If you have ever experienced sharp pain in your mouth while eating or drinking hot drinks, especially if you're a teenager, you should read this...

In this precise article, you're going to learn how to :

1. Differentiate between the three major ulcer types and their causative agents

2. Prevention of these types of Ulcers

3. The one type of ulcer to aviod getting at all costs

My mouth burns! 

These were the words that came out from Tunde's mouth with a slurry voice you had to concentrate carefully in order to hear him

He repeated the same words again, with spit drooling from the corners of his mouth

After taking him inside the consultation cubicle, he writes what he feels and answers questions via the pen so he doesn't drool everywhere

See Tunde had a couple of lesions on his tongue and the sides of his mouth which made talking, eating, even drinking of hot water an annoying chore and experience.

These lesions (small injuries in the mouth) had appeared over night and were a torn in his flesh 

After the checkup, the solution was easy to come about as his wasn't as a result of a disease

So what are these lesions?

They are basically mouth ulcers.

Many people suffer from recurrent ulcers in the mouth.

These can be extremely painful. The most common form is called minor aphthous ulceration (MIAU). 

Teenagers are most frequently affected, though many experience their first lesions well outside this age range.

Usually one to five small ulcers appear (less than 1mm in diameter) on the inside of lips or cheeks, floor of the mouth or tongue. The ulcers tend to be concentrated towards the front of the mouth. Prior to the ulcers appearing, you may experience a burning or prickling sensation.

The ulcers are painful, particularly if the tongue is involved and may make speaking and eating difficult. 

The course of these ulcers varies from a few days to a little over two weeks, but most commonly they last for about 10 days.

Some minor trauma such as vigorous toothbrushing or an irregular filling can be precipitating factors.

Mouth ulcers can also be precipitated by stress, illness, hormonal changes, menstruation and deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron and folic acid. 

Other more serious causes of mouth ulcers include herpes infection, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and immune disorders. A more severe form of oral ulceration, called Major Aphthous Ulceration (MJAU) can affect any part of the oral mucosa, including the soft palate and the tonsillor area, and can extend into the oropharynx. The ulcers are larger than those seen in MIAU and last longer, up to periods of months in some cases.

There are other forms of oral ulceration, where, for example, the ulceration may be part of a syndrome involving ulceration of the eyes, genitalia, the nervous system and joints. Because the cause of these ulcers is not known prevention is difficult.

It is important to seek the advice of a dentist who may decide to refer the more severe cases to a specialist in oral medicine for more thorough investigation.

Maintenance of a high level of oral hygiene will reduce the likelihood of secondary infection when ulcers are present; this of course can prove difficult since patients may find toothbrushing too painful.

Covering agents, some containing choline salicylate, are also available though they can be difficult to apply. They also may be difficult to keep in place, for example inside the lips and on the tongue due to constant movement. 

Use of antiseptics, for example chlorhexdine mouthwash, are reported to be helpful by some patients.

Topical steroids can also provide relief. In some females there is complete remission from aphthous ulcers during pregnancy. Hence hormonal therapy has been tried with varied success. Local anaesthetic lozenges have been used as a last resort to give the patient some relief for example, when eating.

So if in doubt which of the above ulcers you suffer from, get in touch with your dentist immediately for assistance.

While you know that too much acidic foods and sugary sweets can ruin your Teeth, the tips are acidic to gum disease!

1). A Better Way to Add Flavor

Ginger root is considered a healing herb. With its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger promotes healthy tissue in your mouth.

2). Keep More Than the Doctor Away

Eating an apple can take a while. And that’s a good thing for your mouth. The munching action spurs a cleansing action that shakes up the plaque that clings to gums and teeth. Stock up on apples, but be sure to rinse your mouth afterward. Even healthy foods like apples can expose your mouth to acids.

3). Got Milk in Your Diet?

Milk, and other dairy foods such as cheese and yogurt are not only packed with bone-fortifying calcium, but also with the protein casein. In addition, drinking milk can neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria.

No milk around? Eat a piece of cheese instead.

4). Load Up on Leafy Greens

It’s no secret that salad greens pack an all-around healthy punch, but they’re also especially successful at keeping mouths clean because they’re fiber-packed, meaning they require serious chewing to break down. The extra saliva produced by chewing neutralizes mouth bacteria. High-fiber, stringy foods like raw spinach, celery and even cooked beans offer this benefit.

5). Zap Bacteria, Layer by Layer

The raw onion is a potent bacteria-fighting food. Yes, bad breath is the enemy. But that's why sugarless gum and mouthwash were created. Onions have an antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria. Sliver them and toss the strips in your salad, on your sandwich and burger or in soups and stews.

Now go conquer! 

There is a silent monster that causes significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety...

It affects an estimated 25 percent of people and 1 in 4 persons globally...

Also known as halitosis, bad breath has a number of possible causes, but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene

Potential causes of bad breath include:

Tobacco: Tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor, they also increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath

Food: The breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odors. Foods such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath

Dry mouth: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry or dry due to a specific disease, such as xerostomia, odors can build up

Dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odor.

Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce halitosis. This is due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones have a strong aroma

Drugs: Certain medications can reduce saliva and, therefore, increase odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath,  Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath

Mouth, nose, and throat conditions: Sometimes, small, bacteria-covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat and produce odor. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can cause halitosis

Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused if they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity, especially in children

Diseases: Some cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce

Oral hygiene is the key to most bad breath issues

Other lifestyle changes and home remedies for bad breath include:

Brush the teeth: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal

Floss: Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percent of the surface of the tooth

Clean dentures: Anything that goes into your mouth, including dentures, a bridge, or a mouth guard, should be cleaned as recommended on a daily basis. Cleaning prevents the bacteria from building up and being transferred back into the mouth

Changing toothbrush every 2 to 3 months is also important for similar reasons

Brush tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful

Avoid dry mouth: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet, preferably sugar-free, can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva

Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue

If breath odor persists despite controlling these factors, it is recommended that an individual visits a doctor for further tests to rule out other conditions