by certain ingredients in substances we are putting in our mouths. Furthermore, skin peeling inside the mouth is also connected to several physiological and skin conditions.
Our oral hygienists and dentists have compiled a list of the most likely causes of peeling skin in your mouth. Keep reading this blog article.
Why is it considered a concern?
The inside of the mouth is covered with a layer called oral mucosa. This tissue layer acts as a barrier and functions to protect the inner layer from food particles and infections penetrating it. Also, it serves as an immune barrier by preventing infections from seeding into the oral cavity. This is the reason of the mouth skin peeling. Without this barrier, food particles and pathogens could enter the bloodstream.
What causes skin peeling inside mouth?
1) Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune disease is a condition in which our body’s immune system attacks our own body. The exact cause of this condition is still unknown. However, it is believed that some microorganisms confuse our natural defense system hence that it cannot distinguish our cells and foreign cells. Around 80 types of autoimmune disorders are identified. Addison disease, Celiac disease are some examples.
Once an autoimmune disease occurs, it shows warnings like inflamed glands, fatigue, skin problems like oral tissue sloughing, and so on.
2) SLS in Toothpaste
SLS – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an active ingredient in the toothpaste you use regardless of its brand. It helps hold all ingredients in the toothpaste together and makes the toothpaste foamy. Even though SLS is a safe compound, it irritates the skin inside the mouth at times. Mouth sore sufferers and those who have sensitive skin encounter annoyances like skin inside of their mouth peeling off.
3) Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the skin and mucus membranes. When a person has SJS, it shows flu-like symptoms and is followed by a painful rash. Later the skin starts to blister and peel off. The upper body is where SJS typically begins to spread swiftly to the arms, legs, and other body regions.
SJS sufferers encounter more skin peeling off around their faces and tough sloughing inside their mouths.
4) Malnutrition
Needless to say, consistent intake of foods with low nutritional value will weaken your body. It is because your body wouldn’t receive the appropriate level of calories, vitamins, and minerals hence that various chronic diseases will occur.
Likely, your skin health is also compromised by poor diet. Researches show that falling short of Vitamins A, C, B3, B6, B12, minerals, iron and zinc will have detrimental effects on your skin.
In such circumstances, the capacity of tissue healing inside the skin is reduced. You might notice unusual changes in your skin. Oral mucosa peeling is an example.
5) Food Allergies
Despite taking healthy & nutritious foods, certain ingredients will irritate mucosa inside your mouth. Acidic substances are the main culprits to blame. They are powerful to cause rashes, redness, and even skin peeling in the mouth.
Similar to the adverse effects of acidic compounds in foods we intake, our immune system exhibits allergic reactions like oral mucosa peeling after taking certain foods. Avoid including such foods on your diet plan whenever possible.
Bottom line
Several factors might cause the skin to peel off in the mouth. It is hard to pinpoint without a dentist’s help. Hence consult your dentist immediately once you notice chronic skin in mouth peeling. Once the irritant is identified, your dentist would prescribe ways to adjust your routine to get rid of oral mucosa peeling.
For instance, SLS-free toothpaste is recommended for those who develop skin peeling in their mouths due to this compound.
Our Lakshme Dental Hospital’s skilled dentists have dealt with skin peeling off in many people’s lips, cheeks, throats, palates, and other oral cavity locations. Get in touch with us to discover more about this dental issue and how to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Question
Peeling inside the mouth can be due to various reasons, including irritation from hot food, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune diseases.
In most cases, oral mucosal peeling is not dangerous and can be resolved with proper care and treatment.
To stop skin peeling inside your mouth, try to avoid irritants, stay hydrated, and maintain good oral hygiene.
Peeling on the roof of the mouth can occur due to irritation, allergies, or infections.
Yes, vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamins A, C, B3, B6, B12, minerals, iron and zinc deficiencies, can lead to peeling inside the mouth.
To address skin peeling on the roof of your mouth, avoid spicy or acidic foods, maintain good oral hygiene, and consult a dentist if needed.
If you notice sloughing of the cheek lining, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Keep your lips hydrated, avoid licking them, and consider using a lip balm to help with peeling.
Yes, autoimmune diseases can sometimes lead to peeling inside the mouth as a symptom.
Toothpaste containing certain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate can sometimes cause irritation, leading to peeling inside the mouth. Consider switching to a mild toothpaste.
