Mouth Sores & Spots

Cold sores also known as fever blisters occur in groups; are painful and filled with fluid. Cold sores normally appear on and around the lip area. These groups of tiny sore can also erupt on gum tissue that is near teeth or also on the hard palate (upper part of the mouth that is bony).

The Herpes Type 1 and Type 2 virus can cause cold sores which are transmissible. The first herpes infection known as primary herpes usually occurs during childhood and its symptoms are similar to the symptoms of flu or cold. The herpes infection may lead to the occurrence of painful sores all over the mouth. Sometimes patients may fall sick for about seven days.Nevertheless majority of people with herpes never get sick. Once you get infected with the herpes virus it remains in your body but in an inactive state. However, for a number of people the HPV gets activated from time to time causing cold sores to erupt on and around the lips. Cold sores can be aggravated by sun, wind, stress and fever.  

Cold sores normally take up to 7 days to heal. When a sore breaks, it oozes then forms a scab that is unpleasant to look at. Topical over-the-counter medicines including anesthetic gels and protecting gels, anti-inflammatory and antiviral agents can temporarily ease pain but do not speed up healing. Just like other viral infections, cold sores cannot be permanently cured. Your dentist may recommend topical (applied directly on the affected area) systemic (in form or capsules or tablets) antiviral medication. These drugs are only effective immediately after blisters have formed and are not to be used by healthy people.

Leukoplakia is a term used to refer to gray or white patches that form on tissues inside the mouth. Leukoplakia occurs due excessive growth of cells lining the mouth. Leukolakia is usually caused by tobacco use (chewing and/or smoking); particular types of food, cheek biting, uneven tooth restorations or cracked teeth.The cause of this condition is unknown in some people. Leukoplakia patches form gradually and with time may become rough. These patches are generally painless and non-irritating.

Generally Leukoplakia is harmless; however it is linked to oral cancer. Visit your dentist to establish whether a patch or spot is cancerous or not. A biopsy will conducted to rule out the risk of cancer.

Erythroplakia is a term used to refer to red patches that can occur inside the mouth. Erythroplakia patches commonly appear on gum tissues behind back teeth or on the floor of the mouth. It is not known exactly what triggers Erythroplakia but it is commonly linked to tobacco use (chewing and/or smoking) and alcohol consumption. Other triggers include severe irritation and bad nutrition. Leukoplakia is more prevalent compared to Erythroplakia. Erythroplakia patches are more often established to be cancerous or precancerous.Visit your dentist for a biopsy in case you notice any red patches that persist for more than a week regardless of whether or not you use alcohol or tobacco.

Lichen planus is a term used to refer to a disorder characterized by the occurrence of chronic, irritating and, inflammatory rashes or lesions inside the mouth or on the skin. These lesions may have white spots and those appearing inside the cheeks, on the gums and sides of the tongue may be sore or painful. Lichen Planus is associated with genetics and chronic reaction of the body’s immune system. One is likely to develop Lichen Planus during middle age or at old age. It cannot be transmitted from one person to another and it is also not cancerous.  This condition does not have a cure hence treatment only alleviates pain. Your dentist may recommend topical or systemic medication including rinses, creams, or pills. Correct diagnosis of Lichen Planus is through biopsy and its clinical symptoms. 

Candidiasis is caused by a yeast infection. Other terms used to refer to Candidiasis are moniliasis and oral thrush. Candidiasis forms red and white patches on mouth surfaces. This condition can cause pain, bad breath, interfere with taste buds and problems swallowing. Candidiasis develops the Candida albicans yeast reproduces abnormally in large numbers. This can occur after use of antibiotics, when there is a reduction in the number of helpful bacteria inside the mouth, when body immunity has weakened or due to dry mouth (xerostomia). Usually dry mouth condition is associated with various prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.

Candidiasis is common among children, the old and patients with diseases such as AIDS and diabetes. This condition is also common among denture wearers. Available treatment controls conditions which trigger occurrence. Denture wearers should clean their dentures properly to get rid of Candida and prevent outbreak.

Your dentist may recommend medications for treating dry mouth or saliva substitutes to prevent the mouth from drying. If it is not possible to eliminate the root cause of Candidiasis, your dentist may prescribe anti-fungal medications. 

Oral cancer can affect the lips, gums, cheek lining as well as the roof and floor of the mouth. Tobacco use contributes to about 70% of all cases of oral cancers. Alcoholic drinks may also increase your susceptibility to oral cancers.

Oral cancer can erupt as a red or white lesion, sore or bump. Initially there is no pain and normally the lesion, sore or bump is small. However it spreads and grows rapidly. Many cancerous sores or lesions can be detected when you go for dental check-ups and so it is advisable that you do regularly. Additionally prevention and treatment of erythroplakia and leukoplakia can prevent some of them from developing into oral cancer. Certain oral cancers may be confused with benign which is harmless hence delaying early diagnosis. You can survive oral cancer and enjoy quality life if the disease is diagnosed and treated early enough.