MOUTH PAIN

See also

Tooth pain - which includes teething - problems with dentures etc.

Common problems

• Gingivitis.
• Mouth Ulcers.
• Foreign body - Retained food debris/bristle from tooth brush etc.
• Oral thrush - White thick overgrowth of funcrus - candida albican with inhaled steroid use (in asthma) or oral steroids.
• Oral thrush - Reduced immune system activity.

Danger signs

• Persistent ulcers/lesions - especially in older smokers -may need referral for biopsy.
• Uncontrolled swelling/pain - consider herpetic or other stomatitis.Contact GP

Notes for children

• Sucking pads in children - asymptomatic white areas - should not be confused with oral thrush.

General advice

• Consider if there is adequate dental care - i.e. tooth cleaning material used.
• Supervision by a dentist.

Therapy

• Oral antiseptics.
• Oral local anaesthetic / soothing preparations.
• Oral antifungals.
• Analgesics.

Dictionary

Candida albicans: a genus of yeast like fiingi. The gastro-intestinal tract is the source of the most important species which is part of the flora.
Gingivitis: inflammation of the gingival tissue.
Herpetic: relating to or characterlzed by herpes.
Stomatitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth.

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