Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium he once said that we’ve got two ears and one mouth, in order that we can listen twice as much as we speak. It’s a sense shared by many parents, grandparents – and an American television personality Judge Judy – they wish to repeat. And for good reason.
But the mouth acts as greater than a way of communication or an entrance to food and drink. It can also be a technique to discover some internal diseases.
For example, a lot of us are conversant in the troublesome mouth ulcer. They are quite common and often occur on the inner lining of the mouth, the tongue, or the gums – the gums. And through the gums they’re irritating.
The commonest type are aphthous ulcersround or oval, swollen sores that sometimes start out yellow and then turn grayish. They often have a red border or “halo” around them.
They don’t last very long, and any soreness or irritation can be treated with easy painkillers or over-the-counter remedies like mouthwashes or sprays. It’s also a very good idea to avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods, which can be irritating and painful when you have a canker sore.
We will not be sure what causes ulcers but connections have been drawn between physical damage brought on by biting the inside the cheek or tongue. Other possibilities include hormonal fluctuations, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and stress.
Just a few words of caution, though. Small canker sores are short-lived and should clear up inside three weeks. Be vigilant for sores that last more than three weeks, are situated near the back of the throat, or are larger than one centimeter in diameter. This is because growing, non-healing sores may indicate oral cancerOral cancer can also present as discolored patches or lumps within the mouth or throat, causing symptoms resembling difficulty swallowing or speaking, and hoarseness, amongst others.
It is significant to get most of these symptoms checked out by a physician or dentist as soon as possible. Also be alert for bleeding ulcers, which could suggest cancer or infection.
Ulcers and sores within the mouth can even be brought on by diseases affecting multiple organs. Crohn’s disease AND celiac disease The disease can cause recurrent ulcers – and patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
Condition Behçet’s disease can cause painful, swollen joints and sores that appear not only within the mouth but additionally on the genitals. Ulcers can even be an indication of a weakened immune system.
So if you notice that you keep getting canker sores in your mouth – or you notice ulcers somewhere else or other accompanying symptoms – remember to see a physician.
Viral causes
Viruses can cause quite a lot of dots and spots to seem in and across the mouth.
Take for instance the herpes simplex virus, which causes blisters called herpeswhich often covers with a scab and heals after every week or two. Avoid skin-to-skin contact (e.g. kissing) the affected area during this time to stop transmission of the virus.
Then there’s hand, foot and mouth diseasea viral disease that happens especially in children. It causes a rash of sores and blisters on the hands, feet, and in and across the mouth.
Even measles The virus can cause a rash contained in the mouth often known as Koplik’s stains. Koplik’s stains are all the time associated only with measles. They are white spots that appear to be grains of sugar or salt on the inner lining of the cheeks. They often appear before a skin rash that starts on the pinnacle and then spreads to the body.
Cracks on the corners
Have you ever noticed pain or cracks appearing on the corners of your mouth – the areas which can be pulled up when you smile? angular stomatitisalso often known as inflammation of the corners of the mouth Or pearls.
This is a standard condition brought on by chapped or dry lips, either attributable to a viral illness or cold weather. But suppose as an alternative of healing, the cracks proceed to harm, blister or bleed.
The causes of angular stomatitis are: extensivefrom conditions like Crohn’s and celiac disease to unwell-fitting dentures and infections like thrush. Cracks within the corners of the mouth can also indicate various vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Iron deficiency is feasible or low levels of zinc, folate and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) or B12.
The general rule is that if you notice any sores, ulcers, or cracks in or around your mouth that last more than a couple of weeks, bleed, and don’t heal, you should see a physician immediately.