When our bodies encounter issues, various symptoms may manifest. For instance, some people may notice a whitening phenomenon in the upper jaw area inside their mouths. This can manifest as grayish-white, shallow white, or milky white patches or plaques, which are generally smooth and without nodules. When such symptoms are relatively minor, no specific treatment is typically required. However, if the symptoms are severe, topical ointments may be applied for treatment.

Causes of White Patches on the Oral Upper Jaw

1. White patches on the oral upper jaw are often associated with white keratosis, clinically presenting as grayish-white, shallow white, or milky white patches or plaques with unclear boundaries. These patches or plaques are smooth and soft, without any symptoms. The surface is smooth and without nodules, and this condition is often related to smoking. In the center of the grayish-white or shallow white patches, the opening of the palatal glands can be seen as small red dots. Heavy smokers may experience extensive grayish-white over-keratinization damage in the palatal area.

2. The junction between the hard and soft palates is rich in mucous glands and concave. After stopping smoking, the symptoms may improve or disappear. For severe cases, topical tretinoin ointment can be applied.

3. In infants and young children, white patches on the upper jaw are often associated with thrush and Candida albicans infection.

Daily Oral Care

1. Maintain Oral Hygiene: The mouth contains various bacteria, and new plaque can form within hours after cleaning the tooth surface, leading to dental problems. It is essential to establish the habit of brushing teeth from childhood. Brushing should be done within 3 minutes after eating, brushing for 3 minutes each time, and brushing 3 times a day. If this is difficult, rinsing after meals and brushing twice a day is recommended. It is important to brush teeth properly, brushing upper teeth with the bristles pointing downward along the gum line and brushing lower teeth from the bottom up. Vigorous back-and-forth brushing should be avoided, as it can cause gum recession and wedge-shaped defects in the tooth tissue.

2. Oral Exercise: Regularly consume foods with coarse fiber and chew thoroughly to stimulate saliva secretion and flush away debris, promoting tooth whiteness and strengthening periodontal tissue. It is advisable to develop the habit of chewing on both sides of the mouth, which can enhance blood flow to the tooth roots and surrounding tissues, beneficial for maintaining periodontal tissue function.

3. Balanced Diet and Lifestyle: It is recommended to consume plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and maintain regular bowel movements. Avoid fried, greasy, alcoholic, and seafood-based foods that can be stimulating. Have a regular lifestyle, going to bed early and waking up early, ensuring 8-9 hours of sleep per day. Avoid excessive fatigue, which is also an important aspect of daily oral care.