Diseases
which effect the
rest of the body can also harm the mouth. Additionally there are
a number of conditions that occur only in the
mouth.
The best person to see for
the initial diagnosis of your mouth
condition is your own dentist. If further assessment or diagnosis
needs to be made, you can be referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Unit .This is
found
in most District Hospitals. In
United
Kingdom there
are very few specialists
who only deal with mouth diseases and
they are usually found in Dental Schools of teaching Hospitals.
COMMON
MOUTH
DISEASES
A
very common oral infection is gingivitis. That is the inflammation
of the gum
margins.
This is caused by the germs within the plaque around the gum and
the teeth. It is best to prevent build up of plaque by
regular and thorough brushing of the teeth
and
gums. Quite often this is helped by using disclosing tablets or
liquids. These can be purchased from chemists and stain the
plaque . As the plaque becomes more visible its removal becomes
easier. Unchecked , the plaque not only leads to
the damage of the
gum
but also ultimately the underlying bone. It also leads
to the decay
of the teeth. Those with the potential of having plaque around
the gums and teeth should be seen
more
regularly by their dentist or hygienist.
ULCERS
Recurrent Mouth Ulcers
Some 15 to 20% of the population in Europe suffers
from these types of ulcers. The common "aphthous” type
manifests as multiple small, round or ovoid, ulcers, which
last a week or so and then heal spontaneously. In troublesome
cases Cortisone mouthwashes are prescribed, to be used early in
their formation. Subsequently the pain is often due to surface
infection of the ulcers and so a dilute antiseptic mouthwash, or one which
can numb
the
ulcers such as Difflam , may be beneficial.
Bacterial Infection
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative
Gingivitis.
This is a condition in which the gum margins are painfully damaged.
It is more common in smokers and those who are unwell for any
reason. Many years ago it was referred to as "trench
mouth "as stressed soldiers in trenches were particularly
afflicted. However, the incidence has decreased in recent years
due to better health and less smoking.
Viral
Infection
A number of viruses can produce multiple ulcers in
the mouth.
Primary
herpetic gingivo-stomatitis
This is the first encounter to the Herpes Simplex virus in
a patient who has no immunity to this virus. Much of the mouth
lining can have blistering
and subsequent painful ulceration.
The condition is associated with fever.
Herpes
Zoster
virus can produce crusting and blistering in an area supplied by a specific nerve.
It is the mouth and face
version of shingles more commonly seen around the chest. It may be more common if the patient is a little unwell or weak
for any reason. can produce crop of blisters in the mouth, but usually in the region of
the soft palate.
Cancer of the Mouth
Any unexpected mouth ulcer which does not heal
within 2 to 3 weeks should be taken seriously and checked by a
Dentist or Doctor. The ulceration could be due to injury by a
tooth or over-extension of a denture or other blistering
conditions. However, a serious cause of ulceration which should be
excluded is malignancy.
The
commonest cancer of the mouth is that of the lining. Such
ulcers, once referred to a specialist unit are seen quickly
and if
appropriate, a biopsy carried out. If diagnosis is confirmed
early treatment can be arranged.
It is a mistake to treat such ulcers with antibiotics in the hope
that they will go away.
Tumours
of salivary glands can also present as
lumps in the mouth
White , dark,red and black lesions of the mouth
It
is wise to check any changes in the
colour of parts of mouth lining.
There are several conditions in the mouth which are white. Some are innocent and
unimportant.
Some more troublesome.
Lichen
Plan
These
are quite often white lines and patches in the mouth. Reticular
variety is when the lines are lace-like. Generally speaking
the mouth lining feels rough, but patients have no discomfort
from these. Occasionally a similar appearance is seen by
allergy to
medication
and this is then called lichenoid reaction.
The
most common dark lesion
is amalgam tattoo. Quite often while preparing a filling, some
of the dust of the amalgam can settle on a raw area and pro
duce a tattoo
similar to that on the skin. Occasional pigmentation is
seen naturally in patients with dark skin.
A common dark lump is caused by collection of blood
vessels haemangioma) . On rare occasions a malignancy
called Kaposi's sarcoma is seen in patients suffering from AIDS
and
this can have similar appearance
Leukoplakia .
This is a white patch which may have slight tendency to turn malignant.
There
are several conditions in the mouth which are red. Some are innocent and unimportant. Some are dangerous
Red areas could
be ulceration of the mouth lining which may be caused by a quite a large number of causes . The most important are cancers. A weak part of
the mouth is underneath the tongue where the lining is thin . Particularly in a smoker , the irritant effect of the tobacco can cause unstable lining, which can be white .
Occasionally these turn malignant and should be checked.
Other
red ulcers can be caused by infections destroying the mouth lining.
Some versions of lichen planus also have red components.
black
hairy
tongue. This is increased furring of the tongue, which is stained either by the germs within the tongue or, by smoking and tea and coffee.
This is just a very brief summary of some of the mouth lining changes in
colour seen, Whenever any persistent abnormality is noted it is
best to seek advice for its diagnosis.
Sore
Mouth
Any
disease of the mouth can become sore, however a number of patients suffer
from a sore tongue and mouth when there is no disease evident.
This maybe due to over-sensitivity of the mouth or malfunction of the
taste buds. It is often seen in elderly females. Quite often
there is an associated dryness of the mouth, which should be treated.
Dry Mouth
Dry
mouth is most common when we are under stress, but this is usually
temporary. Long-term dry mouth is due to poor production of
saliva. This maybe part of the ageing process or maybe disease
of the salivary glands. Many medication prescribed the side effect of
which is dry mouth. The best way of improving salivation is to stimulate the
salivary glands, achieved best by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on wine
gums.
Dental surgeons are taught to diagnose mouth diseases. If you are concerned , seek their advice.
