Hole appeared in roof of mouth?

[RSDonovan]

Can anyone tell me what could cause a small, very painful hole to appear in the roof of the mouth, just behind the teeth? Thanks

[kira000]

I suspect it is a saliva gland- its always there, but should be painless. If you are saying it is painful, then i would imagine somehow it has become infected.

You could try using an antiseptic mouth wash for a few days, and see if it improves.
If it doesnt, you should see a doctor incase the infection needs antibiotics, or, incase it is another alternative which is a small fistula developing leading to the sinus cavity.

[sqad617]

Painful HOLE in the roof of the mouth.........doesn�t sound like a salivary gland or fistula. Go and see yr GP as there are other possibilities.

[J9PUR]

The most likely diagnoses are:
1) traumatic ulceration
2) aphthous ulceration ('common' mouth ulcer)
3) sinus from a non-vital upper tooth

There are no major salivary glands in the palate, and infection of minor glands are rare.

Are you getting any discharge of pus from the 'hole'? If so, it is likely to be arising from an upper tooth. If the 'hole' is painful, it is more likely to be from some kind of ulceration.

You would be better off seeing your dentist if the matter does not clear, as they would be in the best position to form a diagnosis and provide treatment if needed. In the meantime, you could rinse twice daily with a Chlorhexidine mouthwash such as 'Corsodyl'.

[mandimoo]

are you sure its not just an ulcer? things in your mouth can feel huge when they are not really that big, and ulcers are like a little hole and they are very painful.

[mandimoo]

the extensive ulcer answer wasnt there when i started typing!