Dentists say they can sometimes tell if a patient has engaged in certain activities by noticing small changes inside the mouth. These signs can last up to three days.
Recently, several dental professionals have shared this information on social media, surprising many people.
The key sign is a group of tiny red or purple spots on the roof of the mouth, known as palatal petechiae. These marks happen when small blood vessels under the skin break, similar to a bruise.
These spots can be caused by various reasons, such as illnesses like Covid, strep throat, or glandular fever. In those cases, viruses or bacteria can damage the blood supply in the mouth.
But in some situations, these marks appear due to repeated pressure in the same area, combined with increased blood flow.
Most dentists notice these marks during checkups, but they don’t always mention them. However, if the marks don’t heal, they may investigate further, as in rare cases, it can be a sign of a blood disorder or other medical condition.
Usually, palatal petechiae disappear on their own within a week, but if they don’t, it might require medical attention.
One dentist, Dr. Britany Baker, explained this to her social media followers, saying, “It’s basically like a small bruise on the roof of your mouth.”
Many users reacted with surprise, realizing their dentist might notice these details. One person joked, “How long does it take to heal? Asking for a friend with a checkup tomorrow.” Another asked if there was a way to avoid bruising.
One woman shared an awkward moment, saying, “My dad is a dentist, and I once asked him to check my throat. He pretended not to know what it was, and later my mom explained it to me.”
Dr. Huzefa Kapadia, a Michigan-based dentist, said that how noticeable these marks are depends on the person. “Some people bruise more easily than others, so it varies.”
Medical reports have also recorded cases of palatal petechiae, with some experts suggesting that changing lifestyle habits could be making it more common.
Doctors documented one case in the British Medical Journal, where a 47-year-old man had these marks. After being asked, he revealed that the marks appeared about three days after a certain activity.
Dentists usually don’t discuss this unless the patient is a child, in which case it could be a medical concern requiring further investigation.