The Role of the Uvula

January 9, 2023. 3 min read

man doing work out and different exercises outdoor

It resembles a boxing speed bag and some refer to it as your "dangly thing." These descriptions would be inaccurate. So we're going to set the record straight on this somewhat odd-looking part of your mouth. The actual term for it is your uvula. It affects your eating and speaking and plays a significant role in your sleeping and throat health. Get the entire lowdown on your uvula below and how you can keep it fit as a fiddle.

Oral Anatomy

Before learning what your uvula does, it's good to understand where the uvula is located and what surrounds it. It falls within your mouth's palate. Your hard palate is at the front of your mouth, consisting of a more bony structure, while the fleshier part in the back of the oral cavity is the soft palate. There you'll find your uvula or palatine uvula. It's a fleshy teardrop-shaped piece of tissue that hangs at the end of your soft palate near your throat or pharynx.

What Does the Uvula Do?

You've learned where the uvula is situated. Now to its function. Years ago, before modern science, many thought the uvula didn't serve a purpose. That has since been debunked. So what does the uvula do? Plenty.

It stops food and liquid from entering your nasal cavity as it and the soft palate move upward when you swallow
It helps in your ability to speak
It stops you from choking as it triggers your gag reflex should a large piece of food or foreign object get to the back of your throat

Uvulitis

Many parts of your body and mouth can become inflamed, and your uvula is no exception. Usually, the inflammation is due to an infection. Other possible causes could be a throat injury, allergic reaction, ingesting certain chemicals, or smoking.

Other symptoms on top of inflammation include:

Fever
Feeling like something is in your throat
Choking or gagging
Coughing
Sore throat
Excessive saliva
Decreased appetite

Your doctor may treat your uvulitis with antibiotics for an infection, steroids for swelling, or antihistamines for allergies. At home, you should also:

Stay hydrated
Gargle with saltwater
Use an over-the-counter throat spray or lozenges
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Eliminate all exposure to smoke

If symptoms don't cease, it could be strep throat. While it's most common in children, adults can still contract strep as well. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and red tonsils. See your doctor if pain or discomfort persists for more than a few days.

Sleep Apnea

While your uvula assists you with many essential functions, it can also be an accomplice in snoring. Your soft palate muscles, tongue, and throat relax when you transition to deep sleep. When your throat muscles relax too much, they can block your airway, creating an audible vibration, or snoring. But snoring could be a sign of a more significant issue — obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder where your breathing randomly stops and starts while sleeping. Symptoms include:

Loud snoring
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Gasping for breath when you sleep
Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
More dry and sore mouth
Irritability
Nighttime sweating

You're at a higher risk if you're overweight, diabetic, or experience elevated blood pressure. If you feel you're experiencing OSA, see your doctor right away, as it could lead to heart disease if not treated.

If you've got a perfectly healthy uvula, you may never notice it hanging down in the back of your soft palate. However, if it becomes inflamed or you're experiencing signs of sleep apnea, it's time to make an appointment with your doctor.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

ORAL HEALTH QUIZ

What's behind your smile?

Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine

Start Now

What Are Dentin Tubules?

Have you heard of the term dentin tubules? Well, now you have. Dentin tubules are a vital part of your teeth. As you may know, the teeth are made up of tissue layers, and each one serves a unique function. The dentin tubules are located in the dentin, one of the layers below the enamel surface. The role of dentin tubules is to help you feel sensations in your teeth. That's also why they're often blamed for hypersensitivity in people's teeth.

What Is Hypodontia? Causes And Treatments For Missing Teeth

Hypodontia refers to the absence of one or more teeth. Learn how this condition is diagnosed and treated.

Father and daughter sticking their tongue out

What Are Foliate Papillae?

Hundreds of tiny bumps called papillae cover your tongue, most of which contain taste buds with sensory cells. There are four types of papillae—filiform, fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate—and each has a role to play. This article looks into the foliate papillae, which are located on the sides of the tongue and contain taste buds.