Short Description
The roof of the mouth, divided into the hard and soft palate, playing a key role in speech, chewing, and separating the oral and nasal cavities.
Long Description
The palate is the roof of the mouth, consisting of two main sections: the hard palate in the front and the soft palate in the back. The hard palate provides a rigid structure for chewing and speaking, while the soft palate is flexible and helps with swallowing and breathing.
The soft palate contains the uvula, which assists in speech and prevents food from entering the nasal cavity. Any abnormalities, such as a cleft palate, can impact speech development, eating, and breathing and may require surgical correction.
Oral health conditions affecting the palate include infections, burns from hot foods, and sores from irritation. Proper oral hygiene, avoiding excessive heat exposure, and regular dental exams help maintain a healthy palate.