The environment within the mouth and structure of the teeth are geared to handle a range of chemical, thermal and physical insults during the course of a day. After all, the mouth is one of two main points for a range of external substances to enter the body – the other being the nose. While these areas tend to react to the entrance of any noxious substances, it should not be painful of uncomfortable if food or drinks enter the mouth just like air should not pose a problem to the nose. However, there are instances where eating regular food and drink can be a problem due to abnormal sensitivity of the teeth and mouth.

continue reading 9 Common Reasons for Sensitive Teeth and Mouth

The taste sensation is one of the many ways that we experience our environment. It is useful for assessing foods and fluids and can bring tremendous pleasure in what we eat and drink. It also plays an important role in compelling us to eat or avoid certain substances that can either nourish us or harm us. We always associate taste with whatever we put in our mouths. But sometimes there can be tastes elicited even though we have not eaten or drunk anything.

continue reading 7 Reasons for a Strange Taste in the Mouth

What is oral pigmentation?

Oral pigmentation refers to discoloration of the inner lining of the mouth (oral mucosa) from its normally pink hue. This discoloration occurs due to the deposition of different colored materials over the oral mucosa which can be of physiological or pathological in nature. Oral pigmentation may be associated with certain minor local factors or underlying systemic disease. It can be an important symptom, sometimes the first symptom, of several important and severe diseases. Therefore oral pigmentation needs to be assessed carefully by a medical professional.

continue reading Oral Pigmentation (Causes of Discoloration Inside Mouth)

What is a periapical abscess?

A dental abscess is a broad term used to describe an abscess in the tooth and structures around it. A periapical abscess is an inflammatory reaction with the accumulation of pus at the root of an infected tooth. It can lead to death of the central region of the tooth known as the dental pulp. Generally a periapical abscess is an acute dental infection requiring immediate dental intervention. The condition is associated with significant discomfort and extreme pain. If left untreated it can lead to various complication and permanent loss of the affected tooth. A periapical abscess is the most common type of dental abscess among children. Another type, a periodontal abscess, is where the abscess is located in the tissue around the tooth, including the alveolar bone. A periodontal abscess is more commonly seen among adults.

continue reading Periapical Abscess (Pus at Tooth Root)

Some disorders of the skin and inner lining of cavities like the mouth seem like harmless abnormalities that do not warrant much medical attention. Apart from moderate discomfort, it does not appear to cause any damage to tissue or affect functioning. Oral leukoplakia is one such condition. However, it needs to be carefully monitored as it has the potential to become malignant (cancerous).

What is oral leukoplakia?

Oral Leukoplakia (OL) describes the appearance of white or gray patches on the in the mouth cavity – on the inner cheek, tongue and gums. Typical leukoplakia plaques may appear inside mouth that do not get scraped off easily. The cause of oral leukoplakia remains unclear but it seems like to persistent irritation of the tissue of the mouth. Although harmless, oral leukoplakoa patches have a high risk of becoming malignant (cancerous). It is therefore considered as a pre-malignant clinical sign. Another form that appears as fuzzy, hairy patches called hairy leukoplakia appear during severe viral infections like HIV. Oral leukoplakia affects 1% of the population, mainly people above 40 years, and the elderly in particular.

continue reading Oral Leukoplakia (White Patches Inside the Mouth)