The oral cavity is covered with a mucous membrane, which is constantly exposed to chemical, mechanical and physical influences, which can lead to its injury. However, there are a number of other diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity that are not associated with trauma. The most common among them are candidiasis, chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis, and exfoliative cheilitis. However, there are other more dangerous diseases and conditions, including cancers and precancerous conditions such as leukoplakia. Also, diseases that occur on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity can be the result of venereal or allergic diseases. Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist in time for timely and comprehensive treatment of pathological processes on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
Candidiasis of the oral cavity
Candidiasis of the oral cavity – a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida. It manifests itself as a white coating on the tongue, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or the corners of the mouth. At the same time, there is burning and dryness in the oral cavity. Candidiasis occurs as a result of a disturbance in the microflora of the oral cavity, which can be caused by taking antibiotics, diseases of the immune system, HIV (AIDS), the use of antimicrobial drugs, etc. There are several forms of candidiasis:
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- Pseudomembranous – pain and burning in the oral cavity, difficulty in eating; the mucous membrane is swollen, dry and covered with a white coating (curd masses), which is easily removed.
- Atrophic – itching, burning and dryness in the mouth, difficulty in chewing food; swelling and bright or dull redness of the mucous membrane; viscous and foamy saliva; stuck in the corners of the mouth.
- Hyperplastic – discomfort in the oral cavity, slight itching and slight dryness in the oral cavity; foamy plaque on the mucous membrane of the tongue with an unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove; foamy and viscous saliva.
To establish a diagnosis and the cause of candidiasis, it is necessary to consult a dentist for a comprehensive examination and referral to a laboratory for the identification of fungi of the genus Candida. The treatment of candidiasis is also complex, which consists in eliminating the cause of its occurrence, the effect on fungi of the genus Candida, increasing immunity and local symptomatic treatment.
Chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis – chronic inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, which is characterized by the formation of aphthae and occurs with frequent exacerbations. Aphtha is a painful defect of the epithelium of white color around which a red border is visible. The causes of chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis can be allergic conditions, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory infections and injuries of the mucous membrane. Most often, aphthae occur on the mucous membrane of the lips, cheeks, and lateral surface of the tongue. There are several forms of this disease, including those that can lead to scarring and deformities.
Treatment of this disease is complex. Includes influence on the cause of its occurrence, immune therapy and local symptomatic therapy. In the absence of treatment, frequent relapses occur, which worsen the patient's quality of life. Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist in a timely manner for qualified and complex therapy.
Exfoliative cheilitis
Exfoliative cheilitis – a chronic disease of the lips, which is characterized by the appearance of scales of gray-yellow or yellow-brown color. There is burning and pain of the lips, especially when closing them. The cause of its occurrence can be both general somatic conditions of the body and local irritating factors. Timely contact to a dentist and comprehensive treatment reduces the number of recurrences of this disease and contributes to the fastest possible recovery.