Pinpoint, round, reddish-brown spots on the roof of the mouth: What are they?

Answer: Palatal petechiae

Explanation

• Palatal petechiae are small, pinpoint, red to reddish-brown spots on the hard/soft palate.
• Often associated with strep pharyngitis, infectious mononucleosis, or minor trauma.

Why the other options are wrong

• Candidiasis: white plaques that can often be scraped off.
• Leukoplakia: white patches that do not scrape off.
• Canker sores (aphthous ulcers): painful ulcers with a white/yellow base and red border.