It’s not unusual to suddenly find a blister in your mouth or on your gums. While they’re annoying and slightly painful, they usually go away on their own. In some cases, however, they can be contagious and might pose a greater risk of infection. Finding out what has caused the blisters is key. Read on to find out how blisters in mouth tissue occur and how to treat them. What
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of salt water or used it to treat a sore throat, gums, and even for pain relief after a dental procedure. A salt water mouthrinse is an easy and affordable home remedy used to ease oral discomfort, but what are the benefits of this home-made solution? History of Salt for Medicinal Use Did you know that the medicinal use of salt dates back to
What Is Leukoplakia? Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white patches or lesions appear within the mouth — typically on the gums or inside the cheeks — and is caused by excess cell growth. The sores can vary in appearance but are typically white or gray, and have thick, raised edges with a hard surface. These lesions usually appear within the mouths of smokers or users of smokeless tobacco,
Cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), can be uncomfortable and make you feel self-conscious. They usually develop on or near the lips but can form inside the mouth, too. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than half of all Americans will have an HSV-1 infection by their 20s, making this a common concern. If you experience regular cold sore outbreaks, you might
Experiencing your first loose tooth is a right of passage for children. Each primary tooth will fall out and be replaced with a permanent tooth. But as an adult, tooth mobility can definitely cause concern. If you notice that your teeth seem a bit loose, here’s what could be happening. What Causes Loose Teeth and How Can You Treat It? Periodontal disease: Untreated gingivitis can advance and become periodontitis, which can
Discomfort, redness, or swelling, is it a sore throat, the flu, or something else? It may be a salivary gland infection. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms to get the care you need, and learn about preventing salivary gland infections in the future. What Do the Salivary Glands Do? Everyone has three pairs of salivary glands: the parotid, submandibular and sublingual. These hard-working glands found in the lower
Only about 20 percent of Americans ages 2-64 without health insurance see a dentist once a year, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP). Regrettably, the other 80 percent without insurance might believe affordable care, including dental care, is out of reach. But to maintain a healthy mouth, regular dental visits are a must. So, how can those without insurance and people who can’t afford co-pays and
Do you need to get a tooth pulled and may require surgery to do it? You’re in good company. Surgical tooth extractions are actually the most common surgical procedure in the United States. In most cases, when a tooth is removed, it’s a pretty straightforward process. Sometimes though, it’s a bit more complicated and requires a more involved procedure. Here’s why tooth extraction happens in the first place, why a
A mouthguard can be an excellent tool for protecting your teeth. Mouthguards protect your teeth from breaking or chipping in sports or from teeth grinding at night. But you may not know how to take care of your mouthguard. Learn why you should clean your mouthguard and how to ensure it’s free from food debris and bacteria before the next game. Why Wear a Mouthguard Mouthguards are ubiquitous in sports,
You’re in the habit of flossing, brushing your teeth and finishing off your oral hygiene routine with a swish-swish of mouthwash. But lately, you’ve noticed something different when you use your mouth rinse. Your gums may feel irritated, or you may notice a burning sensation in your mouth. Why does mouthwash burn? It most likely has to do with the ingredients in the mouthwash you’re using. Some mouthwashes have ingredients
Oral hairy leukoplakia may sound like some weird disease that causes hair to grow on your tongue, but hair growth in your mouth luckily isn’t a symptom at all. The name refers to the fuzzy texture of white patches it leaves on your tongue. If you think you may have this condition, we’ll give you details about causes, symptoms, and treatment so you can go forth and make decisions about
It’s normal to have a dry mouth sometimes, but if your mouth often feels dry when you wake up, you may be breathing through your mouth during the night. Since mouth breathing is linked to various dental problems, this unconscious habit may hamper your oral health. Common Causes of Sleeping With Your Mouth Open People with chronic nasal congestion may breathe through their mouths, especially while they’re sleeping. Allergies, such