Mouth Problems, Noninjury

It is not unusual to have a problem with your Reference mouth Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window from time to time. A mouth problem can involve your gums, lips, tongue, or inner cheeks, the roof of your mouth (soft and hard palates), under your tongue, your neck, or your teeth. Your mouth may be dry, or food may not taste right. You may have bad breath or a sore on your lip, gums, or tongue that makes it hard to eat or talk. Many of these problems can get better with home treatment.

Common mouth problems include:

• Reference Sores, such as Reference cold sores Opens New Window (also called fever blisters) and Reference canker sores Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. Canker sores develop inside the mouth, while cold sores and impetigo usually affect the area around the outside of the mouth.
• Infections, which can be caused by a virus (such as Reference herpes simplex Opens New Window) or a bacteria (such as Reference epiglottitis Opens New Window, or Reference impetigo Opens New Window, or a Reference sexually transmitted infection Opens New Window). An infection is more serious when it causes rapid swelling of the tongue or throat and blockage of the airway.
• Tender, red splits or cracks at the corner of your mouth (Reference angular cheilitis Opens New Window), which can be caused by infection, a diet too low in vitamins, and over-closure of the mouth in someone who has been without teeth or dentures for some time.
• Chapped lips, which may be caused by dry, windy, cold, or very hot weather.
• Reference Dry mouth (xerostomia). A common cause of dry mouth is Reference dehydration Opens New Window. Over time, having a dry mouth increases your risk of mouth infections, gum disease, and dental cavities.
• Thick, hard white patches inside the mouth that cannot be wiped off (leukoplakia). This is commonly caused by irritation of the mouth, such as from a rough tooth or poorly fitting denture rubbing against tissue or from smoking or using smokeless (spit) tobacco.
• Reference Thrush Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, a common infection of the mouth and tongue caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Thrush appears on the mouth and tongue as white patches that look like cottage cheese or milk curds. When the patches are wiped away, the underlying area appears red and raw and may bleed. In babies, thrush may cause a rash in the diaper area.
• Reference Taste changes. Your sense of taste may be decreased, lost, or changed, such as a metallic taste in your mouth.

Your Reference tongue may become sore or swollen, or it may change color or texture. A buildup of food and bacteria on the tongue may make the tongue look thick or furry ("hairy tongue"). Often the problems will go away if the surface of the tongue is regularly brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your tongue problem is from some local irritation, such as tobacco use, removing the source of the irritation may clear up the tongue problem. Rapid swelling of the tongue can be caused by an Reference allergic reaction Opens New Window, which can interfere with breathing.

Reference Bad breath (halitosis) or changed breath can be an embarrassing problem. Make sure that you brush your teeth twice each day and floss once a day to decrease the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Brushing your tongue can also help.

The use of alcohol and Reference tobacco can cause many mouth problems. Your chances of having Reference oral cancer Opens New Window are increased if you smoke, use smokeless (spit) tobacco, or use alcohol excessively.

Mouth problems may occur more commonly with other conditions and diseases, such as Reference diabetes Opens New Window, Reference Down syndrome Opens New Window, and Reference HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) Opens New Window. Many Reference medicines also can cause mouth problems.

Reference Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.