Identifying Mouth Irritations

Let’s start by saying that oral hygiene can stop a host of potential mouth ailments before they ever have a chance to settle in and begin to cause problems. Having established the importance of good hygiene, it is also important to note that some infections occur in people who are practicing a diligent oral cleansing routine.

Irritations that appear as white and red patches in the mouth are usually caused by trauma. At some point in their lives, some people pick up the habit of chewing or biting the inside of their cheeks. For many people this is a reaction to anxiety and for others it is simply a habit that they may perform at any time.

These type patches can also be caused by improperly fitting dental work, especially dentures that rub against the gums or other areas of the oral cavity, creating continual friction. What ever the exact cause, trauma induced abrasions will usually heal and disappear once the source is found and eliminated.

These irritations are sometimes confused with other similar thick, white patches called leukoplakias. These can form anywhere in the mouth and can be particularly well developed in areas such as beneath and on the sides of the tongue and on and around the tonsils.

Leukoplakias are common in smokers and can be precursors to cancer, though not necessarily. On the positive side, they are not usually painful.

Your dentist will be able to give you a better idea of exactly what is going on in your mouth. If you have a problem and it does not clear up in a week or so, it’s time to seek professional help in making a diagnosis.