How to treat troubling mouth problems examines issues involving your gums, teeth, lips, tongue, inner cheeks, or the roof of your mouth. And provides information on the prevention and treatment of these common but very annoying and troubling mouth problems.
10 Troubling Mouth Problems
Sores
Sores such as cold sores (also called fever blisters), canker sores, and impetigo. Canker sores develop inside the mouth. While cold sores and impetigo usually affect the area around the outside of the mouth.
Chapped lips
This uncomfortable problem can be caused by dry, windy, cold, or very hot weather.
Dry mouth
This can be caused by dehydration, breathing through your nose, anxiety, and many medicines. Over time, having a dry mouth increases your risk of mouth infections, gum disease, and dental cavities.
White patches
Thick, hard white patches inside the mouth that cannot be wiped off are caused by irritation of the mouth. This is often caused by irritation of the mouth. For example from a rough tooth or poorly fitting denture rubbing against tissue. Or from smoking or using smokeless (spit) tobacco.
Thrush
A common infection of the mouth and tongue is caused by yeast. Thrush appears on your mouth and tongue as white patches that look like cottage cheese. When the patches are wiped away, the underlying area appears red and raw and may bleed. In babies, thrush may cause a rash in the diaper area.
Taste changes
Your sense of taste may be decreased, lost, or changed, such as a metallic taste in your mouth.
Tooth Cavities
Tooth decay (cavities) is caused by a breakdown of your tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria located in plaque that collects on teeth. Most especially along the gum line and in the crevices on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Tongue problems
Hairy tongue
A buildup of food and bacteria on the tongue may make the tongue look thick or furry (“hairy tongue”). Often the problems will go away if the surface of the tongue is regularly brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, if your tongue problem is from some local irritation, such as tobacco use. Hence, removing the source of the irritation may clear up your tongue problem.
Swollen tongue
Rapid swelling of your tongue can be caused by an allergic reaction, which can interfere with breathing.
Bad breath (halitosis)
Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem. So ensure that you brush your teeth twice each day. Likewise, floss once a day to decrease the bacteria that can cause bad breath. While brushing your tongue can also help.
Oral cancer
Your chances of having oral cancer are increased if you smoke, use smokeless (spit) tobacco, or use alcohol excessively.
Disease-related mouth problems
Diabetes Link To Oral Health Problems
Mouth problems may occur more with other conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, Down syndrome, and HIV. Also, many medicines can cause mouth problems.
Prevention
Most mouth problems can be prevented. As such, try some of the following home measures to prevent:
Cold sores
Avoid direct physical contact with people who have a cold sore. Remember, cold sores are caused by a contagious virus (herpes type 1). The reality is that children often become infected by contact with persons who have cold sores.
Canker sores
Avoid injury to the inside of your mouth and stay away from foods that can trigger a canker sore.
Bad breath
Practice good dental care by brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once a day.
Dry mouth
Make sure you are drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Also helpful are hard candies which increase saliva and prevent dry mouth.
Tooth cavities
Avoid eating and drinking foods high in carbohydrates. These foods trigger the production of acids that can cause the enamel or root surface to break down. Also, thoroughly clean all parts of your mouth and teeth after eating, floss, and use mouthwash.
Treatment
How to treat troubling mouth problems involve simple home treatment measures. For instance, increasing your fluid intake to prevent dehydration can relieve many mouth problems. Other simple home solutions are explained below:
Chapped lips
Avoid licking or biting your lips. Protect your lips with lipstick or a lip balm, such as a water-based product. If your lips are severely chapped, build a barrier by applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, for a short time. And then switch to a water-based product. Avoid sun or wind exposure.
A dry mouth
Avoid caffeinated beverages, tobacco, and alcohol. All these increase dryness in your mouth.
Bad breath, a black or “hairy tongue”
You can freshen your breath by brushing your teeth, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and gums. Sometimes just rinsing your mouth with fresh water will freshen your breath and make your mouth taste better.
Tooth decay
Regular checkups can identify cavities and other dental conditions before they cause troubling symptoms and lead to more serious problems. And if your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth’s enamel. Or may reverse a cavity in the very early stages.
Problems with the way food tastes
Simple changes in your diet can help if you are having problems with the way food tastes. For example, you can try a variety of spices, sauces, or seasonings to improve food taste. Also, you can add salt or lemon juice to food that is too sweet. Another way is to add sugar to tone down the food saltiness
Sore or ulcer inside your mouth
How to treat troubling mouth problems may require changes in your diet. This can help if you have a sore or ulcer inside your mouth, such as a canker sore. For instance, drink cold drinks such as water or iced tea. Use a straw to keep the liquid from touching your mouth sore. In addition, eat soft foods that are easy to swallow such as soups. Likewise, cut your food into pieces, grind, mash, blend, or puree. And avoid citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and tomatoes. Lastly, dab vitamin E oil onto the sore to soothe inflammation and protect.
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health
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