ABCESS
Definition
An abcess is an enclosed collection of liquefied tissue, known as pus, somewhere in the body. It is the result of body’s defensive reaction to foreign material.
Description
There are two types of abcess, septic and sterile. Most abcesses are septic, which means that they are the result of infection. Septic abcesses an occur anywhere in the body. Only a germ and the body’s immune responses are required. In response to the invading germ, white blood cells gather at the infected site and begin producing chemicals called enzymes that attack the germ by digesting it. These enzymes act like acid, killing the germs and breaking them down into small pieces that can be picked up by the circulation and eliminated from the body. Unfortunately, these chemicals also digest tissues. In most cases, the germ produces similar chemicals. The result is a thick , yellow liquid – pus – containing digested tissue, white blood cells, and enzymes. An abscess is the last stage of a tissue infection that begins with a process called inflammation.
If you think that you have abscess it is recommended that you have a consult with your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
(Source: The FreeDictionary by Farlex . Medical Dictionary. (2003) Farlex, Inc. https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/abscess
ANGULAR CHEILITIS
Angular Cheilitis is a relatively common Disorder characterized by sire crusting areas at the angles of the mouth. Often it results from saliva tracking from the mouth onto skin as a result of habitual licking, worn dentures or neurological disorder. Infection by Candida Albicans and Staphylococcus aureus is frequently present. Iron-deficiency anemia is a common predisposing factor.
(Source: McMahon,R.F.T. & Sloan P. (2000)Essentials for Pathology for Dentistry.Harcourt Publishers Limited.)
DENTAL CARIES
The most common disorder of the teeth is dental caries. This is an acquired disorder which involves progressive demineralization of the dental enamel resulting in porosity and ultimately cavitation. Bacterial invasion of the dentin may then follow leading to demineralization, discoloration and destruction if the dentin matrix. Eventually, the bacteria can reach the pulp and infection can lead to acute or chronic pulpitis.
(Source: McMahon,R.F.T. & Sloan P. (2000)Essentials for Pathology for Dentistry.Harcourt Publishers Limited.)
DENTAL FLUOROSIS
Generally fluoride helps prevent and control tooth decay in children and adults. However, when younger children, 8 years and below, consume excessive fluoride it results in the change of appearance of the dental enamel. Once the tooth has already erupted in the gums it can no longer develop dental fluorosis.
In very mild and mild dental fluorosis, teeth appear to have scattered little white spots or chalk like lines. Moderate to severe forms of dental fluorosis have larger whites spots and some have rough pitted surfaces.
Toothpaste, fluoridated water, dietary prescriptions that includes fluoride and mouth rinses usually are the most common sources of fluoride.
It is recommended that you check with your dentist on how to prevent and treat dental fluorosis.
(Always Seek Professional Help)
HALITOSIS
Halitosis or bad breath is something that we all do not want to have. It is an oral condition that may not be serious sometimes but can affect self-confidence of a person. Sometimes some people do not realize they have halitosis, and sadly, people close to them do not even have the guts to tell them that they have bad breath. It can help if we have our mouth regularly cleaned by the dentist every 6 months, proper tooth brushing and flossing at least twice a day at home. Using mouthwash can be helpful too. However, if all these have been done and the bad breath is still there, then there could be other conditions causing it. There some medicines that are prescribed by physicians that can cause dry mouth. When our mouth is dry bacteria may grow fast. When taking medications, you can check the information sheet to check on the possible side effects.
How to deal with this? It is important to visit the dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes the dentist may refer you to another specialist if there are other conditions that contributes to halitosis.
(Always Seek Professional Help)
HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease(HFM) is a highly contagious viral infection that is usually caused by Coxsackie Type A16. The mode of transfer of virus from one individual to another is either airborne spread or fecal-oral contamination.
The viral infection typically occurs in epidemic or endemic proportions and predominantly affects children younger than 5 years of age. After a short incubation period, the conditions resolves spontaneously in 1-2 weeks.
Signs and symptoms are typically mild to moderate in intensity and include low-grade fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy and sore mouth. Pain from oral lesions is often patient’s chief complaint. The oral lesions begins as vesicles that quickly rupture to become ulcers that are covered by a yellow fibrinous membrane surrounded by erythematous* halo.
The lesions, which are multiple, can occur anywhere in the mouth, although the palate , tongue, and buccal mucos are favored sites. Multiple maculopapular* lesions,typically on the feet toes, hands , and fingers appear concomitantly with or shortly after the oral lesions. These lesions progress to vesicular state and eventually becomes ulcerated and encrusted.
(Source : Regezi J. et al (2003)Oral Pathology Clinical Pathologic Correlations (4th Edition). Elsevier (Singapore) PTE LTD.)
Please seek physician’s advice when these symptoms appear.
*erythematous – exhibiting abnormal redness of the skin or mucous membranes due to the accumulation of blood in dilated capillaries (as in inflammation) : relating to or marked by erythema
*maculopapular- combining the characteristics of macules ( a patch of skin that is altered in color but usually not elevated ) and papules (a small solid usually conical elevation of the skin caused by inflammation, accumulated secretion, or hypertrophy of tissue elements)
(source: 2020,Merriam Webster, Incorporated)
MOUTH ULCERS
Mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth (mucous membrane)
Symptoms include:
- A round sore or sores inside the mouth
- Swollen skin around the sores
- tenderness
- loss of appetite
Possible Causes are(but not limited to) :
- accidental biting of the cheek
- injury from brushing tooth
- trauma from ill fitting dentures, fractured teeth/ fillings
- poor oral hygiene
- burns from eating food
- irritation from strong antiseptics such as mouthwash
In most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves in a few days without medical treatment. Patients with an ulcer of over three weeks duration should be referred for biopsy or other investigations to exclude malignancy or other serious conditions such as chronic infections
It is recommended that you see a doctor when mouth ulcers do not clear up within a few days, or if you are troubled by frequent attacks.
(Source: Scully, Crispian & Shotts, Rosemary. (2000). ABC of oral health – Mouth ulcers and other causes of orofacial soreness and pain. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 321. 162-5. 10.1136/bmj.321.7254.162.)
Reccurrent aphthous stomatitis (aphthae, Canker Sores)
Reccurrent aphthous stomatitis typically starts in childhood or adolescence with rcurrent small, round, or ovoid ulcers with circumscribed margins, erythematous haloes and yellow or grey floors. It affects 20% of the population and its eventual course is one of eventual remissions. There are three main clinicl types:
- Minor aphthous Ulcers – are less than 5mm in diameter nd heal in 7-14 days
- Major aphthous Ulcers are large ulcers that heal slowly over weeks or months with scarring
- Herpetiform ulcers are multiple pinpoint ulcers that heal about a month
Its is recommended that you have a health professional check your sores for proper diagnosis and treatment.
(Source: Scully, Crispian & Shotts, Rosemary. (2000). ABC of oral health – Mouth ulcers and other causes of orofacial soreness and pain. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 321. 162-5. 10.1136/bmj.321.7254.162.)
ORAL HERPES
Oral herpes is an infection of the mouth and lips caused by specific type of herpes simplex virus(also termed HSV-1, type 1 herpes simplex virus r oral herpes) the virus caused painful sores on the lips, gums, tongue, insides of the cheeks, and sometimes on the face and the neck. It can also cause fever and muscle aches. People commonly refer to the infection as herpes labialis or “cold sores”.
There are two types of HSV, termed HSV-1 HSV-2. These two viruses have distinctly different DNA, and both caused oral and genetal lesions. However, HSV-1 causes about 80% of all oral lesions and only about 20% genetal lesions while HSV-2 causes the reverse (20% oral lesions and 80% genetal lesions).
HSV-1 affects only humans. Mouth sores most commonly occur in children 1-2 years of age, but they can affect people at any age and any time of the year (also termed as herpes Gingivostomatitis).
People contract HSV1 by touching infected saliva, mucous membranes, or skin.Because the virus is highly contagious, a majority of the population is infected by at least one herpes subtype of HSV-1 before adulthood.
If you are unsure of what the oral sores are and want to know more about herpes contact your physician.
(Source: Davis, Charles Patrick and Shiel Jr , William “Oral Herpes (HSV-1, Herpes Simplex Virus-1) Facts” EmedicineHealth. , Reviewed on 9/27/2019, WebMD. www.emedicinehealth.com/oral_herpes/article_em.htm
ORAL THRUSH
Oral thrush – or pseudomembranous candidiasis – is a fungal infection of the mouth common among denture wearers, infants and people with weak immune system. The most common human fungal infection, oral thrush presents as slightly raised removable plaques (resembling cottage cheese on the tongue or inner cheek. Thrush can also affect the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils or back of the throat.
It is primarily called oral thrush when there is a overgrowth of candida albicans, yeasts normally present in the mouth in small quantities and kept in balance by helpful bacteria in the body. Less frequently, oral thrush may also be caused by an overgrowth of candida glabarata or candida tropicalis yeasts, which are also present in the mouth.
Dry mouth, high blood and salivary sugar levels (diabetes) and prolonged used of certain antibiotics or corticosteroid therapy (asthma inhalers) can upset the body’s natural balance of friendly bacteria that would otherwise fight off yeast infection. This allows overgrowth of candida and leads to oral thrush.
(Source:, “Oral Thrush, Causes Symptoms and Treatment” Consumer Giude to Dentistry. Caetus Media . www.yourdentistryguide.com/oral-thrush/)
Management of this condition is best handled by a professional. Avoid Self diagnosis and selfmedication especially if unsure of possible allergic reactions.
(Always Seek Professional Help)
GINGIVITIS
It is always advisable to have your teeth cleaned by a professional at least every 6 months, brushing at home alone may not take out all the food debris and bacteria on the teeth. When these bacteria stay for a longer period of time it may cause the gums to become red, swollen and may bleed easily. When this happens, you may have developed gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the generic term used to describe chronic inflammation of the gingival tissue characterized by redness and swelling. It is very common and is related to accumulation of dental plaque which release toxins and other irritants into the marginal tissue.
Your dentist will be able to treat this. If you suspect you have gingivitis prompt dental attention is needed to avoid further complications. It is recommended that you see your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
(Source: McMahon,R.F.T. & Sloan P. (2000)Essentials for Pathology for Dentistry.Harcourt Publishers Limited.)
(Always Seek Professional Help)
PERIODONTITIS
When gingivitis is not treated, it may advance to periodontitis. This condition does not only involve gums but involves destruction of the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth. If not treated at an early stage, it may cause teeth to be loose in its socket and will eventually have to be removed. Regular visit to the dentist can avoid such things from happening. Always make sure you have your teeth cleaned at least every 6 months. If you suspect you have periodontitis, you need to visit our dentists or periodontist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.(Always Seek Professional Help)