What are the main diseases of the mouth?

Also known as cavities, cavities are often the result of tooth decay. Gingivitis can be caused by different species of bacteria and is the earliest stage of gum disease.

What are the main diseases of the mouth?

Also known as cavities, cavities are often the result of tooth decay. Gingivitis can be caused by different species of bacteria and is the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis, also known as early gum disease, is an oral infection in the gums that can cause more serious periodontal disease. Gingivitis develops when bacteria settle on the gum line and those bacteria produce toxins.

These toxins cause inflammation and swelling in the gums, but the most common signs to look out for are bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, as the gumline is sensitive due to gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented by eliminating these bacteria in the gum line and below it with the use of dental floss and brushing. And gingivitis can also be treated at the dentist's office. Consider gingivitis a warning sign for trying to recalibrate a healthy mouth, as it can cause periodontal problems.

Periodontal disease develops when an oral infection spreads below the gum line and affects bone and supporting tissues. The gums begin to separate from the teeth and pockets form, causing greater inflammation and bone loss, so that the teeth can become loose. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), up to 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older have had periodontal disease, which is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans that occurs naturally.

Medical treatments, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, and radiation, can cause flare-ups. Common symptoms include white, curd-like plaques on the inside of the cheeks, tongue, palate, and back of the throat. People who have HIV are at greater risk of developing canker sores. Herpangina is an infection in the mouth related to hand, foot and mouth disease.

Typical early symptoms include fever, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are followed by small blisters on the back of the mouth. These blisters can form large sores when they rupture. Herpangina most commonly affects children ages 3 to 10 during the summer and fall seasons.

Fortunately, herpangina usually lasts three to five days. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, can be annoying, but they usually heal on their own within 10 to 14 days. While the actual cause is unknown, typical triggers for canker sores include stress, hormones, immunity problems, and hypersensitivity to food. Oral herpes can cause outbreaks of fluid-filled blisters in the mouth or on the lips that last from a week to 10 days.

When the blisters break, the scabs last a few days without pain. This infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus is so common that up to four out of five adults in the U.S. UU.

The first oral herpes infection can cause flu-like symptoms, blisters, and sores on the gums and tongue. However, there may not be any noticeable symptoms. Once infected, the virus will be present in the body permanently. Even so, the sores that cause the infection can remain dormant with proper care.

Oral herpes outbreaks are contagious, so you should wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your sores.

Anita Randazzo
Anita Randazzo

Hardcore sushi expert. Award-winning travel advocate. Professional social mediaholic. Amateur internet specialist. Total pizza junkie. Infuriatingly humble zombie aficionado.