Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common oral health conditions that you and your family might experience at some point. Injuries to the face and mouth can also compromise the health of your teeth.
However, there are several other oral health issues where you may need to seek help from a dentist or specialist, which we will list below.
7. Painful after-effects
Nobody knows what causes these small, painful blisters in the mouth. Triggers include hypersensitivity, infections, hormonal imbalances, stress, and a lack of vitamins and nutrients. Also called canker sores, these lesions can appear on the tongue, cheek, or even gums. They usually last a week or two. Persistent and severe sores can be treated with special creams, medications, or dental lasers.
8. Leucoplakia
Leukoplakia is a reaction to an irritant, such as abrasive/sharp teeth, ill-fitting dentures, smoking, and smokeless tobacco. It can appear as white patches or plaques in the mouth. They are usually painless and cannot be scraped off. Leukoplakia can also be a pre-cancerous condition. Leukoplakias are usually asymptomatic and are initially observed by a dentist during a check-up.
Did you know that over the course of a lifetime, an adult produces approximately 37,854 litres of saliva, which is about 1.5 litres of saliva in a day?
9. Oral herpes (or mouth herpes)
Oral herpes (or mouth herpes) is an infection that erupts on the lips and mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus involves the appearance of painful sores located on the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, inside of the cheeks, and sometimes on the face and neck. It can also trigger symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. People usually confuse the infection with mouth ulcers.
Oral herpes infection can be transmitted through:
– contact with infected mucous membranes or skin
– using the same items for eating or drinking
Sexual contact
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10. Oral (mouth) candidiasis
Oral thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by a fungal microorganism called Candida albicans, and it is more common in elderly adults and infants. A weakened immune system, diabetes, antibiotics, or certain medications – such as inhaled corticosteroids used in the treatment of asthma – can create a favourable environment for the development of thrush. Wiping or touching these causes pain. Go for a medical consultation for a definitive diagnosis.
11. Unpleasant-smelling breath (halitosis)
Decayed teeth can have food particles around them that encourage the development of bacteria, causing bad breath. An unpleasant taste in the mouth can be due to continuous mouth breathing, dry mouth, tooth decay, a sign of gum disease, or even diabetes. Combat bad breath by brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash daily, drink potable water, and avoid foods that can cause it. Consult your dentist if bad breath persists.
Mouth health problems can appear, more frequently, alongside other conditions and illnesses, such as diabetes, Down syndrome and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Many medications can also cause problems in the mouth.
12. Oral cancer
A mouth sore that does not heal. Unexplained numbness in the face, mouth, or throat. Difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing. These are some symptoms of oral cancer. Causes can include smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, overexposure to the sun, and a family history of cancer. Oral cancer has also been linked to the human papillomavirus, or HPV.
Do not let fear keep you away from the doctor: early detected oral cancer is treatable and curable.
Drinking alcohol and smoking can cause many problems in the mouth. Your chances of developing oral cancer are increased if you smoke, use smokeless tobacco (snuff), or drink alcohol to excess.
Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.