Pueblo Dental Implants Specialists Discuss the 12 Most Common Mouth Problems, PART 1

This three-part article series provides an explanation of the most common oral conditions, ailments and diseases that affect Americans today, from cold sores to gum disease.

Your mouth is incredibly important. Just think of all the things you use it for: eating, speaking, breathing, smiling, conveying emotion and communication (verbal and non-verbal). So, when something goes wrong with our mouths, it can be incredibly hard to ignore! Unfortunately, there are a great number of things that can go wrong, from ulcers and sores to infection and inflammation. What’s important is that you know what to look out for and when to know it’s time to seek professional help.

To facilitate this education, we spoke to some Pueblo dental implants specialists who put their heads together to identify the 12 most common mouth problems. In this 3-part article series, we shall be exploring these ailments.

1. Top Oral Problems: Cold Sores or Fever Blisters

Cold sores are raised, inflamed and painful sores that form on your lips, around your mouth or inside the mouth. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus that is transmitted via close contact, usually from a kiss or by drinking out of the same glass as someone who is infected. “While there are medications available for the alleviation of discomfort and hastened healing of cold sores, or fever blisters, there is no absolute cure,” say Colorado Springs family dentists.

2. Top Oral Problems: Oral Thrush

“Thrush is an incredibly unpleasant oral condition that presents most commonly in elderly people or babies,” says a Pueblo dental implants specialist. “It’s a yeast infection that coats the back of the tongue and throat with a white, sticky growth. Thrush is usually associated with a compromised immune system, certain medications (for example, inhaled corticosteroids), diabetes and antibiotics. Many patients make the mistake of trying to wipe away the white patches, but this only leads to pain and discomfort. See your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.”

3. Top Oral Problems: Black Hairy Tongue

It may be painless, but this oral problem is as unpleasant as it sounds: for you and for those around you! Black hairy tongue is caused by the unchecked growth of the taste buds covering your tongue. Food and bacteria are easily trapped in the tangle of elongated taste buds, resulting in the darkened appearance of the tongue and persistent bad breath. The long taste buds can also make the tongue appear hairy, hence the name of the condition.

“Black hairy tongue is caused by poor oral hygiene, antibiotics, tobacco-use and medications that cause dry mouth,” say Colorado Springs family dentists. “Thankfully, it can almost always be treated with good oral hygiene and a tongue scraper.”

4. Top Oral Problems: Canker Sores

“Canker sores or apthuous ulcers are quite a nuisance and we’re not entirely sure what causes them to form,” say Pueblo dental implants specialists. “They’re small blisters that form on the soft tissues on the mouth, usually on the buccal lining (inner cheeks) or tongue and are very painful. They usually disappear after a week or so, but if they persist, there are some treatment options available that include anesthetic ointments or even dental laser therapy.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more about the various problems and ailments that affect the oral cavity, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series.