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List of Mouth Diseases

The mouth is a vital part of the human body that is responsible for aiding in digestion, tasting foods, communicating and looking aesthetically pleasing. Because it is so important to daily life, developing a disease of the mouth can be frustrating and inconvenient. Though they may seem uncommon, there are several mouth diseases that frequently ail people.

  1. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

    • Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a viral illness that is most often found in young children and babies, though people of all ages can contract the virus. The initial symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth can resemble flu-like symptoms with malaise, a sore throat and fever. However, unlike the flu, infected people can begin to develop blisters on the inside of the mouth and/or a rash on the hands and feet. The disease is spread by direct contact and is contagious for up to, and possibly more than, one week. There is no cure for the disease, though symptoms can be treated individually with pain medications. Hand, Foot and Mouth can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and washing hands often.

    Gingivitis

    • Gingivitis is perhaps the most common and well-known of the mouth diseases. It is a mild gum disease that causes inflammation, swelling and often bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque, a white waxy substance that accumulates on the teeth. Though the effects of the disease may seem harmless, it can lead to more serious periodontal disease if left untreated. Gingivitis can be prevented by brushing and flossing daily. Avoiding tobacco and eating a nutritious diet can also help keep the mouth disease at bay. According to The Mayo Clinic, people who are infected with gingivitis can treat it by visiting their dentist for a cleaning and using antiseptic mouthwashes daily.

    Thrush

    • Thrush is an over-population of yeast in the mouth, resulting in white sores on the inner cheeks and tongue, though it may spread to other areas of the mouth. These sores can be painful and can be prone to bleeding if irritated. Thrush is most often found in babies and people who wear dentures, though anyone can contract the disease. People who often develop yeast infections or are infected with cancer, HIV or diabetes are at an increased risk of developing oral thrush. Treatment often involves the use of an anti-fungal medication and eating sugar-free yogurt to restore the balance of good bacteria in the body. Thrush can be prevented by consuming a nutritious diet, seeing the dentist often, rinsing the mouth and countering antibiotics with fresh-cultured yogurt.

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