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Cosmetic Dentist - Mouth Sores
Payson, Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
Mouth sores are swollen areas on the lips, tongue, inside the mouth, or on the skin around the mouth. They can be uncomfortable or painful when you eat, when your tongue or opposing teeth knock against them, and even when you smile. They can be either a symptom of a disease or disorder or they can be caused by:
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Braces
- Sharp edges on a broken tooth
- Bacterial or viral infection
- A fungus
Types of Mouth Sores
- Canker Sores
- Cold Sores
- Decreased immune response
- Inadequate sleep
- Chronic stress
- Some type of trauma
- Leukoplakia
- Candidiasis
- People with dry mouth – there are saliva substitutes and anti-fungal medications that may be effective
- Those on antibiotics – the dosage can be reduced or a different treatment adopted
- People with ill-fitting dentures – it may form at the corners of the mouth and can be prevented by removing the dentures at night and by keeping them cleaner
- Oral cancer
A canker sore is a small white area of swelling surrounded by redness. They are not contagious. Their causes are not fully known but studies suggest that some causes may be immune system deficiencies, bacteria, or viruses.
You can be more susceptible to canker sores is you have been through a trauma or are under stress for some other reason, if you smoke or have allergies, and if you eat some types of foods, or have any vitamin deficiencies. This type of mouth sore does not typically last more than about a week, but it may recur.
Cold sores are painful blisters that appear around the lips, either near the nose or on the chin. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and several conditions may make you more susceptible to them:
Unlike canker sores, cold sores are very infectious. Once you have a cold sore, the virus is in your body and can cause cold sores at any time in the future. There is no cure. However, you can obtain pain relief from over-the-counter medications and your doctor or dentist may also prescribe an anti-viral drug to help reduce the infection. Cold sores usually heal within a week or two.
Leukoplakia involves thick white patches on the mucous membrane inside the cheeks, on the gums, on the bottom of the mouth and occasionally on the tongue. Tobacco is thought to be the main cause, whether it is smoked or chewed. It is diagnosed by ruling out other possible conditions that have specific causes such as bacteria or viruses.
If you notice any signs of leukoplakia, contact your doctor or dentist as soon as possible. Between five and twenty-five percent of leukoplakia cases develop into cancer. The best way to avoid leukoplakia is to avoid tobacco and any kind of chronic irritant in the mouth such as sharp edges on some of your teeth.
This fungal infection is also called oral thrush and consists of red or yellow-white patches in the mouth. It occurs most often in newborn babies and people with poorly-functioning immune systems. Other scenarios are:
If you have small red or white spots, sores or blisters in the mouth or on the lips that don't heal, you may have to consider the possibility of oral cancer. Sometimes these sores bleeds easily or feel like lumps or thick, rough areas. If you are feeling pain, increased sensitivity, or tingling or numbness that lasts for longer than about two weeks, please contact us.
We can check your mouth for oral cancer quickly and easily using a Vizilite light. We do that during your routine cleanings and examinations. Vizilite will detect cancerous cells before they become visible to the naked eye.
Do Not Neglect Your Dental Care
Most mouth sores subside in about a week without any complications, but it is important to monitor them. If you are concerned, or if you have a sore that does not seem to be healing, please contact our dentistry office as soon as possible.
