There are various types of mouth diseases that can affect individuals of all ages presenting different causes such as microbial infections to nutritional deficiencies. Mouth diseases can involve parts of the body such as the tongue, lips, inner cheeks and the throat. Some of the common types of mouth diseases include oral cancer, hand, foot and mouth disease, gingivitis, mouth ulcers and thrush.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
This is an infection that results in the development of mouth ulcers and spots on the hands and the feet. Although it can affect individuals of all age group, it commonly occurs among young children particularly under ten years of age. The symptoms can develop between three to five days after exposure to the infection and can include high temperature, coughing, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and sore throat. The mouth ulcers can appear on the tongue which can be painful making it difficult to eat and swallow. After the appearance of the mouth ulcers, the red spots occur on the skin which can last for 10 days. There is no cure for this disease which can normally resolve on its own within 10 days.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer develops from the abnormal cell division in the tissue lining the mouth. It mostly begins in the cells that cover the surfaces of the mouth. The symptoms include white or red patches in the mouth, bleeding in the mouth, loose teeth, earache, problems with swallowing and mouth sore that won’t heal. The risk factors associated with developing oral cancer include the frequent consumption of tobacco and the use of heavy alcohol.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are the sores that can develop inside the cheeks or on the tongue. It can occur as the result of several disorders such as oral thrush, oral cancer, leukoplakia and nutritional deficiencies. The symptoms are based on the cause of the condition and can include open sores and pain or discomfort in the mouth.
Gingivitis
This is a common gum disease that presents irritation and inflammation of the gingiva which is the gum around the base of the teeth. It most commonly develops as the result of poor oral hygiene. Prompt treatment is required to prevent the serious gum disease known as periodontitis and tooth loss. The symptoms include swollen, dark red or puffy gums, bad breath, tender gums, bleeding of the gums with brushing and receding gums. The treatment can usually reverse the symptoms particularly by following a good oral care and to stop the use of tobacco.
Oral thrush
This is a fungal infection of the mouth that presents symptoms such as white patches in the mouth, redness inside the mouth, burning sensation in the mouth, cracks at the corners of the mouth and loss or unpleasant taste. Some of the causes of oral thrush include smoking, having a dry mouth, wearing dentures or having poor oral hygiene. Individuals with certain conditions such as diabetes, iron deficiency and underactive thyroid are particularly at increased risk of developing thrush. It is not contagious and can be successfully treated with antifungal medications.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx#symptoms
https://medlineplus.gov/oralcancer.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001448.htm
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Oral-thrush—adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20305835