5 Things About the Roof of Your Mouth

What is the point of the roof of our mouths? Why is it there? What does it do? Etc. I mean, it's not like the roof of our mouths is something that we ponder about too often and we lay away at night thinking about it; however, it is a strange part of our body, huh?

The palate, not to be confused with the pallet (a bed), or palette (a range of colors), is the formal name for the roof of our mouths.

So what does it do? Why do we have it? Let's find out:

1. The hard palate at the front is made of bone, the soft palate behind it is made of tissue. Both the hard palate and the soft palate help our breathing, swallowing, and our speech. Think about it, these things would not be possible if there was no barrier there. 
2. If the bones of the hard palate do not fuse before birth, it is called a cleft palate. This is a purely structural problem that can be repaired before the age of one. 
3. The soft palate helps to close off the nasal passages during swallowing and the airway, if required, during sneezing. Fun fact: crocodiles do this too. 
4. The soft palate has salivary glands and taste buds- this is why we call good food "palatable". 
5. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear that peanut butter will stick to one's palate. I personally do not have this fear but it is more common than one may realize. 

If you have questions about the palate, then talk with Dr. Rubino, a dentist in Park Ridge. If you notice any discoloration, inflammation, or other issues with your palate, then contact your dentist. If you do not have a dentist, then schedule an appointment with our Park Ridge dental office.