Bad Breath: You Don't Have to Live with It

You may already be aware of the fact that there is bacteria in your mouth and gums. It exists to help you break down the food you chew and eat. However, it can also cause problems, like cavities. That is why good oral health is so important. However, you may be surprised by the fact that there are other weird issues going on inside people's mouths. If any of the following issues exist in your mouth, your dentist can help.

Fungus (Oral Thrush)

There is a fungus that can get into your gums. It is very nasty, smells bad, and feels worse. It is sometimes accompanied by a fever, but not always. Adults only discover that they have it when they either pass it to someone else through kissing or are brushing their teeth and spot the telltale white spots on their gums. The fungus is also referred to as "oral thrush." If your dentist spots and diagnoses it, he or she will prescribe an antifungal mouthwash that you will have to use religiously for the required number of days until the fungus is gone. You will also have to avoid kissing, sharing eating utensils, and drinking off of cartons and cans that other people may take sips or drinks from.

Leukoplakia

This bizarre oral problem develops as a result of irritation to one's own mucous in the mouth. It appears as one or more grayish white "plaques" on the tongue, insides of the cheeks, and the roof of one's mouth. A particular subtype of leukoplakia develops in patients with HIV/AIDS. If your dentist spots leukoplakia, and you do not know for certain that you do not have HIV/AIDS, he or she may suggest that you have blood tests for the HIV virus. If the test is negative, then your dentist may check for oral cancer by taking a biopsy. If that is also negative, then the dentist will just inform you to wait for the plaques to clear up on their own.

Lichen Planus

This is an especially creepy oral problem because the white spots that form all over inside your mouth look like spiders. It is suggested that allergies can cause these bizarre, spider-looking white spots. As the name suggests, it is a lichen, but medicated oral rinses can help remove the lichen from your mouth. If you find that you have repeat cases of this weird disease, you may want to keep track of what you are eating so that you can pinpoint what is causing the allergic reaction.

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