Mouth diseases and conditions

#Mouth diseases and conditions

Mouth sores and ulcers – canker sores

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Mouth ulcers are a type of sore which appears on the inside of your mouth. No one knows what causes mouth ulcers, but there are a few factors that can make you more likely to get one. These include stress, hormonal changes and mouth injuries. Most mouth ulcers heal by themselves without treatment within a week or two. Numbing gels and saltwater mouth rinses can help relieve your pain and reduce your chance of infection. See your doctor if your mouth ulcers are very painful or if they keep coming back. What are mouth ulcers? Mouth ulcers, also

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#Herpesvirus infections #Mouth diseases and conditions

Cold sores

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Cold sores are small blisters, usually near the mouth. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores should heal on their own within 2 weeks. You can’t cure cold sores, but medicines can help ease the symptoms. Cold sores don’t cause complications in most people, but newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems have a higher risk. What are cold sores? Cold sores are small blister-like spots that appear in or around the outside of the mouth and are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus. There is no cure for cold sores,

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Tongue-tie division (infant)

By Sama Mohamed

What is a tongue-tie? As a baby develops in the womb, the tongue separates from the floor of the mouth. A tongue-tie happens when the tongue does not separate enough. Some tongue-ties are thin while others may be chunky. Some tongue-ties do not cause problems — babies can feed and older children can talk normally. Other tongue-ties do cause problems. What are the benefits of tongue-tie division? Your baby should be able to feed better and their oral hygiene should improve. A tongue-tie. Are there any alternatives to tongue-tie division? Some tongue-ties divide on their own or tear on the lower teeth

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#Fungal infections #Mouth diseases and conditions #O

Oral thrush

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a mouth infection caused by a yeast fungus. Many people have candida present in their mouth without experiencing any problems. There are many risk factors for developing oral thrush including diabetes, chronic illness and poor dental hygiene. Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal mouthwashes, ointments or medications. See your doctor if you have severe symptoms of oral thrush or your symptoms return after treatment. What is oral thrush? Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is an infection of the mouth caused by yeast (a type of fungus) known

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#Dental problems #M #Mouth diseases and conditions

Mouth cancer

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Mouth cancer is an aggressive type of cancer that can affect your lips, tongue or inner mouth. Risk factors include smoking, drinking alcohol, poor mouth hygiene and chewing betel nut. Symptoms may include a painless lump in your mouth or a mouth ulcer (sore) that won’t heal. Mouth cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, but your chances of treatment success are greater the earlier it is detected. What is mouth cancer? Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, develops when abnormal cells grow and divide inside your mouth. Mouth cancer usually begins in your lips, tongue

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#M #Mouth diseases and conditions

Mouth and tongue cuts

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Cuts to the mouth or tongue commonly happen after a fall or knock to the head. If you or someone else has is bleeding from the mouth after a fall or injury, check for other injuries. Apply firm pressure to a cut on the mouth or tongue to help stop the bleeding. Most mouth and tongue cuts heal on their own without stitches. Use saltwater rinses and cold compresses to relieve mouth pain and swelling and to reduce the chance of infection.   When might I get a cut on my mouth or tongue? You might get a

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#Dental problems #G #Mouth diseases and conditions

Gum disease

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Gum disease occurs when the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth becomes inflamed. Gum disease is very common in Australia, with 3 in every 10 adults having moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis). The early stage of gum disease is reversible, but if left untreated it may lead to more serious gum disease and infection. Brushing your teeth and gums twice a day can help prevent gum disease. Visit your dental practitioner regularly to keep your mouth healthy. What is gum disease? Gum disease occurs when the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth becomes inflmamed. Severe

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#Dental problems #G #Mouth diseases and conditions

Gingivitis

By Sama Mohamed

Key points: Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth along the gum line. Bleeding gums is a common sign of gingivitis, and swollen or bleeding gums, or loose teeth also may occur. If you have gingivitis, the earlier you treat it, the better. See your dentist if you notice signs of gingivitis. What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth along the gum line. You remove plaque by brushing your teeth correctly, but if it builds up it can

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#D #Dental problems #Mouth diseases and conditions

Dry mouth syndrome

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Dry mouth syndrome, also called xerostomia, is a health condition where your body does not make enough saliva. Dry mouth syndrome can cause tooth decay, mouth ulcers, oral thrush or general health problems. Medical conditions or medicines can cause dry mouth syndrome. Treatment options include switching medicines that can cause dry mouth syndrome, taking medicines to stimulate saliva production, artificial saliva and lifestyle changes. If a medicine is causing your dry mouth, do not make any changes to your doses without first talking with your doctor. What is dry mouth syndrome? Dry mouth syndrome refers to when you

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#C #Mouth diseases and conditions

Cleft lip and cleft palate

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts A cleft lip or palate happens when parts of your lip, upper jaw or the roof of your mouth don’t join properly during development in the womb. A cleft lip or palate can lead to problems with breast or bottle feeding, and later with speech. Surgery can resolve these issues as well as help the child’s appearance and speech to develop normally. What is cleft lip or palate? Cleft lip or palate develops when parts of the lip, upper jaw or roof of the mouth don’t join properly in early pregnancy, resulting in a ‘cleft’ or opening. While

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#B #Mouth diseases and conditions

Bleeding gums and dental bleeding

By Sama Mohamed

Bleeding gums and dental bleeding What causes bleeding gums? If your gums are bleeding after you have brushed your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease. This happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Early gum disease is known as gingivitis. As well as bleeding, this can cause gum redness and swelling (inflammation). Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) happens when gingivitis is not treated. This causes: loose teeth bad breath tenderness or discomfort when biting receding gums (your teeth appear longer) If you think you might have gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist. Getting treatment

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#B #Mouth diseases and conditions

Halitosis – bad breath

By Sama Mohamed

Key points Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath. Bad breath is normal when you wake up, and generally disappears after you clean your teeth. If bad breath continues throughout the day, it may be a sign of a dental or other health condition. If bad breath is a problem, see your dentist who can check your mouth for common causes of halitosis, advise you about oral hygiene, and if necessary, refer you to your doctor. What is halitosis? Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath. It’s normal to have bad breath when you first wake up. It

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