Recognize oral diseases – these pictures will help!

inflammation in the mouth

Inflammation in the mouth without blistering or the formation of deposits usually affects the oral mucosa or gums. It can often be recognized by redness, swelling and sensitivity to pain, and the affected area can sometimes bleed. Inflammation of the oral mucosa is called stomatitis, and inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Inflammation is often caused by an imbalance in the oral flora, i.e. an excessive presence of certain bacteria. Good oral hygiene often helps against sores in the mouth.

A dry mouth can also lead to inflammation, as saliva is essential for a healthy oral flora. It washes away bard residues and has an antibacterial and antiviral effect.

Dry mouth (xerostomia)

A general lack of fluids can cause a constantly dry mouth, often when those affected drink too little. The mouth also dries out quickly at night because the production of saliva is reduced during sleep. An open mouth promotes dehydration.

In addition, there can also be pathological causes behind a dry mouth. Certain autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome can negatively affect saliva production. Mental illnesses, such as depression or prolonged stress, can also cause dry mouth. However, the most common side effect of medication is reduced saliva production. These include, for example, antihistamines, beta-blockers or antidepressants.

Herpes in the mouth

The so-called herpes simplex virus causes herpes in the mouth or on the lips. This can be in the body for years without triggering any symptoms. If there is an acute outbreak, the skin in the affected area tingles, itches or tightens. After a short time, cold sores appear, filled with an initially clear, later cloudy, contagious liquid. If the blisters burst, they dry out and a yellowish crust forms. A herpes infection is sometimes accompanied by a fever or a general feeling of illness.

Oral cancer and pharynx cancer

Oral cavity cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth but is particularly common on the tongue or the floor of the mouth. Throat cancer is initially limited to the throat area. Especially in the early stages, the symptoms of both tumours are often non-specific and resemble those of other diseases. First of all, changes in the affected area can be identified. These include white, greyish, or red patches that cannot be removed by scratching and rough, raised, or sore areas that bleed easily when touched.

A doctor should be consulted if these changes persist for more than two weeks. A foreign body sensation and difficulty speaking can be symptoms of oral cancer. Throat cancer often causes difficulties in swallowing, throat pain or ear pain.

tongue cancer

As a form of oral cavity cancer, tongue cancer first appears as a skin change on the tongue – usually on its edge or underside. White, greyish, or rough patches and hardening can indicate tongue cancer. However, these symptoms can also be triggered by other diseases. A doctor should be consulted if the changes persist for more than two weeks. If the tumour grows over a long period, pain, a foreign body sensation in the mouth, or problems with speaking or swallowing occur. Noticeable growths can be seen in the affected areas.

 

caries

If caries develops on the tooth, the trigger is usually a lack of dental hygiene in combination with bards containing sugar and thus caries-promoting. The resulting plaque (tartar) on the teeth forms a breeding ground for bacteria that produce acids and damage the tooth enamel.

Brownish or white spots on the tooth can recognize early-stage caries. Tooth decay is not always in clearly visible places. For example, it can also occur in the interdental spaces. Pain only occurs when the enamel has already broken through, and there is a “hole in the tooth”.

Aphthen

Aphthae (often written as “aphthae”) are painful blisters in the mouth . They can appear on the tongue, lips or mucous membranes. Aphthous ulcers have a red, inflamed rim with a white coating of blood clot fibres in the centre.

The causes of aphthous ulcers are different: medication, a weakened immune system, psychological stress or a lack of vitamins can trigger the painful centres of inflammation.

mouth rot

Mouth rot is pervasive in babies and young children. This is because the symptoms of mouth sores are triggered by initial infection with the herpes virus, which usually occurs in childhood.

Mouth sores are characterized by circular blisters with a red, inflamed border on the lips, tongue, oral mucosa, or gums. As the disease progresses, the blisters begin to rot and eventually burst. This creates a typical bad breath that gives the disease its name.

Madeleine

Tonsil stones form small, white lumps in the tonsils or pharyngeal tonsils. They are made up of bard debris, dead cells and bacteria.

Tonsil stones can be seen on the tonsils in front of the mirror with your mouth wide open. Symptoms that can indicate tonsil stones are bad breath, a compulsion to clear your throat, earache and a foreign body sensation in the throat.

Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)

In the case of gum inflammation (gingivitis), the gums are red and give way more quickly when pressure is applied. It also bleeds easily when touched.

Gingivitis is usually triggered by poor oral hygiene. This leads to an increased formation of deposits, which form the breeding ground for bacteria. However, excessive oral hygiene can also trigger gingivitis if, for example, the gums are frequently injured, or aggressive care products are used.

Periodontitis

In the case of periodontitis, i.e., inflammation of the periodontium, there are two forms: Marginal periodontitis, which is usually preceded by gingivitis that spreads to the periodontium; The gums are red and bleed easily. The inflammation can spread to the tooth root and cementum. The tooth necks become visible, and in the worst case, tooth loss can occur.

In the case of apical periodontitis, the inflammation starts at the tip of the tooth root. It is manifested by dull pain, sometimes swelling and fistulas.

Mundsoor

Oral thrush is an infection in the mouth caused by the Candida fungus. The insides of the cheeks and lips are usually affected, but oral thrush can also develop on the throat, tongue or palate. Oral thrush is highly contagious.

There are three types of oral thrush, which show up with different symptoms: In pseudomembranous candidiasis, the mucous membrane is red and inflamed, with a white, wipeable covering covering it. In contrast, the plaque cannot be wiped off in hyperplastic candidiasis. In the third form, acute erythematous candidiasis, there is no plaque.

fluorosis on the teeth

An excess of fluoride in infancy causes fluorosis on the teeth (dental fluorosis). The cause is, for example, using toothpaste containing fluoride too early or taking fluoride tablets. This makes the enamel more porous.

In its early stages, fluorosis manifests as white patches on the teeth that are less sharply defined, in contrast to early-stage caries. During the disease, brownish, orange or yellow stains appear due to the accumulation of dyes in the tooth enamel. Fluorosis is harmless to health but represents a central aesthetic problem for many affected people. The spots can be lightened by appropriate treatment at the dentist.

salivary gland inflammation

In salivary gland inflammation, one or more glands on the head become swollen. The skin on the affected area becomes red, warm and painfully swollen. The symptoms usually get worse when eating. Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation of the salivary glands. Mumps is the most well-known viral cause of salivary gland inflammation . The swelling occurs on both sides.

Salivary stones can also block the salivary glands and cause inflammation. Salivary stones consist of a mixture of calcium carbonate and phosphate, as well as carbohydrates and proteins. Its development is promoted, among other things, by viscous saliva, which is triggered by insufficient water.

hand, Bart and mouth disease

Hand, body and mouth disease is a harmless but highly contagious viral infection. It often occurs in children under the age of ten. But adults can also be affected by hand, body and mouth disease.

The first signs are fever, sore throat and a general feeling of illness. Red spots, often with blistering, appear on the tongue, gums and oral mucosa within a day or two of the onset of the disease. In addition, a red rash forms, especially on the mouth, hands and feet, which is rarely associated with itching. Sometimes, the rash also blisters.

If the pharyngeal mucosa is red, it is often due to inflammation. This is usually caused by viruses, sometimes also by bacteria, and is associated with a sore throat and pain when swallowing. The most well-known bacterial infection of the pharyngeal mucosa is scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococci. Typical accompanying symptoms of scarlet fever are fever and skin rash.

An allergic reaction can also cause a reddened throat mucosa. Bard usually triggers this reaction when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane.

Dry lips and lip inflammation

The causes of dry lips often lie in a vicious circle of dryness and moistening with saliva. Due to the lack of sebum and sweat glands, the skin on the lips dries out quickly. Many sufferers try to relieve this dryness by moistening it with their tongue. However, this has the opposite effect as the saliva dries out the lips even further. It is better to consistently care for your lips with appropriate products. Another cause of dry lips can be a lack of iron or vitamin B12.

If the lips are very dry, cracks form in which, in the worst case, bacteria and fungi can settle – this can lead to inflammation. Certain medications or allergies can also trigger lip inflammation (cheilitis). Lip inflammation manifests itself as redness, pain, itching or burning.

Tonsillitis (tonsillitis)

Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. In general, symptoms of tonsillitis include a sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, problems swallowing and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

If there is a viral infection of the tonsils, typical signs include cough, runny nose and headache. In the case of a bacterial infection, which can be caused, for example, by pneumococci or streptococci, the throat mucosa is very red. There are also purulent deposits on the tonsils and fever often occurs.

Dental erosion

The loss of tooth enamel is called tooth erosion. Tooth erosion can be promoted by consuming highly acidic bards, such as sauerkraut, cola, apple juice or certain types of fruit, especially in conjunction with immediately following brushing your teeth. Certain dental care products that contain abrasion products can also accelerate the breakdown of tooth enamel. These include, for example, certain toothpastes for whiter teeth.

Dental erosions do not cause pain in the early stages. However, the teeth appear slightly yellowish and have a dull or silky shine. Slight dents and minimal cracks in the tooth are also possible. The cutting edges of the teeth appear slightly translucent.

Rhagaden

Rhagades are small cracks in the skin that occur on the hands and feet, especially in the corners of the mouth. If the skin is too dry, it lacks elasticity – as a result, the skin tears. Moistening the corners of the mouth with saliva is counterproductive, as saliva dries out the skin in the long term. Rhagades can be painful and can easily reopen when the mouth is moved.

Various diseases, such as Herpes, Diabetes or fungal infections , can promote the formation of rhagades. If they persist for a long time, a doctor should be consulted to determine the underlying trigger.

Herpangina

Herpangina is an infectious disease caused by Coxsackie viruses. As the disease progresses, small blisters with red edges form on the oral mucosa. The palate arches are particularly affected, but blisters can also appear on the tonsils.

Other symptoms of herpangina include a sore throat, Fever, difficulty swallowing and a general feeling of illness.

Oral Leukoplakia

In medicine, oral leukoplakia refers to increased keratinization of the mucous membranes of the mouth or lips, which appears as a white coating that cannot be removed. Common triggers for oral leukoplakia are tobacco smoke or chewing tobacco. Mechanical irritation, such as from braces or dentures, can also cause oral leukoplakia. If you remove the trigger, the deposits usually also disappear.

Leukoplakia is usually harmless, but in rare cases it can also represent a precursor to cancer. It is also important to avoid oral leukoplakia from diseases with similar symptoms, such as lichen planus, fungal infections or infections with the Epstein-Barr virus (oral hairy leukoplakia). to delimit. If in doubt, you should seek medical advice.

 

Cleft lip and palate

The term cleft lip and palate covers all different types of clefts of the lip, jaw or palate. Cleft lip is also known by the outdated and derogatory term “hare lip”. The different forms of cleft lip and palate can occur individually or in combination.

The malformation is congenital and, depending on its severity, can negatively affect breathing, eating or language development. Cosmetically, the cleft lip and palate also represents a serious problem for many of those affected. Surgical treatment of the deformity is possible in special clinics in early childhood.

Broken hyoid bone?

The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone located below the tongue on the floor of the mouth. It is connected to the temporal bone via muscles and ligaments. Parts of the throat and outer tongue muscles originate from the hyoid bone. The hyoid bone is involved, among other things, in swallowing, breathing and speaking processes.

The hyoid bone can in principle break. However, this requires very strong force, such as occurs when choking. This usually results in serious injuries to other parts of the neck, usually with fatal consequences. For this reason, a fracture of the hyoid bone is in most cases only diagnosed during an autopsy. If there is supposed pain in the hyoid bone, neck cysts, inflammation or muscle tension in the surrounding area are usually the actual cause of the symptoms.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a genetic disease that is characterized, on the one hand, by the increased occurrence of polyps in the intestine, urinary tract and paranasal sinuses. On the other hand, black to brownish pigment spots are typical of the disease. These occur in particular on the lips, the mucous membranes of the mouth and the skin surrounding the mouth.