Mucosal and oral diseases - sometimes the help of a dentist is necessary

A lump on the gum or in the mucous membrane of the mouth is usually a harmless symptom

A lump can develop in the mouth for a number of reasons:

• A hard, pale bump on the gum or palate is usually an overgrowth of bone that you don’t have to worry about. Inflamed roots of teeth and the surrounding tissues can also cause lumps on the gums. In this case, you need to see a dentist urgently.
• A softer, gum-coloured lump on the lip or cheek usually arises as a result of a bite or rubbing of a prosthesis. Harmless fibromas can be removed with surgery if they are constantly caught between the teeth or cause other harm.
• A blister-like lump on the lip is most often caused by damage to the salivary gland, for example, as a result of a bite. The lump can burst, but it will grow again and again unless it is removed with surgery.
• A rough-edged, bloody and ulcerative lump in the mouth should be shown to a dentist if it does not heal on its own in a couple of weeks.

Dark spots on the mucous membrane of the mouth are typically harmless

Dark grey or brown spots on the gums are typically caused by amalgam entering the tissue upon the removal of a dental amalgam filling or tooth extraction. This is very common and there are no harms related to it.

In some cases, smoking can cause excessive pigmentation of the gums in the front of the mouth.

If you have never had an amalgam filling or if the dark spot is located in the palate, you should show the lesion to the dentist. It may be a rare mole or a benign melanin spot. Melanomas on the oral mucosa are very rare.

Pale lesion in the mouth — dentists can usually help

If a pale lesion appears in your mouth, the reason for it should be determined, unless it disappears in a couple of weeks.

• Thickening of the mucous membrane as a result of tooth abrasion may manifest as a pale area in the mouth. If necessary, a dentist can correct the situation by grinding the tooth.
• Lichen planus in the mouth must always be confirmed with a biopsy. Lichen planus manifests as white strands on the cheeks and a red tongue. If the mouth is sore and stinging, the symptoms can be treated with cortisone.
• Aphthae are white blisters on the mucous membranes of the mouth. They heal spontaneously within a couple of weeks. Avoid using toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate if you suffer from aphthae.
• Pale bumps with sharp edges (leukoplakia) should be shown to a dentist for biopsy.

Redness of the mouth can be caused by a yeast infection

Oral yeast infection causes the mucous membranes of the mouth to become red and burning. In healthy people, the condition is often associated with the use of removable prostheses and orthodontic appliances. Yeast infections can also develop as a result of dry mouth, smoking, oral lichen planus, antibiotics and some diseases.

Local treatment prescribed by a dentist will cure the yeast infection. Good oral hygiene promotes healing. Clean the prostheses and orthodontic appliances regularly as well.

If the redness of the mouth does not improve in a couple of weeks, it is advisable to visit a dentist to check the situation.

Discolouration of the tongue is harmless

Your tongue may be discoloured, and its colour can vary from light to dark brown. It is a feature of the mucous membranes of the tongue, not an actual disease.

• Hairy tongue is the overgrowth of the bumps on the tongue, which is why the tongue may even look hairy. The colour can vary from yellowish to almost black. The symptoms are relieved by cleaning the tongue daily. Use a regular toothpaste and a tongue scraper. Smoking aggravates the symptoms.
• Geographic tongue is caused by partial thinning of the tongue’s mucous membranes, which manifests as red and pale spots on the surface of the tongue. Geographic tongue is sometimes accompanied by a stinging sensation of the tongue. Toothpaste for sensitive mouths can help with the sensation. If necessary, your dentist may prescribe you a cortisone medicine to relieve your symptoms.

Burning mouth syndrome is a harmless but troublesome symptom

A burning sensation in the tongue, lips or the front of the palate can be a real nuisance. These are symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, which usually affects middle-aged or older women. In some cases, it may be associated with a dry mouth or changes in the sense of taste.

The causes of burning mouth syndrome are not known, but it may be related to disturbances in the functionality of sensory nerve fibres. Fortunately, burning mouth syndrome is not harmful to your health.

The symptoms of burning mouth syndrome can be alleviated by:

• chewing gum and lozenges
• avoiding acidic foods
• using toothpaste designed for sensitive mouths
• using medicine prescribed by a dentist to treat pain