Your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body. Any problem that affects your mouth can make it hard to eat, drink or even smile. Some common mouth problems include:-
Cold sores – painful sores on the lips and around the mouth, caused by a virus
Canker sores – painful sores in the mouth, caused by bacteria or viruses
Thrush – a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth
Leukoplakia – white patches of excess cell growth on the cheeks, gums or tongue, common in smokers
Dry mouth – a lack of enough saliva, caused by some medicines and certain diseases
Bad breath
Gum or tooth problems
If you have gum disease, it ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. In the worst cases, you can lose teeth.
In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen. They can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. You can usually reverse it with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. If you have periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. If not treated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
Tongue Problems
The tongue is a mobile group of muscles that is attached to the floor of the mouth. The top of the tongue is covered with small bumps called papillae. The majority of our taste buds sit on these papillae.
The tongue is used for tasting, swallowing, and chewing food. The tongue is also used to form words for speaking. Typically, a tongue that is pink and moist with a thin white coating on the surface is considered healthy. There are variations of surface texture that are normal and healthy as well.
Problems with the tongue include:-
Pain
Swelling
Changes in color or texture
Abnormal movement or difficulty moving the tongue
Taste problems.