What are the problems asssociated with poor Oral Health?

Besides Gingivitis and Periodontitis, following problems are generally associated with poor oral health

Bad breath: Bad breath is an unpleasant  ailment. It is also called halitosis in dental  or medical terminology.  

Burning mouth: People sometimes feel a burning sensation in the mouth  or tongue. It is  most common n women experiencing  menopause.

Canker sores: These sores are small ulcers inside the mouth. They have a white or gray  base and a red border. 

Dry mouth: Dry mouth is  a condition caused due to lack of secretion of  saliva. It is  called xerostomia. This problem happens when you don’t have enough  saliva, or spit, in your mouth.

Oral cancer: This cancer  can affect any part of the mouth and part of the throat. If you smoke  or chew tobacco, you are at higher risk. Excessive  alcohol use along with smoking raises your risk even more. However, persons who do not smoke can also develop  oral cancer.

Oral cancer most often occurs after age 40. It is  not always painful and, as a result, it may go undetected until  the late stages. Ask your dentists to check for signs of oral cancer during your regular check-up. Oral  cancer often starts as a tiny white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. Other signs include:

·                     A sore that bleeds easily  or does not heal

·                     A colour  change in the tissues of the mouth

·                     A lump, rough  spot, or other change

·                     Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips

·                     Problems chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue

·                     A change in the way the teeth fit together

Early detection and treatment enables the victim to survive. Self examination by patients can also help  detect any suspected cancerous lesions  which can be brought to the doctor’s notice.

Thrush: Thrush is a fungal infection. It is also called oral candidiasis. These fungal infections appear  as red, yellow, or white lesions, flat or slightly raised, in the mouth or throat.