The Inside of My Mouth is Peeling. What’s Going On?

[Brent Cornelius D.D.S.]

If you notice that the inside of your cheeks appear to “peel” from time to time, it could be because you’re having a mild allergic reaction to your toothpaste.

But it also could mean something more serious:, gingivitis/periodontitis, canker sores or the more serious mouth ulcers, or even Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

If you notice peeling or sores in your mouth that don’t go away within a few days, get to a dentist ASAP!

Read below for more information on some of the different causes of mouth peeling.

• First, the toothpaste reaction: some people have a mild allergic reaction to whitening toothpastes. If you suspect this to be the cause of the peeling, simply stop using the toothpaste.
• Gums peeling is a sign of a more serious condition: you could have a very bad case of gingivitis or even periodontal disease. If you notice that your gums are peeling away from your teeth, you probably have one of these conditions. Both gingivitis and periodontal disease make your gum tissues become inflamed. If left untreated, your gum could start to recede from your teeth and some of your gum tissue may even peel away. If your gum is both receding and peeling away at the same time, get to your dentist ASAP!
• You may have canker sores or mouth ulcers. These tend to look like small white pumps on your gums, As the sores/ulcers heal, some of the gum tissue around them may peel. It’s very important that you see a dentist regularly so that he can check for these sores, as mouth ulcers could be an indication of oral/mouth cancer!
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a very serious condition. Peeling inside your mouth is a symptom that occurs long after other symptoms have presented themselves. The condition usually is a reaction to an infection or a medication. The syndrome usually starts with flu-like symptoms (high fever, aches and pains) and then is followed by a purple or red rash that blisters and spreads along your skin and the mucous membranes of your mouth (and even your genitals, nose, and eyes).  The top layer of the affected areas of your skin can die and shed (hence, the peeling). Recovery can take months. If, in addition to flu-like symptoms, you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The good news about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome? It’s rare!

If you’re at all concerned about the inside of your cheeks peeling, gums peeling from your teeth or any other symptoms appearing in your mouth, contact Plano dentist Dr. Darren Dickson at 972-596-5995.

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