Oral medicine
Our mouths are not sterile. The oral cavity is home to more than 6,000 species of bacteria that live in a harmonious balance in a healthy organism. At birth, there are no microorganisms in a child’s mouth, but upon contact with the outside world, certain types of microorganisms settle in the oral cavity. Some of them are completely harmless, and in fact, they are useful and common in the oral cavity.
Oral flora changes throughout life depending on diet, caries, hygiene habits, and later prosthetic replacements, etc.
Defense against microbial invasion from the environment begins in the mouth because our organism has developed a perfect defense system. It consists primarily of healthy and uninjured mucous membranes, but also saliva, which constantly cleanses and reduces the oral flora. The secretion of saliva and secretions from the space between the teeth and gums washes away microbes and food during chewing. A healthy oral cavity is a reflection of our heritage, but also a reflection of our overall care, so the beauty and function of this organ depend on our diet and hygiene habits.
“DRY MOUTH” – xerostomia, a danger to oral health, especially for the elderly!
Statistics say: 2 out of 10 of our patients have a dry mouth problem! Poor saliva flow can be a consequence of some diseases, hormonal changes during menopause or regular use of medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics for blood pressure regulation, strict diets, radiation, etc.).
All of the reasons listed are risk factors that can change the quantity and quality of saliva.
Dry mucous membranes are vulnerable, prone to inflammation, and suitable for the colonization of harmful microorganisms. With such a condition, the mouth is prone to bad breath and more frequent damage to the already sensitive mucous membranes, and the teeth are more prone to caries. The result is a burning and stinging sensation, increased caries at the necks of the teeth, and poor fit of removable dentures, if any.
Do you have a problem with “dry mouth”? We know how we can help you.
ANGULAR STOMATITIS
The corners of the lips are often moist and prone to inflammation due to saliva flow. It was thought that canker sores were contagious, but they only become so when streptococci, staphylococci, and fungi settle in the area, which come when the corners of the lips are touched with unwashed hands, an unwashed glass, or a dirty tissue.
The disease then develops very quickly and is transmitted to other people. A crack forms on the skin of the corners of the lips, which is painful when opening the mouth and then bursts, causing bleeding that heals with a scab. Unconsciously wetting the painful area with the tongue only worsens the inflammation.
Most common causes:
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- candida fungus
- streptococcal and staphylococcal infection
- missing back teeth, “underbite,”
- people who talk constantly and constantly wet the corners of their lips
- trauma from increased lip stretching
Treatment is carried out according to the doctor’s instructions and the cause.
HERPES SIMPLEX
In people who have had herpes simplex, the virus can enter a dormant stage. After some non-specific stimuli (stress, physical exertion, psychological excitement, a decrease in the defense mechanism due to illness) it can be activated and cause herpes.
It appears on the lips, facial skin, in the form of small blisters, which are preceded by burning and pain. When the blisters burst, scabs form that fall off without a scar.
TIP: DO NOT touch the scab with your hands, let it fall off.
Treatment is carried out with acyclovir cream, interferon and other preparations.
APHTA
The cause of the disease is not fully explained, but great stress and tension certainly contribute to the appearance of aphthae. Younger people, schoolchildren, students, but also managers are affected. Redness and great pain appear at the site of the aphthae. Ulceration with a whitish border follows. The entire area is very painful, and the disease occurs at intervals.
Treatment is symptomatic, anesthesin dragees before meals, panthenol tablets for faster epithelialization, C and B vitamins.
DIABETES
In addition to the blood, glucose is also found in the saliva of patients with diabetes, which increases the acidic reaction of saliva, and fungi, Candida albicans, begin to develop in the mouth, which causes redness and creates whitish deposits.
Due to the reduced resistance of the body, bacteria in the mouth cause various inflammations. The mucous membrane is dry, red, slightly swollen and very sensitive, and the gums bleed at the slightest stimulus. The mouth smells of acetone, and due to the acidic environment, the incidence of caries and periodontal disease is increased. Regular and very thorough oral hygiene and care with antiseptic mouthwash are necessary.
Treatment is carried out in a way that regularly treats diabetes and avoids stress. Appropriate oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, professional cleaning and dental care are very important.
SMOKING AND THE ORAL CAVITY
The open mouth of a smoker says it all. First, you smell the nicotine, then you notice a change in the color of your teeth, brownish-yellow deposits that are actually accumulations of tar deposits caused by the burning of tobacco, a subjective feeling of a change in taste, and chronic dryness of the mouth.
It has been proven to have a harmful effect on the gums, from chronic inflammation of the gums to the development of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (pain, bad breath, bleeding, possible fever). Inflammation of the oral mucosa, damage, conditions that precede cancer, leukoplakia, and carcinoma occur.
Smoking changes the oral flora. Smoking is very harmful.
