Dental care.
Diseases affecting the mouth are different, and not only related to teeth or gums. The soft tissues inside the mouth, like cheeks, palate, tongue and throat, as well as lips, can be damaged because of infections or inflammations, due to the weakening of the immune system, the use of medicines, very invasive medical treatments.
Diseases related to the teeth are usually cavities, infections, abscesses, or problems caused by injuries; gums can be affected by gingivitis or periodontitis. Except that for injuries, the other pathologies are mostly caused by bacteria and plaque, that’s to say because of a lack of hygiene.
Mouth cavity.
Cavities are among the most common dental diseases, resulting from the gathering of plaque; plaque is a thin layer forming around the teeth in which bacteria can proliferate. If people don’t follow a proper oral hygiene, that consists in brushing at least twice a day and flossing once, and abuse of sugary food and drinks, bacteria develop until they corrode the enamel and the inner tissues of the tooth, causing toothache and abscesses.
Gingivitis.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the same due to bacteria; if these diseases are not treated, they can lead to the loss of the tooth and the spread of the infection through the body.
Surely, problems related to teeth and gums are among the mouth diseases most dangerous for overall health.
Mouth diseases also include cold sores and canker sores; cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). In some cases, cold sores can be harmful, and they are contagious; they can occur around the lips, on the gums or the palate.
Cold sores.
Cold sores can be reduced with antiviral medicines, but there is not a treatment for them, and usually they go away on their own in a few weeks.
Canker sores are small sores that can appear inside the cheeks, under the tongue, or in the back of the throat. They usually have a red edge and a grey centre.
Canker sores aren’t contagious and can be caused by viral infections, stress, food allergies, lack of vitamins and minerals, hormonal changes. They go away by themselves.
Mouth disease. Causes.
Other conditions of the mouth that can be connected with more severe pathologies are dry mouth and bad breath. A dry feeling in the mouth and a dry tongue, trouble chewing, tasting, or speaking may be related to some medicines, chemotherapy, and nerve damage, salivary gland diseases, Sjogren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS.
Bad breath can be a signal of gum disease, dry mouth or cavities; at the same time, some medicines and tobacco can cause a bad odour.
