Swollen Gums around Tooth: Wisdom, Back of Mouth, Painful, Remedy

Your gums are very important to your oral health. The gums are made of firm, pink tissue that covers your jawbones. This tissue is thick, fibrous, and full of blood vessels. If your gums become swollen, they may protrude, or bulge out. Swelling of your gums usually begins where the gum meets the tooth. Your gums may become so swollen, however, that they begin to hide parts of your teeth. Swollen gums usually are red instead of their normal pink color.
Swollen gums around tooth, also called gingival swelling, are often irritated, sensitive, or painful. You may also notice that your gums bleed more easily when brushing or flossing your teeth. This is a common problem, and can have a number of different causes. If you are suffering from gum swelling that lasts longer than a few days, you should contact your dental professional.

Why is mu gum swollen around one tooth?

There are a few reasons a gum can swell in one area, including an abscessed tooth, gum disease and improper brushing or flossing. Here are some causes of this common problem and what to do if it happens to you.
Hygienic issues
Swollen gum around tooth in your mouth may be because you didn’t brush or floss correctly, which can leave behind food debris that causes decay and inflammation in the neglected area of the gum. Over time, this inadequate oral hygiene can cause gum disease as well. Be on the lookout for pale, red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, pus coming from the tooth, a loose tooth or persistent bad breath and taste.
Gum Disease
A common known cause for a swollen gum around one tooth is gum disease. This is a prevalent condition for which you should be on guard each time you brush. In its earliest stages, its symptoms show up as red and swollen gums that, although painless, might still bleed. As the disease progresses, it can cause loose teeth due to gums that have pulled away in certain spots.
Abscessed Tooth
This condition also a very common cause of local gum swelling and indicates you have an infection in or around your tooth. Usually this can come from an untreated cavity that causes bacteria to spread throughout your tooth and infect it. Abscessed tooth can cause irritation and ultimately cost you the tooth if left untreated.
Its symptoms include throbbing pain, red or swollen gums around tooth, a swollen jaw or face, a tender or sore tooth, a fever and even a salty taste in your mouth. However, treatment is required for an abscessed tooth. Therefore, your dentist may give you antibiotics for the infection, a root canal to remove the infected pulp or extract the tooth entirely depending on the severity.
Gingivitis
This is the most common condition when it comes to swollen gums. It’s a gum disease that causes your gums to become irritated and swollen. Many people don’t know they have gingivitis because the symptoms can be quite mild. However, if it’s left untreated, gingivitis can eventually lead to a much more serious condition called “periodontitis” and possible tooth loss.
Gingivitis may result from poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on the gum line and teeth. Plaque is a film composed of bacteria and food particles deposited on the teeth over time. If plaque remains on the teeth for more than a few days, it becomes tartar, which is harder than plaque.
Pregnancy
Swollen gums can also occur during pregnancy. The hormonal changes in your body that occur during pregnancy may increase the blood flow in your gums. This increase in blood flow can cause your gums to be more easily irritated, leading to swelling. These hormonal changes can also hinder your body’s ability to fight off bacteria that typically cause gum infections. This can increase your chance of developing gingivitis.
Malnutrition
When you are deficient in vitamins, especially vitamins B and C, can increase the chances of developing swollen gums around tooth. Vitamin C, for example, plays an important role in the maintenance and repair of your teeth and gums. If your vitamin C levels drop too low, you could develop scurvy. Scurvy can cause anemia and gum disease.
Infection
Infections caused by fungi and viruses can potentially cause swollen gums. If you have herpes, it could lead to a condition called acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, which causes swollen gums. Thrush, which is the result of an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast in the mouth, can also cause gum swelling. Untreated dental decay can lead to a dental abscess, which is localized gum swelling.
Medications
If you have recently started taking medication, your swollen gums may be a side effect of the drug. Talk to your doctor about your side effects to the medication, and find out if there are alternatives.
Brand switch
If you have recently changed your brand of toothpaste or mouthwash, you may be having a reaction to one of the ingredients. This is more often to people who are very sensitive to allergic reactions. Always stick to what you are used to if you have this problem.
There are many other possible causes and contributors to gum inflammation, so discussing your symptoms with your dentist is the best way to get an accurate and complete diagnosis.

How to Prevent Swollen Gums around tooth

Not only brushing your teeth twice a day; flossing in between your teeth and using an effective is enough. In addition, make sure you’re brushing, flossing and rinsing with proper tools and technique. If you have a large space between two teeth, for instance, an interdental brush can help clean in between them.
To add on that, you should be going for your dental check-ups at least twice a year not only so your dentist can check the overall health of your teeth, but whether you have swollen gums around tooth or have receded gums.
A healthy mouth and beautiful smile depend on how much care you put into both your teeth and gums. Start with oral care at home and follow it up with semi-annual dentist visits to make sure your mouth health is uninterrupted from ear to ear.

Swollen Gums around wisdom Tooth

Pericoronitis is a condition which occurs when a part of the tooth breaks partially through the gum. Plaque and food gets caught underneath this and remains there. This causes irritation and swelling of the gum tissue and infection. If left unattended, the infection and swelling can extend to the neck and cheek regions as well.
If you are suffering swollen gums around tooth, the following parts can be a great help for you to relieve your discomforts.

Causes of Swollen Gum around Wisdom Tooth

Natural reaction of the body to infection is to supply the affected part with oxygen rich blood, red blood cells and nutrients to hasten the healing. Pain and swelling occurs because the small blood vessels in the area expand to increase the blood flow to the area. This is the same reaction that happens when the gums around the wisdom tooth swell.
Apart from pericoronitis, gingivitis can cause swollen gums around wisdom tooth, which is caused by the presence of plaque or bacterial biofilms sticking to the tooth surfaces. The lesions can be caused due to viral, bacteria, fungal or genetic causes. The gum tissue gets stretched over the connective tissue and gets inflamed, swollen and appear shiny, which will bleed easily when flossing or brushing.
Other causes of gum pain can be impaction, infection, tooth decay, cysts and pain due to pressure. The following are some conditions that swollen gums around tooth may occur:

  • When the wisdom tooth doesn’t fully grow but breaks out from the gums, the condition is called impacted tooth.
  • When an erupted wisdom tooth is covered with a flap of skin, gum infection like pericoronitis occurs.
  • When the tooth begins to die, tooth decay occurs.
  • Small pockets of fluid called cysts also form near the wisdom tooth.
  • When the wisdom tooth erupts through gums, pressure pain occurs.

Swollen Gum around One Tooth no Pain

There are some cases you may have a swollen gum that has no pain. Should you get worried? For some instance, that may not be a cause for alarm, maybe it is just a small injury that may have occurred while you were carrying out your normal daily oral hygiene. However, do not assume such conditions just like that.
For instance, if the swollen gums around tooth start developing white spots or patches hence with no pain, it might be an infection called leukoplakia. This condition is usually painless and it may be seen with swollen whitish gums. For this, you have to be concerned as it may develop to a more serious problem. You can visit your dentist who may advise you on the right antibiotics to use on such conditions.

Swollen Gum behind back tooth

Wisdom teeth do not always emerge into the mouth properly because there may not be enough room in the mouth for them to fit. Sometimes, a part of the tooth may remain covered by a flap of gum. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped under this flap and cause a mild irritation, a low-grade infection called pericoronitis and swelling. This usually happens with the lower wisdom teeth.
What to do for this condition
You cannot treat pericoronitis at home. If you recognize the symptoms, get treatment right away. The symptoms may include:

  • A bad taste in the mouth — this often happens when there is an infection.
  • Bad breath(halitosis) – more so from the swollen gums around tooth
  • Pain in the area around your back teeth — Pericoronitis usually occurs around the wisdom teeth.
  • Swelling behind the very back teeth — if you have pericoronitis, you’ll notice that the gum tissue in the back of your mouth is swollen. This swelling may not allow you to bite comfortably without pinching the swollen tissues between your teeth.
  • Not being able to open your mouth full.

Swollen Gums in Back of Mouth

If you are teen and you have not developed molar teeth, you may experience this problem. All teeth usually never emerge at the same time.
As you continue to grow, your jaw bone continue to increase in length as well. This provide enough space for the eruption of molar teeth that had not yet grown while you were younger due to space limitation.
When this time comes, you may experience swollen gums at the back of your mouth which usually is accompanied with a mild pain. The swollen gums may eventually break with time to allow the teeth to grow up.

Swollen Gums around Tooth Home Remedy

Swelling of the gums is a common problem. The tissue that forms the gums is thick, fibrous and full of blood vessels. Hence, when there is swelling, the gums may protrude or bulge out and appear red instead of their normal pink.
You can soothe the pain and swelling of gums with proper oral hygiene and home remedies. However, if you have swollen gums and symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see your dentist.
Home remedies Include:
Warm and Cold Compresses
Warm and cold compresses can provide quick relief for sore, swollen gums as they help reduce pain and swelling. You need to hold the compresses against your face, not directly on the swollen gums.
Salt Water
Salt is another effective remedy for swollen gums around tooth. It inhibits growth of bacteria in the mouth and prevents infections that may contribute to several oral health issues.

  • After brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently rub your gums with salt for a few seconds. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this once daily. After your gums are healthy again, do this 3 times a week to prevent recurrence.
  • Another option is to add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and use it to rinse your mouth twice daily until the swelling subsides.

Clove Oil
Clove oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in relieving inflammation of gums and reduces pain. Clove oil on cotton placed near the tooth for an hour will be helpful in reducing swelling.
Camphor
Wrapping camphor in cotton and placing near the wisdom tooth can cause numbing effect on the painful gums. You can place this till it dissolves in the mouth.
Oral Numbing Gel
These gels are available OTC for topical application on the affected area. The gel will provide relief from unbearable pain only temporarily.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the very essential part of home care. Brush your teeth with soft toothbrush, especially those affected part. Flossing helps in removing food particles and medicated mouthwash helps in controlling infection.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can also help reduce swollen gums around tooth inflammation and pain. It can even help kill germs and fight oral problems. For oral health, use food grade, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution only.

  • Mix equal parts of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and water. Swish the solution around your gums and teeth for 30 seconds. Rinse it off with warm water.
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub this paste on your gums, wait 1 minute and then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Turmeric
Turmeric is also a good home remedy for swollen gums around tooth. It contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. In addition, it prevents the spread of bacterial activity that causes several oral problems

  • Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to make a paste
  • Apply this paste on the gums with your clean finger.
  • Leave it on for 5 minutes, then massage gently for 1 minute.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Repeat twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks.

Black Tea Bags
Black tea bags have tannins that can help reduce inflammation of the swollen gums around tooth. In addition, its antioxidant properties promote good oral health.

  • Steep a tea bag in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove it and allow it to cool to a bearable temperature.
  • Hold the tea bag on the affected area of your gums for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution.
  • Repeat once daily for a few days.

Aloe Vera
Another effective remedy to treat swollen and bleeding gums is aloe vera. This herb has anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that can prevent the growth of plaque- causing bacteria in the mouth and soothe inflamed gums.

How to treat Swollen Gums

Some causes of gum pain, like medications and illness, will need to be treated with more comprehensive medical care. See your dentist for your regular check-up and he or she can refer you to this health care professional.
Or, if you just started taking a new medication and notice gum pain creep in, talk to your doctor about alternatives, or even altering your dosage.
Depending on the cause of your swollen gums around tooth, your dentist may prescribe oral rinses that help prevent gingivitis and reduce plaque. Your dentist may also recommend that you use a specific brand of toothpaste. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary.
If you have an extreme case of gingivitis, you may need surgery. One common treatment option is scaling and root planing. This is a procedure in which the dentist scrapes away diseased gums, dental plaque, and calculus, or tartar, on the roots of the teeth to allow the remaining gums to heal.
Eat Cold Foods
Provided the sensitive hasn’t spread to your teeth, cold foods can help reduce swelling and numb the pain of swollen gums. Therefore, try noshing on a freezer pop or eating a few frozen grapes to help calm the pain and swelling naturally.
Find Relief
There are a number of thing you can carry out, and a few things you should not do, to ease your discomfort and decrease the swelling in your gums.
What to do

  • Brush and floss regularly. If the root cause of your gum swelling is gingivitis, good oral hygiene is the first step to recovery.
  • Improve your diet. Add some extra fruits and vegetables to your diet, and avoid caffeinated beverages and sodas for a while.
  • Rinse your mouth with a salt water solution. This can ease the pain of inflamed gums.
  • See your dentist! Be sure to make an appointment if your gum irritation persists. A dental professional can determine the exact cause of the swelling, and help you improve the health of your teeth and gums faster.

Things not to do

  • Don’t continue to use toothpastes and mouthwashes that irritate your gums. Mouthwash that contains alcohol may irritate swollen gums. Change your toothpaste if you find it is hurting the affected area.
  • Don’t use alcohol and tobacco, since both those substances can irritate your gums further.
  • Don’t ignore the problem. Begin taking action to help reduce the swelling, and see a professional to ensure the swelling in your gums isn’t a symptom of something more serious.

References

  1. Causes of swelling on gums: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/article/what-causes-a-swollen-gum-around-one-tooth-1015
  2. Causes of swollen gums; http://www.healthline.com/symptom/swollen-gums

Pale Gums Causes: around Teeth, White, Light Pink, Treatment

This condition can be caused by anemia, because the body either lacks sufficient red blood cells or sufficient hemoglobin, it fails to receive sufficient oxygen, causing the skin to turn pale. The increased paleness is particularly prominent in the gums, nail beds and inner eyelids. Research has it that, the most obvious and common symptom of anemia is fatigue.

Why are my Gums Pale?

In more severe cases, the heartbeat increases noticeably. Other symptoms include irritability, low blood pressure, brittle nails, unusual food cravings and persistent headaches. While iron deficiency anemia is easily treated, but if left undiagnosed it can impair growth and development among infants, and severely impact quality of life in adults.
Treatment of pale gums consists of correcting the iron deficiency through a combination of diet and supplements. Side effects include black stools; rarely, people also suffer from abdominal discomfort. To prevent iron deficiency anemia, eating a nutritious diet such as, liver, fish, poultry and eggs are all excellent sources of iron, and should sometimes supplemented with citrus juice to help the body absorb the nutrients.
Vegetarians are more likely to suffer from iron deficiencies if proper care is not taken, as are menstruating or breastfeeding women. However, anemia can afflict either gender at any age. Lifestyle choices also play a significant factor; alcoholics and serious athletes are both at a higher risk than others.

What Causes Pale Gums

Though they may be a part of our body that we don’t look at with much depth, our gums are quite important to us. If you have ever had pale gums or seen them up close, they can be quite worrisome. Under normal conditions, our gums are usually a nice pale shade of pink when they are healthy.
However with certain health conditions or with improper hygiene, our gums can quickly become pale and even damaged.  More importantly, is there some deeper health condition going on that’s contributing to this.
Possible Causes of pale gums
Health Conditions
The most common cause for pale gums is anemia. Anemia affects a lot of people and they don’t even know it. This condition often doesn’t come out until a blood test is run and therefore many people don’t realize that they are suffering from this iron deficiency. One of the most obvious ways that anemia shows itself besides fatigue and dizziness is pale gums and it can really take you off guard.
Though we expect our gums to look a certain way, we are immediately concerned when they appear pale and off balance. If the pale gums are also accompanied by a pale or white tongue, then chances are you are suffering from anemia. You should get checked out by a doctor and receive treatment, and as a result the gums will likely regain their proper colour.
Gum disease
Though we often hear that gums get bright red or even bleed from this condition, they can go the other way, too. The other extreme for gum disease is that the gums become pale and lack any real colour to them at all. This is rather serious as it can cause some rather significant damage to the gums which can sometimes be irreversible.
If you have a history of gum disease or if you notice that the gums are just pale and lifeless, you need to make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If not treated properly, gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene and can even lead to other health conditions.
Improper Oral Hygiene
One final cause for pale gums can be poor oral hygiene. Though we tend to think of cavities and gingivitis as the result of poor oral hygiene, it can show itself in other forms sometimes. The gums that are pale can come about or can even be the result of a build-up of extreme tartar or plaque in between the gums and the teeth. If poor oral hygiene is the cause you need to really focus your efforts on improving it.
No matter what is causing your gums that are pale you want to look to natural products to help improve the appearance of your gums and create a balanced and healthy mouth. Looking for a natural toothpaste that has botanical peppermint oil as its base can really help to fight off bacteria. This will help to improve the appearance of your gums and ensure that they are no longer pale, making for the best oral hygiene possible.

Is Pale Gums Anemia Symptom?

The symptoms of anemia vary according to the type of anemia, the underlying cause, the severity and any underlying health problems, such as haemorrhaging, ulcers, menstrual problems, or cancer. Specific symptoms of those problems may be noticed first.
The body also has a remarkable ability to compensate for early anemia. If your anemia is mild or has developed over a long period of time, you may not notice any symptoms.
Symptoms common to many types of anemia include, Easy fatigue and loss of energy, unusually rapid heartbeat, particularly with exercise, shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise, difficulty concentrating, Pale skin or pale gums, Leg cramps, insomnia.
When to consult a Doctor for Anemia
Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors for anemia or notice any signs or symptoms of anemia including:

  • Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat.
  • Poor diet or inadequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals
  • Very heavy menstrual periods
  • Symptoms of an ulcer, gastritis, haemorrhoids, bloody or tarry stools, or colorectal cancer
  • Concern about environmental exposure to lead
  • A hereditary anemia runs in your family and you would like genetic counselling before having a child

For women considering pregnancy, your doctor will likely recommend that you begin taking supplements, especially folate, even before conception. These supplements benefit both mother and baby.

Pale Gums around Teeth Meaning

There are two types of diseases that can affect the gums: gingivitis and periodontitis. Together, gingivitis and periodontitis are referred to as gum disease or periodontal disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, but without proper treatment it can lead to the more serious periodontitis. It is characterized by red and irritated pale gums.
Gingivitis is quite common, with many people having it to different strengths. Those at increased risk include anyone with poor dental hygiene, minorities, those who are less educated, smokers, uncontrolled diabetics, older adults, and pregnant women, those with decreased immunity, poor nutrition, substance abusers and those who do not seek the services of a dental professional often.
The National Institutes of Health warned that if it is not removed, plaque can turn into tartar, a hard deposit at the base of the tooth. Both plaque and tartar inflame gums and produce bacteria and toxins that cause gums to get infected with gingivitis.
Symptoms
Healthy gums are characterized by pale pink colour and firmness. Because gingivitis is usually not painful, many people do not realize that it is present or that they have a problem.
Symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums, even with gentle brushing
  • Tender gums, especially when touched
  • Bright red, dusky red or purple-red gums
  • Swollen and pale gums
  • Mouth sores
  • Shiny gums
  • Bad breath

Prevention
The best way to prevent gingivitis is to practice good oral hygiene. The brushing teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Teeth should be professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months. If symptoms are especially bad, dentists may recommend brushing and flossing after every meal and before bed.
They may also recommend plaque-removal devices, such as special toothbrushes, toothpicks and water irrigation tools. Prescribed anti-plaque and anti-tartar toothpastes and rinses can also help.

White Patches on Gums Causes

Leukoplakia appears as thick, white patches on your gums or on the insides of your cheeks. Although leukoplakia itself isn’t dangerous, it sometimes shows precancerous changes that can lead to mouth cancer. These patches can’t easily be scraped off.
The cause of leukoplakia is unknown, but tobacco, whether smoked, dipped or chewed, is considered to be the main culprit in its development. This condition can sometimes be serious. Although most leukoplakia patches are benign, a small percentage show early signs of cancer, and many cancers of the mouth occur next to areas of leukoplakia.
Symptoms
Leukoplakia can have various appearances. Changes usually occur on your gums, the insides of your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth and, sometimes, your tongue. Leukoplakia may appear as:

  • White or grayish patches that can’t be wiped away
  • Irregular or flat-textured areas and pale gums
  • Thickened or hardened areas
  • Raised, red lesions (erythroplakia), which are more likely to show precancerous changes

A type of leukoplakia called hairy leukoplakia primarily affects people whose immune systems have been weakened by medications or disease, especially HIV/AIDS. Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges on the sides of your tongue.
It’s often mistaken for oral thrush — an infection marked by creamy white patches on the area that extends from the back of your throat to the top of your oesophagus (pharynx) and the insides of the cheeks. Oral thrush also is common in people with HIV/AIDS.
Prevention
Most often, you can prevent leukoplakia by:

  • Avoiding all tobacco products.This is one of the best steps you can take for your overall health, as well as being one of the main ways to prevent leukoplakia. Talk to your doctor about methods to help you quit. If friends or family members continue to smoke or chew tobacco, encourage them to have frequent dental check-ups. Oral cancers are usually painless until fairly advanced.
  • Avoiding or limiting alcohol use.Alcohol is a factor in both leukoplakia and oral cancer. Combining alcohol and smoking may make it easier for the harmful chemicals in tobacco to penetrate the tissues in your mouth.
  • Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.These are rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene, which reduce the risk of leukoplakia by deactivating harmful oxygen molecules before they can damage tissues. Foods rich in beta carotene include dark yellow, orange, and green fruits and vegetables, including carrots, pumpkin, squash, cantaloupe and spinach.

What it mean when Gums are White and Sore

Painful, sore, white gums can be signs and symptoms of gingivitis or, more likely, periodontitis), which can arise due to a number of different causes, including poor oral hygiene with improper brushing or flossing. Inflammation of the gums may manifest as

  • Painful pale gums,
  • sensitivity,
  • redness,
  • swelling, and
  • Bleeding of the gums either after brushing or when otherwise irritated.

Gum disease can ultimately lead to receding gums and even damage to the bones of the jaw. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also increase the sensitivity of the gums, which may in some cases lead to soreness or pain. Painful white or pale gums can also arise due to localized sores on the gums, such as abscesses or aphthous ulcers.

Reason for Light Pink Gums around Teeth

Normal, healthy gums should be firmly attached to the teeth and underlying bone. They are pale pink in light-skinned people and brown, gray or mottled in people with darker complexions.
If you have gingivitis, your gums are inflamed, red and swollen. They will bleed easily and may be tender… If left unchecked, however, it can become severe.
People with poorly controlled diabetes and pregnant women are especially at risk. People taking oral contraceptives or systemic steroids are at increased risk of gingivitis. Certain prescription drugs — including anti-seizure medications and calcium channel blockers — can cause gum overgrowth and inflammation.

Healthy Gum color in Humans

Healthy gums should be firm to the touch and will be pink or coral in colour, but the exact shade can vary considerably from person to person. If you look closely you might notice they look slightly stippled or have an appearance like an orange peel. Another example of gum variation is African Americans often have darker gums.  This is not due to poor oral hygiene. It’s because of the melanin that also causes the skin to be darker.
Healthy ones are not pale gums, and will form a good seal at the gum margin so no bacteria are able to penetrate this area. You might notice a slight indentation or crevice at the gum margin, and this is called the sulcus. A healthy sulcus will have a depth of between zero and 3 mm and will not look infected or inflamed in any way.

Signs of Unhealthy Gums

They include the following:

  • Your gum tissue may appear darker in colour than before
  • Your gums might appear swollen, and they may feel tender or sore to the touch, or slightly squashy
  • You may notice blood on your toothbrush or that your gums begin to bleed when you flossthem
  • Your teeth could look longer than before as the infected and inflamed gums begin to recede due to the destruction of the gum tissues
  • You may develop bad breath due to build-up of bacteria and infection in your mouth

If you do notice any of these signs, then I suggest you make an appointment to visit your dentist, especially if you haven’t had a check-up in a while. This is because you could have gum disease, and this condition is far easier to treat if caught early.

How to Get Rid of White Gums

In almost all cases, gingivitis, or gum disease, is caused by improper cleaning of the teeth and gums. If proper teeth care is not effective, you can use these techniques to treat pale gum at home. Yet, it’s always best to see a dentist for a proper evaluation and course of treatment.
You need to note the following:
Know the symptoms. Gingivitis can progress through its early stages with few visible symptoms. When gingivitis worsens and advances into full-blown periodontitis, the symptoms are usually:
Understand how plaque causes problems. Food trapped under the gums combines with bacteria to create plaque, a toxic stew that irritates the gums and makes them bleed, white or pale in colour. Bleeding is your body’s way of trying to clear out the toxic material from your gums.
Know the non-surgical dental options. Most treatments for gum disease involve the dentist, although keeping the disease at bay in at least half of the problem. If you have mild gingivitis, consider non-surgical treatments.
Know the surgical dental options. Advanced gum disease or periodontitis may need to be attacked with dental surgery.
Help yourself. Regardless of what happens in the dental chair, it’s what happens in your bathroom that determines the success or failure of your gum disease treatment.
Use oral irrigation. It is an effective gum disease treatment that dental professionals recommend for daily plaque control. An oral irrigator is attached to a water source such as a sink tap or shower head. They flood the mouth and gum pockets with a jet of water under pressure to flush offending food particles and bacteria from below the gum line.
Home treatment
Know the limitations of home remedies
Many home remedies rely on anecdotal evidence, meaning someone’s personal experience, and not scientific evidence. Be aware that many home remedies have no scientific backing that they are effective in pale gums, or gum disease. This is why it is important to still visit your dentist and only combine home remedies with dentist-recommended advice. Do not use home remedies solely as a substitute for dental treatment.
Oral probiotics.
Oral probiotics contain good bacteria that assist in restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth after use of oral antiseptics found in mouthwashes and toothpastes. This usually help much in white, pale gums and gum disease.
Some oral probiotics contain a bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri, which is naturally found in breast milk and saliva. This bacteria is recommended especially during non-surgical therapy while maintaining other gingivitis treatments. Ask your doctor for a brand recommendation.
Try ubiquinone. Ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q10, may help convert fats and sugars into energy. In addition to being used to treat diabetes and congestive heart failure, ubiquinone may be used to treat white, pale gums and gum disease.
The FDA, however, has not cleared ubiquinone as medically-appropriate to treat any disease, so ubiquinone should not be used solely to treat gum disease.
Try a peroxide oral rinse. An oral rinse that contains hydrogen peroxide, such as Colgate Peroxyl, is an antiseptic and antibacterial that may help treat infection and relieve inflammation when it comes in contact with an enzyme in the mouth. Use this rinse no more than twice a week for three weeks in a row as it can cause tooth sensitivity
Use corsodyl spray. Corsodyl spray is a powerful spray that contains chlorhexidine gluconate, which has antibacterial and antiplaque properties. This is very helpful in handling gums issues ranging from pale gums, gums disease etc. Corsodyl spray may be used to treat any pain or discomfort associated with mouth ulcers, inflammation and infections of the mouth. Corsodyl spray can be used when brushing the teeth becomes difficult and/or painful, such as after surgery. Be sure to keep spray out of ears and eyes.
Try Gengigel gel. This gel contains hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body and may be used to heal certain wounds and stimulate the production of new tissue. For best results, apply at night before going to sleep.
More references

  1. Causes of pale gums in humans: https://www.reference.com/health/causes-pale-gums-humans-fba3ed622aebd62d
  2. Possible causes of pale gums: http://www.oramd.co.uk/palegums/possible-causes-for-pale-gums.html
  3. Understanding anemia symptoms: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-symptoms
  4. Gingivitis and periodontitis symptoms: http://www.livescience.com/44153-gingivitis-gum-disease.html
  5. Leukoplakia symptoms: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/mouth-sores-and-infections/article/leukoplakia

Infected Gums Causes: Home Remedies, Symptoms, Treatment

Since serious gum infections are not extremely common, they can lead to major issues if not treated in a timely manner. While most of us aspire to keep our teeth and gums healthy, your gums can be prone to gum infection if not cared for properly. Infection occurs when germs or bacteria enter a susceptible site in the body and multiply, resulting in disease.
In your mouth, this can occur when bad bacteria multiply and congregate within the space between your gums and your teeth called the sulcus. If the bacteria are not removed, over time they can cause tissue breakdown and the formation of periodontal pockets and infections.

Link between gum disease and infected gums

Approximately 50 percent of adult Americans have gingivitis, an early and mild form of gum disease. However, only 5 to 15 percent of Americans have the more serious and advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. That’s because most people who visit their dentist regularly will find out about gum disease and treat it before it get more serious.
Periodontitis affects the area of your mouth just below the gum line, in the v-shaped crevice between your tooth and gums, known as the sulcus. This impacts the attachment of your tooth and causes the nearby tissue to break down. Once the tissue is damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that can store bacteria and lead to gum infection.

How can you tell if your gums are infected?

When the inside of your mouth gets hurt or irritated, bacteria may enter and cause an infection. Sometimes you will see a painful swelling filled with pus. Also, the area will get more swollen and painful. This is known as an abscess, which forms a barrier around the infection. This is one way that your body tries to keep a bacterial infection from spreading.
Abscesses can form very quickly. Sometimes they form only one or two days after the infection starts. There are two types of abscesses:

  • A gum abscess (periodontal abscess) usually is caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. The infection may occur after food gets trapped between the gum and tooth. In people with severe periodontal disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.
  • A tooth-related abscess (periapical abscess) occurs inside the tooth. This happens when the tooth’s nerve is dead or dying. This type of abscess shows up at the tip of the tooth’s root. Then it spreads to the surrounding bone.

Sometimes the infection causes little or no pain. If an abscess is not treated, the infection can last for months or even years. It will not go away on its own, so it’s important not to ignore the symptoms.

What causes infected gums?

Gingivitis
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, infected gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Risk Factors

  •  Need another reason to quit smoking? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.
  • Hormonal changes in girls/women.These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
  • People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
  • Other illnesses and their treatments.Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums, as can treatments for cancer.
  • There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infected gums disease. And some medicines can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
  • Genetic susceptibility.Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.

Who gets gum disease?

Those don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have infected gums than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

Infected Gums Symptoms

Bumps on gums
Infected gums symptoms

Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. The symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • longer appearing teeth

Any of these symptoms of infected gums may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:

  • Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease.
  • Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
  • Use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimetres. This test for pocket depth is usually painless.

The dentist or hygienist may also:

  • Take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
  • Refer you to a periodontist; experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide you with treatment options that are not offered by your dentist.

Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a dentist or a periodontist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.

Signs of Gum Cancer

Your infected gums feel strange, but not enough for you to know what the problem is. Maybe they’re irritated, they bleed when you brush or floss or you’ve noticed a white spot on the surface itself. There are a number of issues that can affect your gums, not necessarily limited to gingivitis. Although gum disease is the more common of the two affecting slightly more than 47 percent of all adults, oral cancer is also a legitimate possibility.
Gum cancer is even less common, affecting about 39,500 people in the U.S. this year as estimated by the American Cancer Society. Knowing how to tell the difference and when to see your dentist will help you keep your mouth healthy in spite of this uncomfortable condition.

Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect any area of your mouth, from the lips to the gums and from the inner cheek tissue to the tongue. It is easily confused with gum disease. Nonetheless, the former is characterized by patches or irregular growths on the gums. These are known as erythroleukoplakia when they are red and white, leukoplakia when they are white or erythroplakia when they are red.

  • Leukoplakia can be benign, whereas erythroleukoplakia and erythroplakia are more likely to be malignant. If you see any unusual growths on the surface of your infected gums, and they don’t clear up on their own after two weeks, scheduling an appointment with a dentist to have him or her, a biopsy of the area.

Signs of Gingivitis

The signs of gingivitis are quite different from the signs of oral or gum cancer, but there are two things these conditions have in common:

  • In the early stages, neither tend to be painful. Areas of redness can be connected to either cancer or gingivitis, but the redness can go unnoticed between the two. When a person has gingivitis, his gums are usually dusky red, rather than a light pink.
  • Secondly, gingivitis can make the gums more likely to bleed, become puffy or feel as tender to the touch as a cancerous gum line.

A deep cleaning at your dentist’s office, combined with a commitment to taking care of your teeth and gums at home, can help reverse gingivitis and prevent it from developing into a more severe form of periodontal disease.

Link Between gingivitis and oral cancer?

Having gingivitis shouldn’t necessarily worry you that it will develop into cancer, but there is some degree of connection between having gum disease and contracting cancer – not limited to oral cancer. Research has it that, men with gum disease carried a 14 percent higher risk for cancer than men without it.
There may be a greater risk for lung or pancreatic cancer in certain circumstances, as well. The exact reason for the connection isn’t quite clear, but it does highlight the importance of taking care of your mouth in the interest of the rest of your body.
What to Do

  • The best way to reduce your risk for developing gingivitis, infected gums, gum cancer or another type of oral cancer is to see your dentist on a regular basis for check-ups. He can spot and diagnose any problems before they become bigger problems.
  • Just as important is good oral care at home, which includes brushing twice a day, using a toothpaste and flossing at least once a day – all of which can minimize your chances of developing gingivitis.
  • Avoiding cigarettes and tobacco products, and drinking only in moderation, can also help you cut your risk for developing an oral cancer that involves the gums.

Gingivitis and gum cancer are two very different conditions, but both of which you want to take seriously. Protect your mouth by seeing a dentist regularly.

Gum Ball on gums in Mouth

The presence of a lump, or mass, on the gums can be caused by several different conditions. It may be felt as a bump or hard or soft lump anywhere on the gums. An infection, such as a bacterial infection or localized abscess, can appear as a mass on the gums. Oral cancer or tumors of the teeth or jaw are rarer causes of a mass on the gums.
A cyst of the jaw is also a possible cause of gum balls or mass on the gums. Traumatic injuries and infected gum canker sores are some of the more common causes of a mass on the gums. Sometimes, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause a small lump or bump to form near the gum line, known as a granuloma gravidarum.

What causes gumballs in Mouth

Gum balls can sometimes be an allergic reaction to something you ate. For example, there are people who cannot eat spearmint. The spearmint causes her to develop gum balls in her mouth. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the gum ball and gargle with warm salt water.

Gum Infection Home Remedies

Treating infected gums isn’t especially difficult. In fact, there are numerous home remedies for gum disease you can utilize right here. But you don’t really have to suffer from bleeding, swollen, irritated gums; there are certainly other options when it comes to invasive dental treatments meant to treat periodontal disease.
Natural home remedies for infected gums
Here are natural home remedies for gum disease that will make your dentists’ head spin at your next appointment:
Oil Pulling
This method has been raved about not only for curing swollen, red gums, but even reversing gum disease with bone loss. It ‘pulls’ toxins right out of your mouth and gums. It removes plaque build-up and has been studied in several to be very effective. Just be sure to use 100% organic oil sesame, olive, or coconut is best because you wouldn’t want to be swishing pesticide-laden oils around in your mouth for several minutes at a time.
Sage Leaf Decoction
This is an old remedy for gingivitis and gum disease. All you need to do is boil around 50 fresh organic sage leaves in some distilled water and then gargle the decoction several times a day as well as use it like a mouthwash. You can also make a sage tea and drink it throughout the day. Sage has huge amounts of antioxidants and it also contains it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Garlic and Turmeric Paste for infected gums
Use garlic cloves on irritated gums, or simply make a garlic & turmeric paste to use like toothpaste, then rinse after it has been in your mouth for several minutes. Both of these naturally-occurring foods are full of antibacterial properties, and turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory agent.
Mustard Oil
This method has been used for hundreds of years to combat bad dental hygiene. It destroys bacteria in the mouth and heals the gums very fast. It also has pain-reducing qualities along with being anti-microbial and anti-bacterial.
Aloe Vera Gel 
Best when it comes straight form the plant, aloe vera is a great anti-inflammatory that is especially helpful if your gums are red and inflamed.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Not only do fruits and vegetables with skins help clean the teeth, but the antioxidants in both fruits and vegetables also prevent plaque build-up in the mouth.

Gum Infection Treatment over the Counter

Antimicrobial therapy is the use of chemicals to kill or slow down the growth of bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The two most common forms of this therapy are antiseptics and antibiotics. Antiseptics are found in mouth rinses. They usually are used to help prevent periodontal disease.
Antibiotics are used to kill specific bacteria. They are placed under the gums or given as pills to treat infected gums. Antibiotic pills typically are given only for acute (sudden and short-term) infections. Acute and long-term (chronic) gum infections require a procedure called scaling and root planning. Some people also may need periodontal surgery.
One of the newest ways to kill bacteria is laser therapy. Dentists now use lasers to kill bacteria in the gum pockets around teeth. This treatment also seems to stimulate healing.
What It’s Used For
Periodontal disease is caused by specific types of bacteria. Killing these bacteria can help to prevent and treat the disease.
Antiseptics
Bacteria can grow and form clusters or colonies on the tongue and tonsils and in the saliva. Mouth rinses can control the excess growth of bacteria. The goal is to prevent them from causing disease. These rinses contain:

  • Alcohol
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Povodine iodine
  • 1% sodium hypo-chloride

Rinses also can be used at home to wash out the pockets around the teeth with irrigation devices.
Antibiotics for infected gums
Dentists often prescribe antibiotics to treat an acute gum infection called an abscess. A periodontist also may use antibiotics for some cases of gum disease that are hard to treat. They include:

  • Necrotizing lacerative gingivitis a rare form of periodontal disease that becomes severe very quickly
  • Severe forms of periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
  • Periodontal disease that has not improved with other types of treatment
  • Periodontal disease in people who have weakened immune systems

The type of antibiotic prescribed depends upon the exact type of the bacteria. Several antibiotics have been used to treat aggressive periodontal disease.
Most of the time, the first treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planning. This combined approach can successfully treat many forms of periodontal disease.
How It’s Done
Your dentist may prescribe a specific antiseptic rinse. You can buy some rinses over the counter. You do not need a prescription for them.
If you are given antibiotics in oral (pill) form, you will take them for 7 to 10 days.
Your dentist also can place an antibiotic directly into the affected parts of your mouth. This is called local therapy. It can take several forms, including:

  • Gel— your dentist injects a gel containing doxycycline under your gums. The area is sealed and covered with a special bandage called a periodontal pack. After 7 to 10 days, your dentist removes the bandage and any remaining gel.
  • Powder— your dentist squirts a powder containing minocycline under your gums. The powder dissolves over three weeks.

If your dentist owns a dental laser, it will be used after root planning and scaling. The dentist places the laser tip in the space between your tooth and gum, then moves it around the entire tooth. This process begins from the base of each pocket. The dentist can treat your whole mouth at one time. This will eliminate the bacteria in the pockets throughout your mouth.
More references

  1. Mouth abscess: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/article/abscess
  2. Gingivitis and periodontal disease: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1

Black Spot on Gums Causes: between Tooth,How to Get Rid

This type of a condition can affect your appearance and be embarrassing, but they are not generally a cause for concern and there are many potential causes. However they are still worth investigating as in some cases they may be a sign of oral malignant melanoma which is a form of oral cancer and can be fatal. Here we will look at a range of potential causes of black gums, and how you can treat them to get them back to their natural pinkish color.

What does it mean when you have Black Spot on your Gums

Dark spots on your gums can be signs of harmless or deadly conditions, depending on its nature. Some oral cancers manifest as black spots in their early stages.
Serious gum disease can also lead to the existence of dark spots or formations on your teeth and gums. Always consult your dentist if you notice spots on your gums for a thorough diagnosis.

What could be the cause of black spot on gums?

Calculus
This is a hard, calcified deposit formed from hardened dental plaque, oral debris, saliva and minerals. This hard residue forms on and under the gum line, between the surface of teeth and the gum tissue. Its colour can range from yellow to black. These deposits can give the appearance of spots on the gums and are an indication of dental hygienic habits and conditions that lead to gum disease.
Proper daily flossing will prevent its build-up. If you already have calculus along your gum line, see your dentist right away. Your dentist can remove excessive calculus deposits and assess the severity of your gum disease.
Amalgam Tattoos
If you have fillings, crowns or dentures, you may develop amalgam tattoos. They are grey, blue or black spot on gums that occur when small particles of amalgam become embedded within the oral membranes. These spots remain the same size and have a regular, round and flat appearance. Even though these spots pose no dangers, certain oral cancers in their early stages resemble amalgam tattoos hence, any new spots or discoloration should be examined right away.
Malignant Melanoma
It is usually rare inside of the mouth, but in its oral form it is most often fatal. Oral melanoma begins as a small black spot on gums or anywhere within the interior of the mouth. In its early stages, it may resemble an amalgam tattoo. As the cancer progresses, its colour may be tan, dark brown or black mixed with red or grey. Its size will increase as it encompasses more of the mouth and its shape will change irregularly as it grows.
Bruises
As the gums are darker than the rest of our bodies, bruises there can appear darker too. Small bruises on the gums could be the result of impact to the face or brushing too hard across them.
Hyper-Pigmentation
Sometimes black spot on gum develop simply as a result of too much pigment. This can be a genetically inherited trait, or it can develop on its own. If this is the case however then it is not a cause for concern and if you wish to have them removed they can be with laser treatment. This is more common in those with already dark skin and the black spot on gums themselves are sometimes called ‘melanin spots’ – melanin being the name of the natural pigment.
Hardened Plaque
In some cases hardened plaque attached to the gums can cause dark patches. This hardened black spot on gum is also known as tartar and can also appear in many other colours. Make sure to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly and regularly to avoid this, and to visit a dentist to have it removed if it does develop once it has appeared it can’t be removed by regular brushing or glossing, as it can also cause bad breath.
Cigarettes and Medication
Some people may have discoloured gums from smoking cigarettes or taking certain medications such as minocycline, tricyclic antidepressants, or metal-based crown fillings. If you notice gum discoloration after you start taking a new medication, consult your doctor for possible alternatives.
Disease & Conditions
There are also other reasons for gum discoloration or black spot on gums that cause a higher concern. First is acute necrotizing periodontal disease, also referred to as black gum disease. This black discoloration of the gums is due to dead tissue, or necrosis. This is a serious health issue, with symptoms that can also include bleeding gums, strong pain, and a foul smelling mouth.
Along with improper oral care, the causes of this disease can include stress, smoking, viral infections, and HIV. If left untreated, the disease can spread to your cartilage and then bone, causing very serious health concerns. You can treat acute necrotizing periodontal disease with antibiotics or by surgically removing the dead tissue.
Warning
Those black spots on gums can also be caused by serious conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. If you have a rash on other areas of your body in addition to dark spots on your gums, seek medical attention without hesitating.

Can you get Dark Spots on Gums from Smoking?

Smoker’s melanosis is seen with the naked eye as a brown to black pigmentation of the oral tissue i.e. the gums, cheeks or palate as well as in larynx. It is most often seen in the lower labial gingiva of tobacco users.
However, it is also frequently reported from genetically melanin-pigmented inhabitants and besides cigarette and pipe smokers also in chutta, bidi users and reverse smokers.
The brown to black colour is melanin. In skin, melanin prevents harmful UV-light to reach deeper, sensible parts of the tissue.
If UV-light penetrates deep, some of the toxic substances due to the UV-light damage to the cells, are bound to melanin in the epithelial cells and travel with the ageing cells to the skin surface, where they are expelled from the tissue surface.
In this way the melanocytes and keratinocytes together protect the tissue with melanin serving as a toxic defence- and cleaning agent.
In tobacco-users the melanocytes are stimulated to produce melanin granules and to distribute them out to the surrounding epithelial cells for further transport to the mucosal surface, like the mechanism in melanin-pigmented skin.
How smoking Causes black spot on gums 
Smoking or the use of nicotine-containing drugs is the cause to Smoker’s melanosis. Also tar-components are known to stimulate melanocytes to melanin production, and other unknown toxic agents in tobacco may also be the cause.
These chemical agents have a polycyclic, chain-like structure. Environmental tobacco smoke from parents is causing smoker’s melanosis in their children. Swedish snuff causes a small elevation of oral melanin pigmented individuals from 3.0% to 4.7%. Nicotine tablets have shown to stimulate to melanin pigmentation of the oral mucosa.
Treatment and prognosis
The lesion usually disappears in between 3 months to 3 years in those who stop smoking. Smoker’s melanosis is a benign, normal physiological reaction, and does not develop into cancer. If it does not disappear, however, a biopsy can verify the diagnosis.
If Smoker’s melanosis is destroyed by excessive smoking resulting in black spot on gums, as in the hard palate of reverse smokers, who smoke with the glowing part of the cigarette inside the mouth for different reasons, a pale de-pigmented surface is first seen, indicating the loss of the protecting melanin.
Then a red inflammation sometimes occurs and cancer development may follow. In reverse smokers it is important to inspect regularly the areas with smoker’s melanosis to detect any melanin destruction, in order to stop smoking in time and thus prevent a cancer to develop.

Black Spot on Gums near Tooth

This condition on gums can be caused by acute necrotizing periodontal disease, bruises, hyper pigmentation, hardened plaque (near teeth), amalgam tattoos (caused when tiny pieces from a filling or cap wedge themselves into the gums), freckles, a varicose vein, a melanoma, smoking, and certain medications such as minocycline, antimalarial agents, or tricyclic antidepressants
In this case, it is very important to see your dentist as your tooth may at the risk of decaying or the whole jaw bone may be in problems. A black spot on gum that appear near a tooth may be a sign that your tooth is decaying or have some infections.

Black Spot on Gum near Wisdom Tooth

Your wisdom teeth (third molars) usually start to erupt during late adolescence. Sometimes, there is not enough room for them, and they come in partially or not at all. This condition can lead to pericoronitis, inflammation of the gum surrounding the tooth. When only part of the tooth has erupted into the mouth, it can create a flap of gum tissue that easily holds food particles and debris and is a hotbed for bacteria.
Pericoronitis also can occur around a wisdom tooth that has not erupted at all and is still under the gums, causing a black spot to emerge.
Symptoms include:

  • Painful, swollen gum tissue in the area of the affected tooth, which can make it difficult to bite down comfortably without catching the swollen tissue between your teeth
  • A bad smell or taste in the mouth
  • Discharge of pus from the gum near the tooth
  • Black spot on gum

More serious symptoms include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes under your chin (the submandibular nodes)
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw
  • Swelling on the affected side of the face

Reasons for Black Spot on Gums Painful

When you think of a great set of teeth and gums, you probably imagine pearly white teeth and healthy pink gums. So if you happen to notice that your gums have turned black, grey, or white, or with a black spot to name it, you may be quite concerned.
While some gum discoloration is a natural occurrence, other discoloration can be hazardous to your health and require serious attention. These may be seen with a symptom of much pain from the gum and in severe cases the general body. To some people, any oral condition is accompanied with swelling of the cheek on the affected side.

How to get rid of Dark Spots on gums

Gums have an essential role to play for enhancing our smile. They make our overall appearance beautiful and we all wish to have pink and healthy gums. Slightly darkening of gums tends to make us self-conscious about our face. Many a time, poor oral care and bad lifestyle leads to these conditions.
There are numerous factors which lead to darkening of gums. Knowing the condition behind the black spot on gum is the first step towards healing.
Sometimes, our gums turn greyish because of the accidental implantation of the silver amalgam in our gum tissue while we restore or extract teeth.  These patches are spotted by black gums around the crown, filling and dentures, and are called ‘amalgamation tattoos’ by the doctors.
These conditions have to be treated by an oral care specialist. Some of the changes in lifestyle that you’d be asked to make would include:

  • Brushing and flossing properly. At least twice a day or thrice.
  • Gargling with a mouthwash or gargling with lukewarm water added with salt. To repeat twice a day.
  • Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Following a diet which have proper vitamins, minerals and other necessary nutrients
  • Adopting method to reduce stress, for instance, yoga and meditation
  • Going to the dentist for check-ups and clean-ups at regularly intervals

How to make gums pink?

Getting pinker gums mean that you are promoting improved oral hygiene. There are some regular methods to follow in your daily routine which helps you get and maintain pink gums:
Toothpaste
You have to be wise enough to choose proper toothpaste, which is specifically designed to help you improve your gums. You might have to pay some extra bucks but you would get the desired results.
Toothbrush
Primarily, buy a toothbrush, which has American Dental Association’s seal on the package. This should be followed by some more aspects because:

  • You have to buy a toothbrush which can be easily maneuvered through your mouth to avoid getting a black spot on gums.
  • You have to avoid brushes with hard bristled, as they can increase black spot on gums further
  • You have to get a soft to medium bristled toothbrush
  • You have to make sure that the bristles have rounded tips
  • You could even opt for an electric toothbrush as they are better than the regular ones. They have the ‘rotation oscillation’ facility, which makes the bristles move back and forth at a same pack.

Brush before meals
The conventional practice has taught us to brush after meals, but dentist suggest the opposite. They are concerned with removing the plaque which is formed on every tooth and not on food removal which we seemed to stress more on.
Use a mouthwash
Mouthwash is important because this clean-up the entire mouth and not only the teeth. They reduce bad breath and keep your tongue clean. Choose a product sealed by American Dental Association. While buying, make sure that it is formulated for gum health, and not over cosmetic for fresher breath. Also, avoid the mouthwashes with alcohol content, as they dry the skin out.
Don’t use a mouthwash immediately after brushing. This could lessen some benefits of brushing teeth hence not efficiently cabbing that black spot on gums. Use it before brushing or 1 hour after brushing.
Regular check-ups
Even if you decide to promote oral care at home, you have to keep certain things in mind, like removing plaque build-up, whitening teeth, etc. You might keep a periodical check-up routine with a dentist who would tell you the developed conditions of your oral care.
How often you’d meet a doctor would be on your own needs are preference, but having your teeth checked up once a year is necessary. Your dentist would let you know about further check-ups.

Home remedies for black spot on gums

Green tea; It is rich in antioxidants and is known to be the elixir of healthcare. Green tea is known to treat numerous diseases. It helps you reduce darkening of gums, inflammation of gum and also destroys the bacteria which is formulated in our mouth, and is the cause of periodontal issues. Have a cup of green tea every morning to promote stronger teeth.
Aloe vera
It is famous for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Take fresh gel from aloe vera plant for brushing your teeth. Simply take the gel and apply on your teeth. After that, take a toothbrush and spread the gel while you brush it all over. This would prevent receding of gums and heal infections, if any.
Coconut oil
It is antimicrobial in nature. It is another amazing remedy for treating our gums from receding and also the causes behind it. Take virgin coconut oil to swish your mouth after brushing teeth. It acts like a layer of protection again diseases which are caused by bacteria. This also helps you get rid of the food particles which stick in-between two teeth.
Lemon oil
It is great in treatment of black spot on gums. Has antiseptic qualities which act like an amazing antibacterial agent. Though, direct application of lemon oil isn’t recommended as it can lead to enamel corrosion. You can prepare lemon oil with added lemon with olive oil and let it blend well for a few weeks. This oil can then be used for swishing your mouth every morning. It’ll kill bacteria and prevent gums from receding. Lemon also promotes formation of tissues which can replace the damaged once.
Eucalyptus
This is an essential oil which kills germs from mouth and reduces gum diseases and tooth decay. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and reduces swelling of gums too. Take some of the oil and add water to dilute. Massage the content on your gums and repeat daily. Rinse off with water and promote growth of tissues.
Clove
Cloves act as an essential ingredient to improve oral care. Clove oil has antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties which stimulates the growth and repairs the damaged tissues. They act as a powerful ingredient to stop the bacterial action with frequent usage. Massage teeth with clove oil every day for improved gums.
Tea tree oil
 It can be diluted and then used for swishing of mouth. It prevents gums from receding and root damage. The oil is very strong, and cannot be used with diluting. The tea-tree oil is anti-fungal and microbial which kills the germs and reduces plaques on teeth and between teeth and gums.
Rose vinegar
Good for black spot on gums. It helps to strengthen gums and can be used for rinsing the mouth. To make this you need to add 3 ounces of rose petals and then soak them in red wine vinegar. Let the water steep for a week and then strain it. You could also add 1 tablespoon of rose vinegar to 1 cup of warm water for rinsing your mouth every day.
Salt
Using salt for oral hygiene is a quick and easy hack to get whiter teeth and better looking gums. Salt is known to feel gum diseases at bay and make them look healthier. You can also prevent gum pain with the usage of this available home ingredient.
Consume calcium
Calcium content is very important for better oral health. It makes your bones stronger and your teeth whiter. If you drink orange juice, consume yogurt, cheese, broccoli, etc. you will not have to take supplements for calcium. Vitamin D is another add on which is require for oral health. If you consume vitamin B, it will protect gums and teeth from breaking and bleeding. Other mineral good for dental hygiene is, copper, zinc, iron, potassium and iodine.
More references

  1. Black dots on gums: https://www.reference.com/health/black-dot-gums-cf825a08b8659e4a#
  2. What causes dark spots on human gums: http://www.livestrong.com/article/148040-what-causes-dark-spots-on-human-gums/
  3. Smoker’s melanosis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoker’s_melanosis
  4. Causes of black spot on human gum near tooth: https://www.quora.com/What-causes-a-black-spot-on-a-human-gum-near-a-tooth

Bleeding Gums Causes: when Brushing, Toothpaste, Treatment

Bleeding gums are caused by inadequate plaque removal. Plaque contains germs which attack the healthy tissue around the teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed and irritated, which may cause them to bleed when brushing or flossing. This kind of condition is known as Gingivitis and is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is usually a painless condition and bleeding gums may be the only symptom.
Some other signs may include: swollen, red or tender gums; persistent bad breath or taste; teeth that are loose; and a change in the way your teeth fit when you bite. At this stage the disease can be treated and completely reversed. So it is important not to ignore your bleeding gums.

Plaque that is not removed from bleeding gums will eventually cause the gums to separate and recede from the teeth. Once your gums begin to recede, pockets can form between the teeth and gums allowing germs to get trapped inside these pockets, attacking the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Plaque will eventually harden into tartar. At this point, Gingivitis has progressed into the more serious condition called Periodontitis.

Effects of Bleeding Gums to overall health

Bleeding gums causes gum Disease as a more serious conditions including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Although in rare cases, even men’s sexual health can be affected by gum disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association between gum disease and these other conditions.
Bleeding gums causes are most often a sign of gum disease, but can also point to a number of other health problems as well. Occasional bleeding of the gums can be the result of brushing your teeth too vigorously or wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly. Frequent episodes of gum bleeding, however, can indicate more serious conditions, such as:

  • periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease)
  • leukaemia (cancer of the blood)
  • vitamin deficiency
  • lack of clotting cells (platelets)

Why are Bleeding Gums a Sign of?

Bleeding of the gums can be as a sign that you have or may develop gum disease as we discussed earlier. Ongoing gum bleeding may be due to plaque buildup on the teeth. It can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. For some people, even if they are die- hard flossers, chances are that they may see an occasional drop or two of blood post string- session.
If your gums are bleeding, know that it’s not a normal thing, not even when you have your teeth prophessionally cleaned. If your gums are bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth, you may be having periodontal, which is commonly known as gum disease. This gum disease is a contagious bacterial infection that can wreak havoc in your health. It can destroy gums, erode your jawbone, and lead to tooth loss.
There are two fronts to bleeding gums;

  • The plague- which is a biofilm of bacteria and its waste products which first create the irritation to the gum tissue.
  • Body reaction to that wounding, the inflammatory response.

When all these two are put together and you have got inflamed, bleeding gums. The longer you have inflammation, the more at risk you are for all kinds of systemic illnesses, ranging from allergies to cancer.

What do Bleeding Gums Mean? Causes

Bleeding gums are most often a sign of disease of the gum, but can also point to a number of other health problems as well. However, bleeding of the gums can be the result of brushing your teeth too vigorously or wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly.

Dental Conditions that Cause Bleeding Gums

Dental care issues are the primary cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums and periodontitis make your gums sensitive and more prone to bleeding.
Gingivitis
A number of us may develop gingivitis when plaque remains on the gum line for too long. Plaque refers to the debris and bacteria that stick to your teeth. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and can prevent you from developing cavities, also known as dental caries. Plaque may stay on your gum line, however, if you don’t brush and floss properly. The accumulation of plaque near your gums can cause gingivitis.
Symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • puffy gums
  • soreness in the mouth and around the gums
  • bleeding gums

Periodontitis
Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, can occur when gingivitis continues to an advanced stage. Periodontal is the infection of the gums, jawbone, and supportive tissues that connect your teeth and gums. Periodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Bleeding gum causes can also be deficiencies of vitamins C and K which cause gums to bleed easily. However, vitamin deficiencies aren’t often seen in people who live in developed countries, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. This is because healthy children and adults living in developed areas of the world have access to vitamins C and K through food and supplements.
Talk to your dentist to check your levels of vitamins C and K if you encounter bleeding gums that aren’t caused by improper dental care. Follow a diet that contains both of these nutrients to ensure that you’re getting the vitamins you need to stay healthy.
Foods rich in vitamin C include:

  • citrus fruits and juices,
  • broccoli, strawberries,
  • tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers

Foods rich in vitamin K include:

  • Watercress, kale, spinach
  • Swiss chard
  • lettuce
  • mustard greens
  • soybeans
  • canola oil
  • olive oil

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums
People who wear dentures also may experience bleeding of the gums from time to time. This is more likely when the dentures are too small or fit too tightly. Consult your dentist or orthodontist if dentures or other oral appliances are causing your gums to bleed. You may need to take new impressions to create a better-fitting mouthpiece.
Pregnancy
This is also another common cause of gum bleeding in women. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause the gums to become more sensitive.
Bleeding disorders
These kind of conditions such as haemophilia and leukaemia, can also increase your chance of bleeding gums. Your gums might bleed more often if you take blood-thinning medications. Drugs in this class include warfarin, aspirin, and heparin.
More other bleeding gum causes are:
Age: The incidence of gum disease increases with age. 50% of adults 30 years or older and 70% of those over 65 have gum disease.
Stress: Stress is linked to many serious conditions, including periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications: Some prescription medications can increase your risk of gum disease such as anti-depressants, certain heart medications and oral contraceptives. Check with your doctor or dentist to learn if your medication can affect your gums.
Genetics: Some of us are just predisposed to get gum disease. If you think this applies to you, your dentist can perform a simple genetic test to determine your risk.
Other risk factors:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Poor nutrition
  • Clenching or grinding teeth
  • Tobacco use

Bleeding Gums without Brushing

It is possible that gingivitis could be the cause of bleeding gums without brushing. However, bleeding of the gums without any trauma could represent a potentially serious underlying disorder and should be evaluated by your primary care physician. Gingivitis more typically causes bleeding on the toothbrush with even minimal and light brushing.
You should have your blood counts checked to make sure that you do not have a very low platelet count or another type of functional clotting disorder, which could be a predispose to easy bleeding and bruising of the gums. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of scurvy, which is a problem caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. This could be the cause of your symptoms if you follow a very poor diet low particularly low in citrus.
If your blood tests produce fine results and your doctor thinks the symptoms are more likely caused by gingivitis, then you should seek further care from your dentist or a periodontist. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately.

Bleeding Gums when Brushing

You’re brushing your teeth and notice a bit of pink when you spit out the toothpaste. You might notice some bleeding when you floss. Although the smallest amount of blood might not seem like a big deal, if your gums are bleeding consistently, you shouldn’t ignore it. Changing your oral care routine can also make your gums bleed, at least at first.
If you notice bleeding gums after your child brushes their teeth, this may be a sign of a serious health issue. Even though everyone has experienced a little gum bleeding every now and then, excessive or frequent bleeding can be a symptom of a much larger problem.

Causes bleeding Gums when brushing

There are numerous conditions why your child’s gums or your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth. The main cause is usually from a build-up of plaque at the gum line.
When plaque is left around the gum line for too long, it can either:

  • Inflame the gums, which causes them to bleed and leads to gingivitis
  • Harden into tartar, which will increase the bleeding and potentially turn into periodontitis

However, there are also several other reasons for bleeding gums after brushing:

  • Brushing too hard
  • Bad flossing technique
  • Tooth- or gum-related infections
  • Vitamin K deficiency

If you notice a lot of blood and think your child is having an emergency, seek urgent care immediately. The best way to know for sure why your child’s gums bleed after brushing their teeth is to visit your nearest dentist.

Bleeding Gums Symptoms Checker

Dentistry by Design is helping you find all your causes or conditions for your current symptoms for mouth, teeth or oral health care in one location. Please remember the Dental Symptoms Checker provided is for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Bleeding, redness, and painful or sore gums can be a symptom of inflammation of the gums that arises due to a number of different causes. Bleeding of the gums is sometimes referred to as gingival bleeding, and it may occur during brushing or flossing. The soreness can be accompanied by swelling of the gum tissues.
Blood-thinner medications are another potential cause of bleeding gums. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also increase the sensitivity of the gums, which may lead to increased bleeding in some cases. Those with chronic conditions that affect the function of the immune system, such as HIV infection or diabetes, may also have an increased tendency to develop gingivitis.

What to do when your Gums are bleeding

As we have looked at different conditions that may cause your gums to bleed, let us also find out ways to handle these situations. What step to take while your gums are bleeding may differ as per the cause of the bleeding. Here we are going to look at general activities that may help to handle your situation.
You may carry out the following:
Step up your oral care game
As per research findings, the biggest cause of bleeding gums is plaque build-up along the gum line. When you don’t remove plaque in a timely manner, it hardens into tartar, a calcified material that plaque adheres to and continues to irritate the gums, which cause them to bleed and can progress into more advanced forms of gum disease. The best way to reduce plaque build-up and your risk for bleeding gums is to up your oral care routine.
Do the brushing twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day as well; gums can sometimes stop bleeding with regular flossing. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis not just when you have a problem or concern is also a must to keep your mouth in the best shape.
Take a look at your tools
If you do brush and floss regularly and get your semi-annual dental visit in, your oral hygiene care tools could be what’s causing your gums bleed. Although it might seem that a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles cleans your teeth and gums more deeply or thoroughly, harder bristles usually just cause irritation – which can be why your gums are bleeding.
Using a toothbrush with soft bristles, such as Colgate 360, which cleans your teeth and gums thoroughly without irritation.
In some cases, it might not be the tools that are causing the bleeding, but the way you’re using them. If you’ve been out of the habit of flossing, start again. You might see a bit of blood at your gum line, but remember to always use a gentle hand and avoid pressing the floss against your teeth and gums to hard.
Maintain a healthy diet
What you eat and when you eat it also plays a part in keeping your gums from bleeding. Foods that contain lots of sugar or simple carbohydrates increase your risk for tooth and gum problems, as sugar creates an ideal environment for plaque to form. Commit to a diet that is low in sugar and high in the necessary nutrients found in foods like vegetables.
Do not stop using them. Just remember to eat them in moderation, and brush after these snacks so that the sugar doesn’t have time to stick around.
Investigate your medicine
Certain medications also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin, thin the blood and can therefore increase bleeding. It’s also possible for a prescription medication to cause gum bleeding. If that is the case, your doctor might prescribe a different dose or a different medication altogether.
Visit your dentist
If changing your oral care habits, adjusting your medications, and maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t help your gums stop bleeding, your next step should be to make an appointment with your dentist. He will examine your teeth and gums and determine if you have a more serious condition, such as advanced gum disease.
Your dentist might also take an x-ray of the teeth and gums. If he believes treatment is needed, such as a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, you’ll likely visit with a periodontist, who specializes in treating gum disease.
In some cases, bleeding gums are no big deal, but in certain instances can warrant professional treatment. With the right diagnosis and personal care, bleeding gums can become a thing of the past.

How do I get my Gums to Stop Bleeding

Although it might seem normal to experience a little bit of bleeding while brushing or flossing, it shouldn’t be ignored. Bleeding gums could be a sign of a number of dental conditions, but it’s usually a symptom of gum disease. In some cases, the causes of bleeding gums may be the result of injuries or infections of the teeth. 
Being aware of the symptoms can help you catch gum disease early and possibly reverse it through gum disease treatment. Bleeding is often one of the first signs there’s a problem with your gums. Bleeding that’s accompanied by red, swollen gums, tenderness, bad breath or tooth sensitivity are symptoms of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Bleeding accompanied by receding gums is also a common symptom of gum disease.
Bleeding Gums Treatment
The best bleeding gums treatment is to remove from your teeth the plaque bacteria that causes gum disease. When dental plaque builds up, it turns into tartar, a hard, sticky substance that adheres to your teeth. Without regular teeth cleaning, dental tartar can become a breeding ground for even more plaque, which can creep below the gum line and lead to an infection that causes bleeding gums.
So if you notice that you have bleeding gums, see a dentist as soon as you can. Seeking bleeding gums treatment at the first sign of a problem can help reverse gingivitis and help prevent periodontitis disease.
Other treatment options, such as scaling and root planning procedures, slow down the process of gum disease. If you suffer from an advanced form of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend ongoing bleeding gums treatment or periodontal therapy. In some cases, dental surgery may be needed to control the bleeding.
How to Stop Bleeding Gums
The best way to stop bleeding gums is to see your dentist. Your dentist can give you tips on how to stop bleeding gums in between dental visits. That advice might include some of the following tips:

  • Use a soft toothbrush – and brush properly! Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and after meals. Hard brushing can further damage the soft tissues of your mouth.
  • Floss at least once a day and be sure to floss beyond the gum line to remove more plaque.
  • Control bleeding by applying pressure to the area with a cold compress.
  • Rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide to keep the area clean. Avoidmouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth.
  • Stay away fromsmoking and other tobacco products, which can aggravate bleeding gums
  • Eat a balanced diet and limitsnacking between meals. Carbohydrates and sugars feed dental plaque.
  • Try an oral irrigation device, commonly known as a “water pick,” to clear debris from around the gum line.
  • Have your dentures aligned as needed.

If you have bleeding gums, visit a dentist. A dentist is the expert you can count on to explain the causes of bleeding gums and to advise a treatment plan.
More references;

  1. Causes of bleeding gums: http://www.healthline.com/symptom/bleeding-gums
  2. Bleeding gums and their causes: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003062.htm
  3. Bleeding gums: http://www.medicinenet.com/bleeding_gums/symptoms.htm
  4. Five things you can do if your gums are bleeding: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease/article/five-things-you-can-do-if-your-gums-are-bleeding-1014

Crease in Earlobe Causes: Vertical, Can it be Reversed, in one Ear, Get Rid, Pictures

Earlobe creases are lines in the surface of earlobe of a child or young adult. The surface is otherwise smooth. Franks’ sign is a diagonal ear lobe crease (ELC) extending diagonally from the tragus across the lobuleto the rear edge of the auricle. The sign is named after Dr. Peter J Frank

Crease in Earlobe Meaning

It has been hypothesised that Franks’ sign is indicative of cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. Some studies have described Franks’ sign as a marker of cardiovascular disease but not linked to the severity of the condition.
In contrast, other studies have rebutted any association between Frank’s sign and coronary artery disease in diabetic. There have also been reported cases of Franks’ sign assisting in the diagnosis of cerebral infarctions.
However, researchers do agree that these crease in earlobe have no predictive value in Native American Indian and Asian patients.
Some studies have focused upon bilateral earlobe creases

Severity of earlobe creases

  • Grade 3 –a crease that covers the whole of the earlobe
  • Grade 2a – Creased more than halfway across the earlobe
  • Grade 2b – A superficial crease across the earlobe
  • Grade 1 – A small amount of wrinkling on the earlobe

Considerations
The earlobes of children and young adults are normally smooth. Creases are sometimes linked with conditions that are passed down through families. Other genetic factors, such as race and earlobe shape, may also determine who develops earlobe creasing and when it occurs.
Note: It is not uncommon to have one small abnormality in facial features, such as an earlobe crease. Most often this does not indicate a serious medical condition.
Some studies have found that people with crease in earlobe have a greater risk for heart attack than others. More recent research suggests that earlobe creases are more common in older people, and that age, not the presence of creases, accounts for the increased heart attack risk.
Other genetic factors such as race and earlobe shape may also determine who develops earlobe creasing and whether it occurs in childhood or adulthood.
You may be at a higher risk of getting heart disease if you’re overweight or you smoke. But what could a diagonal crease in your earlobe tell you?
As the normal earlobe is smooth, an earlobe with a crease has a fold, straight line, or wrinkle that appears to cut the earlobe in half. An open letter that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1973 reported that a diagonal earlobe crease (ELC) was a potential indicator of coronary artery disease. This crease was later called “Frank’s sign,” after the letter writer, Dr. Sanders T. Frank.

How a Crease on Earlobe Indicate Heart Disease

For scientists, they are not sure how these two might be connected, but there are some theories. Degeneration of the elastic tissue around the small blood vessels that carry blood to the earlobes produces the earlobe crease.
This is the same type of change in blood vessels associated with cardiac disease. In other words, visible changes that show up in tiny blood vessels of the ear could indicate similar changes in those blood vessels that can’t be seen around the heart.
For rare conditions like Beckwith-Weidman syndrome, an overgrowth disorder, in children or genetic factors such as race and earlobe shape also can cause a crease.

What Causes Earlobe Creases?

Several scientists have looked at the potential connection between earlobe creases and cardiac arrest disease. Some studies have shown a correlation, while others have not. A study of 340 patients published in 1982 found a crease in earlobe to be a sign associated with aging and CAD.
The crease suggested the presence of a more severe form of heart disease in people who were showing symptoms. The earlobe crease, the researcher’s states that, may identify a subset of patients prone to early aging and to the early development of coronary artery disease, whose prognosis might be improved by early preventative measures.
Another study published in 1989 studied the bodies of 300 patients who had died from various causes. In this study, the diagonal creases were associated with cardiovascular causes of death. The researchers wrote, “We found a strong association between earlobe creases and a cardiovascular cause of death in men and women after age, height, and diabetes had been controlled for.”

Crease in Earlobe Causes

Whatever the size, shape, thickness, or colour, most people have smooth earlobes. But have you ever met someone that has a crease in their earlobe—a line that seems to split it in two? That’s known as “Frank’s Sign”. Surprisingly, it’s named after the man who first recognized it as something other than a simple skin wrinkle.
Creases on earlobes can have various causes, just like most other symptoms.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

Causes of crease in earlobe

In children, earlobe creases are sometimes linked with rare disorders. One of these is commonly known as Weidman syndrome.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
In most cases, the health care provider will notice earlobe creases during a regular check-up. Talk to your provider if you are concerned that your child’s earlobe creases may be linked to an inherited disorder.
Earlobe crease. This is a tricky trait. You might have an earlobe crease if the trait is passed down genetically through your family. As far as what else may cause this, that’s up for debate. One theory suggests that it could be due to impaired circulation leading to a collapsed blood vessel near the earlobe. Another theory, which comes from a dermatologist, is that it may develop from a combination of aging and sleeping on one particular side of your body. But the cause is hard to pin down and there aren’t any current treatments for it.

Ear crease and heart disease

Many studies have since been performed and the great majority have supported Frank’s research. It hasn’t been definitively determined why heart disease may manifest in a fold in the earlobe.
Theories include:

  • Lack of blood flow to the ears will cause the lobe to wrinkle. If the blood can’t get through to the ears, there’s a blockage somewhere.
  • Elastin and collagen fibres weaken in the ears, indicating a similar weakening of coronary arteries.
  • The coronary arteries end at the ears; vascular disease there means vascular disease further up the line.

Other Theories
A Japanese study found that diagonal earlobe crease may be caused by shortened cell telomeres associated with metabolic syndrome. It concluded that it might be a useful indirect marker of high-risk patients.
Telomeres are areas at the end of each strand of DNA that protect cells from damage. The longer the telomere, the better.
A noticeable symptom of crease in earlobe
Interestingly, a noticeable crease in the earlobe is often an indicator of cardiovascular disease in the absence of any other symptoms.
A study published in 2014 tells of a man with hypertension who went to an outpatient clinic. The physician saw Frank’s sign on both earlobes and suggested further testing, although the man displayed no symptoms of heart problems. After testing, it was found that the left main coronary artery was 80% blocked and the right was 90% blocked. “The patient underwent 3-vessel coronary artery bypass graft surgery and has since done well.”
Other Factors
Oddly, prevalence of DELC may be partly cultural/regional.
Another Japanese study found an unarguably strong correlation between ear crease and heart disease. However, the prevalence among the 1000 people involved in the study was less than expected.
It is concluded that, the prevalence of ear crease in Japanese adults is very low compared with the results of previous studies in Europe and America; the prevalence of crease in earlobe tends to increase with advancing age but is unrelated to other risk factors for coronary heart disease; a statistically significant association between earlobe crease and coronary heart disease is seen from multivariate analysis using both clinical and angiographic criteria in the diagnosis of the disease.
Can Ear Lobes Give Other Signs?
DELC may be a clear tell-tale sign of heart disease, but not when mixed with other conditions. One study aimed to discover if DELC would be a credible identifier of vascular disease and retinopathy in diabetic, it was not
In response, a grading system has been developed for DELC that indicates the severity of current cardiovascular risk:

  • Unilateral incomplete – least severe
  • Unilateral complete – moderate
  • Bilateral complete – most severe

Like a canary in a coal mine, should you notice a permanent crease in someone’s ear, don’t ignore it. Early intervention in the case of heart disease can be a life saver.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
This finding is usually discovered on a well-child examination.
If you notice that your child has earlobe creases and are concerned that they may be linked with an inherited disorder, see your paediatrician.

Can Earlobe Creases be reversed

Ear creases aren’t a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Diagonal earlobe creases can be an indicator for coronary artery disease, however, and low magnesium can contribute to heart disease. Earlobe can be reversed if they are not inborn. Those who acquire these genes from their families it may be hard to reverse this condition. Discuss any medical concerns and diet or supplement changes with your health care provider.
Ear Creases and Heart Disease
Diagonal earlobe creases may be an indicator of coronary artery disease in some patients. A study conducted by Iranian researchers and published in a 2014 issue of “Heart India” found that over half of the heart disease patients who participated in the study had diagonal earlobe creases.
Magnesium Deficiency and Heart Disease
Low magnesium levels may contribute to heart disease. A 2013 review of heart disease research titled “The Magnesium Hypothesis of Cardiovascular Disease” led by Andrea Rosanoff, director of research and science information outreach for the Centre for Magnesium Education and Research in Pahoa, Hawaii, found that magnesium deficiencies contributed more to heart disease than cholesterol and saturated fat.
The recommended dietary allowance for magnesium is 310 to 320 milligrams per day for women and 400 to 420 milligrams daily for men. Food sources of magnesium include whole grains such as wheat bran, oat bran and brown rice; greens such as spinach and Swiss chard; nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts; lima beans, milk and bananas.

Vertical Earlobe Crease

Could that small vertical mark on your ear have something to do with heart disease? Here is a simple test that could protect you from serious damage to your health. In 1973, a doctor named Sanders T. Frank conducted a number of studies to determine whether an earlobe crease, known as “Frank’s sign”, could be an indicator of coronary artery disease.
He found that patients who had creases running at an angle from the bottom of their ear opening to the edge of their ear lobe were at higher risk for heart disease. But before you start worrying, here are some basic statistics and background on the test. Since Dr. Frank’s studies were published, more scientists have looked into the correlation between the earlobe crease and heart disease.
Researchers found that the earlobe crease “may identify a subset of patients prone to early aging and to the early development of coronary artery disease, whose prognosis might be improved by early preventative measures.” Others like Dr. Sarah Samaan clarify that, “Heart disease doesn’t cause earlobe creases, nor do the creases cause heart disease, but they seem to be a marker for an unhealthy lifestyle.”
Biologically, ear creases result when the elastic tissue around the small blood vessels in the ear begins to degenerate. This is the same type of change that occurs in the blood vessels when one has coronary artery disease. Therefore, scientists concluded that the visible change in the earlobe could be an indication of more serious changes occurring in the blood vessels around the heart.
To provide you with some numbers, a more recent study in 2006 found the predictive value of the ear crease to be about 80 percent in individuals 40 years and younger. That said, it appears that ear creases can predict certain aging diseases like heart disease and possibly even diabetes, but there are still some scientists that are unconvinced.
One study conducted in 1980 found that there was no significant relationship between earlobe creases and coronary artery disease in American Indians, suggesting that “Frank’s sign” may not have the same level of indication in other ethnic groups. Another study on Japanese Americans also found no correlation between earlobe creases and heart disease.
Yet other scientists propose that because the studies are usually conducted on patients over the age of 50, the results may be biased as individuals naturally have a higher risk for these diseases as they age. It could be that earlobe creases are simply a sign of the natural aging process.

Earlobe Crease in one Ear

Despite these doubts, most scientists and doctors agree that the appearance of an ear crease in one ear at the age of 50 and below could be a good indication that the body is not as healthy as it should be. For this reason, if you have an earlobe crease, or know someone with one, it is important to consult a doctor who can test your blood and determine if this odd indicator holds any truth. And remember, heart disease can be treated and even stopped in its tracks, and once it has disappeared, so too will the earlobe crease!
The ear lobe crease (ELC) has been defined as a deep wrinkle that extends backwards from the tragus to the auricle. It has been proposed that ELC is a predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). In this review, we consider the possible association between ELC and CAD. Our aim is to systematically address all the relevant evidence in this field. There are many studies that support an association between ELC and CAD. However, other studies did not find such an association. A recent meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that ELC could be a marker of CAD. However, several limitations raise doubts as to whether we should accept this link.
Keywords: ear lobe crease, coronary artery disease, Frank’s sign
Several algorithms have been used to predict cardiovascular events without the use of invasive methods. These include the Framingham, Prospective Cardiovascular Munster and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation engines that predict risk in populations without CVD as well as the Diamond Forrester algorithm which predicts the probability of having significant cardiovascular in symptomatic patients. In a recent study, the Framingham risk score seems to outmatch the other three risk scores in 1,296 stable chest pain patients, who underwent cardiac computed tomographic angiography to assess cardiovascular. However, the algorithms often overestimate the prevalence of cardiovascular.
Coronary angiography and CCTA are used to diagnose or rule out CAD. However, these invasive techniques have limitations since they involve exposure to radiation and the administration of contrast agents. Contrast-induced nephropathy is associated with prolonged hospitalization as well as increased cardiovascular morbidity, renal morbidity and all-cause mortality.
There is a need for additional markers which might identify individuals at high risk of CAD. The ear lobe crease. a simple clinical sign first described by Frank in 1973, could be a potential predictor of CAD. Since then, numerous studies have evaluated the potential link between ELC and risk of CAD.
In this review, we describe the possible association between ELC and CAD. Our aim is to systematically address all the relevant evidence in this field

How to Get Rid of Crease in Ear Lobe

The best crease on ear lobe remedies, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, are those that focus on preventing wrinkles in the first place. So regardless what sort of wrinkle-removal remedy you choose, take the following steps as well: try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most direct, always use sunscreen with an SFP of at least 30, wear a hat and lighten up on soap use while increasing the amount of rinsing you do.
Soap residue left on the face can contribute to drying and wrinkled looking skin. Consider adding olive oil to your diet by regularly eating salad greens dressed with olive oil and lemon since olive oil offers skin benefits to those who consume it as well as those who apply it topically, GrannyMed.com suggests.
Olive Oil
Step 1
Boil 6-8 cups of water. Pour the hot water into a large bowl. Bend over near the bowl and drape a towel over your head to create a steam tent. Wait five to 15 minutes as you allow your face to steam.
Step 2
Massage a small amount of olive oil onto damp facial skin. Apply the oil using long sweeping movements from the chin up onto the rest of the face.
Step 3
Work the oil in gently but firmly, taking care to avoid your eyes. Move your fingertips in a circular motion on the skin of your forehead, temples, and down the sides of your face and back up again.
Step 4
Place one finger on the skin on each side of your nose. Move your fingers in circles in that spot and then move outward about half an inch and repeat the circular motion. Continue moving outward and repeating this motion until you reach your ear lobes.
Cucumber
Step 1
Grate one large cucumber. Put the shredded cucumber in a strainer and set it over a bowl to drain.
Step 2
Allow the cucumber juice to drip into the bowl, pressing with your fingers to remove more of the liquid.
Step 3
Use a cotton ball to swab your face with the cucumber juice. Let it sit on your face for at least 30 minutes and then rinse well.
Step 4
Repeat this procedure daily. Within a few days you should be able to see results, according to the Home Remedies Guide.
Egg Whites
Step 1
Separate one egg and beat the white until frothy.
Step 2
Apply the foamy egg white to your face using your fingers. Leave the egg white on for at least 30 minutes or overnight–if you can sleep on your back.
Step 3
Rinse your face with cool water to reveal smooth, soft, tightened skin.
More references

  1. Frank’s sign: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank’s_sign
  2. How to remove earlobe creases with home remedies: http://www.livestrong.com/article/164473-how-to-remove-wrinkles-with-home-remedies/
  3. Heart- head connection: https://dailyhealthpost.com/ear-crease-heart-disease/

Canker Sore on Tonsils: Causes, White Sore, Red, Ulcers, Treatment, Get Rid, Pictures

Canker sores are characterized by a yellow or whitish dot on the cheek, the tongue, or any other part of the mouth including the tonsils and their underlying tissues. The canker is often surrounded by reddish, inflamed-looking flesh. It is also referred to as aphthous ulcer or aphthous stomatitis. It is more common in women than in men. Susceptibility to canker sore can be inherited.

What Causes a Canker Sore

Most canker sores are oval or round in shape, white at the centre with red border.
There are three types of canker sores and this may include:

  • Minor sores– it measures about 3 – 10 mm, oval shaped with red border. This is the more common type. The lesions may heal in 10 to 14 days. The healing process will takes place without leaving any scar.
  • Major sores– They are bigger and deeper than the other two types. A major sore is usually round with defined red border. If it is larger, it forms an irregular shape with irregular edges. It is extremely painful. Major sores grow more than 10 mm and take six weeks to months before they heal and may even leave scars.
  • Herpetiform sores– These are large groups of sores, from clusters of 10 to about 100. They may also merge into one large sore and have irregular edges. They appear smaller, about 2 – 3 mm. These sores may be the smallest, but they appear in hundreds simultaneously. You can expect them to heal without scarring.

If you get a canker sore on your tonsils, every time you swallow, you’ll know that it is one of the most painful canker sores you can get.

Some of the main causes of canker sores often include:

  • A small injury as a result of an accidental bite, bump, burn, rough brushing of teeth, or dental work–any small abrasion to the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue may not heal properly and may cause a canker.
  • Lack of important nutrients that promote proper growth of tissues, such as iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
  • Allergies or sensitivities to toothpaste or food (coffee, chocolate, shellfish, strawberries, cheese, eggs, nuts, highly acidic foods like pineapple, lemon, and tomatoes, and ingredients like sodium lauryl.
  • Acidic foods, like citrus fruits can trigger the appearance or make it worse.
  • Smoking
  • Gastrointestinal tract diseases, like Cohn’s disease or Celiac disease
  • Auto-immune disorders, like Behcet’s disease or systemic lupus erythematous IQ
  • Other immune system weaknesses, like the common cold, flue, or HIV/AIDS
  • Oral cancer
  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • An allergic response to bacteria in the mouth.
  • Hormonal changes may trigger a canker sore on a woman’s tonsil tissue during the days prior to menstruation.

As compared to cold sores, canker sores are not associated with herpes virus infections. If you experience cankers chronically, keep a record of everything you eat and drink to help determine what might be the cause. There are also more serious medical triggers for canker sores so if you get them chronically, consult your doctor.

Canker Sore on Tonsils Causes

Canker sores usually occur in the mouth, cheeks and tongue. But sometimes, they can occur on the tonsils too. These usually occur as whitish or yellowish dots that may be surrounded by inflamed, reddish flesh. Canker sore on tonsil usually can cause great pain, whenever you try to swallow. However, they are not dangerous or contagious. They often heal on their own, usually within a week.
Food allergy
A canker sore may develop if you have food allergies; foods involved frequently are strawberries, tomatoes, acidic fruits or vegetables, and sometimes, even shellfish. If you have a food allergy, keep track of what you eat to identify what foods can irritate you, so you can avoid them and prevent canker sores. You can also have a food allergy test to help uncover what particular foods can cause these sores.
Sensitivity to Medication
This can also cause canker sore on tonsil or anywhere in your mouth. Again, it is advisable to keep track of your reactions to medications, especially antibiotics which are the most frequent causes of allergic reactions. But before you discontinue your medications, consult your doctor first.
Reaction to Toothpaste
This kind of condition may be linked to certain toothpastes, if you are allergic to them. The reaction may be caused by an ingredient in your toothpaste, so it is important to read the list of ingredients in product before purchasing. The specific ingredient may vary from person to person. Some mouthwashes can also trigger canker sores.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you do not brush your teeth regularly, you may be prone to canker sores. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of bacteria and viruses in your mouth and tonsils. To avoid this, brush your teeth regularly and in the proper way, as advised by your dentist.
Minor Injuries
Minor injuries that may occur on the tonsils or mouth, such as a bite, a bump, or a minor burn from hot foods. Rough brushing with your toothbrush or dental appliances can also cause canker sores when the injured area doesn’t heal properly.
Other Causes may include:

  • A lack of nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate, or minerals such as iron and zinc can cause poor oral health.
  • Anxiety and stress can also increase your risk for oral sores.
  • Hormonal changes can trigger canker sore on tonsil tissue, especially before menstruation.

Medication. Sometimes, corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and intense pain due to canker sores. However, this treatment cannot be used for prolonged periods because it can have negative effects. Antibiotics may also be recommended if there is bacterial infection, but caution must be needed, because it can cause canker sore

Canker Sore on Tonsil and Ear Pain

It may be interesting to note that ears, nose and throat have a connection between them which links all the three to one another. Infection or an allergy affecting any one of these three structures results in discomfort in all the three.
The middle ear and the throat are connected by a narrow tube known as Eustachian tube. Sore throat almost always blocks this tube, which is a result of swelling of the tube, and this in turn results in increased pressure in the ear causing ear pain.
However in some cases patients also experience one-sided sore throat and ear pain. This happens when the infection affects only one side of the throat. In such cases the pain only affects on one side leaving the other side pain free.

Cause of Canker Sore and Ear Pain Simultaneously

Canker sore on tonsil is a condition which is caused when pharynx, larynx and tonsils of the throat become inflamed. A common sore throat usually lasts for more than three days. Sore throat is commonly caused by microbial infections, which can be treated by taking over-the-counter medications.
In some cases of tonsil infection, mucus is stuffed in sinus cavities and this can result in ear pain. Being interlinked with one another, all of these organs go through the process of exchanging the fluids among themselves. This interrelation of the organs and exchange of fluids certainly puts them at the risk of exchange of infections too.
This means infection in any one of the organ also infects the remaining two organs. This exchange of infection between the organs results in canker sore on tonsil and ear pain.
A canker sore on tonsil and ear pain is usually as a result of an infection resulting from an inflammation caused in the inner ear, outer ear or middle ear. This inflammation not only results in stretching the eardrum, but also forces it to swell which may also affect the hearing ability. However, in some cases patients may also experience chronic pain for prolonged period due to allergies due to immune system.
Exposure to smoke, consuming excessive alcohol, consuming very hot or cold foods, allergies, swollen glands, microbial infections, pollution, hay fever, sinus infections, tonsillitis, ear infections, cough, cold and flu, uvula infection, tooth infection and overuse of vocal cords are also the conditions that may cause canker sores on tonsil and ear pain.

Symptoms of Canker Sore on tonsil and Ear Pain

These may include, feeling difficulty while swallowing, swollen glands and lymph nodes, fever, pus and rash on the tonsils, stiffness in the back and neck, prolonged mouth ulcers, blood tinged saliva, blood tinged phlegm are few of the symptoms of sore throat and ear pain.
Treatment for canker sore on tonsil and Ear Pain

  • Changing the tooth brush can also be helpful in getting rid of the condition and reduces the chances of transmitting the infection back into the throat through the tooth brush.
  • Saline Nasal Spray for Sore Throat and Ear Pain: Saline nasal spray can also be used in case of dry throat and nose as saline nasal spray helps in keeping the mucus membrane in moist condition.
  • Pain Killers for Sore Throat and Ear Pain: Temporary use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can also help in relieving the condition.
  • Antibiotics for Sore Throat and Ear Pain: Taking antibiotics for sore throat can also be helpful, especially in strep throat.

The home remedies that may help in handling this conditions are easily available in your kitchen. This may involve the following;

  • Heat for canker sore and Ear Pain: Application of a heated piece of cloth on the affected ear can help in relieving the ear pain for some period of time. Care should be taken not to heat the cloth excessively to avoid any burn injuries.
  • Steaming for canker sore and Ear Pain: Vapour bath or taking steam can help in reducing the severity of the condition. Steam taken for sore throat along with both the ears usually helps to recover quickly.
  • Hydration: Adequate amount of warm fluid intake such as warm turmeric milk and hot soup not only helps in keeping the throat hydrated, but also eases the process of swallowing and talking. It is also better to avoid alcohol, smoking and eating very hot or cold food during the healing period.
  • Lozenges and Popsicles for canker sore on tonsil and Ear Pain: these two usually are also helpful in keeping the throat in a moist condition.
  • Salt Water Gargling: Gargling with salt water repeatedly many times in a day could also be effective in speeding the healing of the canker sore hence reduce ear pan.
  • Use of herbal medicine: this may include preparing tea from the mixture of basil leaves, turmeric, ginger, salt and cinnamon and consuming this warm preparation by adding one tea spoon of honey to it is also an effective remedy. Consuming this preparation also helps in lessening fever. Apart from this, ginger extracts when consumed with honey can also be helpful.

White Sore on Tonsils

If the tonsils frequently became inflamed or infected in the past years, they would be removed. Of course this is still one of the tonsils treatment in some cases. However, doctors now understand that the tonsils have a much larger impact on the digestive process than was originally anticipated.
The tonsils also help to fight off infections, which is why they can become covered in white sores. These spots like sores are usually pus that has developed as white blood cells kill off bacteria or viruses infecting the tissue. A bit of home care can usually ward off these symptoms, but it is important to check with your doctor if your symptoms linger or appear severe.

Possible Causes of White Sores on Tonsils

Tonsillitis- This is an infection of the tonsils caused by an exposure to bacteria or a virus. As the tonsils begin to fight the infection they will produce white pus which will collect in white patches on the flesh. You may also experience headaches, fever or a stiff neck as you begin to develop tonsillitis.
Oral Thrush- White patches on the canker sore on tonsils may be a fungal infection caused by an excess amount of yeast. Yeast is frequently found throughout the body, but certain conditions can cause its population to boom to an unhealthy level.
Those who are immune suppressed or those who partake in an excessively sugary diet are more likely to develop yeast infections in the mouth. These patches will not cause swelling, but they can alter the taste in your mouth.
Sore Throat- A strep infection is one of the most common causes of severe sore throat. This bacterial infection will frequently show itself as white canker sore on tonsils and throat. You will notice pain when swallowing, or a scratchy feeling in the throat. The lymph nodes in the neck and the tonsils will become swollen as they attempt to rid the body of this infection. High fevers are also common when battling strep throat.
Mononucleosis- usually it is commonly known as mono. This viral infection will combine common flu symptoms with fatigue, fever and headaches. Adolescents who develop this condition will frequently develop patches of puss in the throat, especially around the tonsils. Your lymph nodes will also become very swollen, and some patients may also develop a body rash.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores on Tonsils, Treatment

Before trying medical treatment, try to determine if your sore is indeed a canker sore and not a fever blister, or the symptom of some other conditions on the tonsils. Management for canker sores on the tonsil includes:

  • Avoid spicy foods. Instead, try eating yogurt which contains lactobacillus acidophilus or good bacteria that help reduce burning sensation.
  • Baking Soda Mouth Rinse.This can help reduce pain and promote healing. Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda with warm water and gargle. Avoid swallowing the mixture. Do this at least once a day or as needed.
  • Zinc Lozenges.These are effective for canker sores because of their antibiotic properties, which can help kill germs in your tonsil area.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide/Milk of Magnesia.Mix 1 tsp. hydrogen peroxide with 1 tsp. water. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture. Apply directly on the affected tonsil. Or with a new cotton swab, dip into some milk of magnesia. Dab on tonsil. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
  • Mouthwash/Gargle.Try to find mouthwashes that contain antibacterial substances which can help heal a canker sore on tonsil. Make sure the mouthwash you choose doesn’t contain the ingredient that will aggravate your condition. You can also try gargling with salt and water, which is also an effective home remedy for canker sores. Do this at least twice a day.
  • Cold Drink. Drinking cold beverages or sucking on ice cube helps numb the pain, but these won’t heal the sores.
  • Vitamin B12.Take at least 100 mg of vitamin B12 and eat vitamin B-rich foods such as fish, shellfish, and dairy.
  • This is an over-the-counter health supplement extracted by honey bees from trees and other plant sources. It has been used for ages in the treatment of canker sores. This is an herbal antiseptic that helps clean sores and kill bacteria.
  • These are products that contain good or friendly bacteria, which may be found in natural foods like dairy products such as yogurt. You can also find them in health supplements. They help fight bad bacteria and balance the flora in your mouth and digestive tract.
  • This chemical compound has many uses. The powder form can be used as a deodorant to fight body odour. It is also used to purify water. You can try applying a small dab of alum on your sore. This can be quite painful, and may even induce vomiting; however, its high level of acidity and antiseptic property are very effective in healing canker sores more rapidly.

Treatments and preventions for canker sore on tonsils

Home Remedies
Minor infections of the tonsils can usually be treated with home care. These may include the following:

  • When your tonsils feel scratchy or inflamed, gargling can often lessen the discomfort. Mix a glass of warm salty water, taking care not to create a mixture that is hot enough to scald your mouth. Take a mouthful of the beverage, lean your head back, open your mouth and make a “g” sound with the back of your throat, allowing the water to swish around the tonsils. Spit out the liquid and take a new mouthful for each repetition to avoid spreading the pus throughout the mouth.
  • Sipping warm, caffeine free fluidsthroughout the day can also help bathe the throat to help clear out an infection. Teas with honey, chicken broth or warm water are frequently recommended. If the throat is swollen, ice pops, cold beverages or a cold compress on the neck can provide relief. Avoid foods like ice cream as dairy products can encourage mucus production.
  • Create a comfortable atmospherefor your recovery. Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke or perfumes that can cause the throat to become scratchy. Run a humidifier to keep the air comfortable and try to get plenty of rest so your body can focus as much of its energy as possible on fighting the infection.

Medical Treatments
Antibiotics– If your symptoms are causing a great deal of discomfort or you are experiencing a fever, you should see a doctor to determine if antibiotics are necessary to help clear the infection. Antibiotics cannot help rid the body of a virus or fungal infections. Your doctor will take a sample of the pus on your tonsils with a cotton swab and run lab tests to determine what type of medication is appropriate.
Tonsillectomy– If your tonsils frequently become inflamed or they swell to the point where they are causing you difficulty breathing, your doctor may advise you to have them removed. Those who have an infection that will not respond to treatment may also be candidates for a tonsillectomy. This is typically a one day surgery that will take one to two weeks to recover from. During this time the throat will be sore and you may have a restricted diet to avoid irritating the surgical area, but no extreme side effects are expected.
More references

  1. Canker sore on tonsil: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Canker-Sore-on-Tonsil.html
  2. Causes of cankers on the tonsil: http://healthh.com/canker-sore-on-tonsil/

Excess Mucus in Throat: Thick, Sticky, Constant, Buildup, How to Get Rid

Throat mucus, also known as phlegm, can be described as that uncomfortable feeling that you experience when mucus clogs up your throat or drips from the back of your nose. The glands of your throat and nose produce about 1 to 2 litres of mucus per day. This mucus consists of cells that line the sinus passages and has several important functions.
Mucus are very essential as it moistens and cleanses the nasal passages, traps foreign particles, stops them from filtering into the respiratory system, fights infection and humidifies the air. Most times we are not even aware that we swallow mucus.

Symptoms of Throat Mucus & Phlegm

The symptoms for this condition may range from:

  • Coughing of Mucus & Phlegm
  • Throat Congestion
  • Shortness of Breath

Though not always, a little mucus in throat usually doesn’t ruin your day. If you have a chronic problem you may be wondering what the problem is. You may have been told everything from allergies to reflux. While many people suffer from mucus build-up in throat from allergies, sometimes not even antihistamines clear up the problem.
The upper respiratory system is very close to the opening to your digestive system. Excess mucus in throat can either come up from stomach, or nose and sinuses. Even your throat tissues secret mucus to keep it moist. But about persistently excessive mucus in throat, we are going to look on the causes and ways in which they can be controlled.

Excess Mucus in Throat Causes

Throat mucus, or phlegm, can be a result of allergies or a sore throat, but there are numerous reasons for throat mucus, revealing what is going on inside your body. Even when you are healthy, your body is constantly producing mucus. Most of the time, this mucus drips down the back of your throat without you noticing. But during times of illness, that mucus can clog your throat.
Your body doesn’t necessarily produce more mucus when you’re sick, but the consistency of the mucus changes so you begin to notice it. There are many factors that can change the consistency of mucus, like allergies or milk consumption for some people.

Causes of mucus in throat

A thick mucus that may form in your throat simplifies a condition in the digestive system or respiratory system. Here are some of the causes of excessive mucus in the throat:
Post-nasal drip
This is when mucus travels from the back of the nose down the throat. If post-nasal drip occurs after a meal, it could be a result of an allergy, sinusitis, or vasomotor rhinitis.
Cold or flu

Mucus thickens when an infection is in the body, like a cold or flu. Changes in mucus colour can signal a cold or flu as well.
Pregnancy
Congestion, coughing, and sneezing are common during pregnancy along with other morning sickness symptoms. Oestrogen is to blame for mucus in throat during pregnancy.
Seasonal allergies
Something you’re allergic to can change your mucus levels, but the use of antihistamines or the removal of the allergen will make it go away.
Acute bronchitis
This is type of bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is usually caused by a viral infection or sometimes a bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis can be somehow contagious.
Croup: This occurs when the voice box and windpipe widen as a result of a virus.
Epiglottitis: This is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by a viral infection.
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx caused by a virus.
Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx caused by a bacterial infection.
Pneumonia: Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses due to either a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils caused by an infection.
Tuberculosis: Serious infection of the lungs and other organs.
Other causes: Strep throat, mononucleosis, smoking, air pollution, chemical inhalants, and anxiety.
Foods
Unfortunately, some foods can cause throat mucus, and if you are already dealing with throat mucus, the last thing you want to do is add to the problem. Milk and milk products like yogurt, cottage cheese and butter, cause excess mucus in the throat. These items carry protein molecules called casein that increases secretions of mucus and is difficult to digest.
Along with milk products, caffeine, sugar, salt, non- herbal teas, all create excess mucus. Soy is one of the most mucus making plant foods there is. Those who give up meats and dairy and switch to soy products, have a greater risk of creating an unhealthy mucus build up in the body.
Some of the throat disorders such as tonsillitis, strep throat, catarrh, laryngitis often have symptoms of mucus in the throat. Viral infections such as chicken pox, measles, mononucleosis, whooping cough or croup may also cause throat mucus.
If the throat is irritated by cigarette smoke, polluted air or chemical fumes, mucus can also settle on the lining of the throat and nasal lining. Throat mucus also causes bad breath because it contains high protein content and produces anaerobic bacteria.
Symptoms that can occur with throat mucus
You can experience other accompanying symptoms depending on the cause of the mucus in throat. Usually, mucus in throat is a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The symptoms may include fever, chills, congestion, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of throat mucus alone are phlegm, throat congestion, shortness of breath, and coughing out mucus and phlegm.
Foods that relieve or cause excessive mucus in throat
Some foods can contribute to throat mucus and other foods can help relieve it. Although every person is different and may have their own unique triggers, here are some of the common foods to avoid with mucus in the throat, and foods to enjoy as they can help reduce mucus:

  • Dairy products like milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese
  • High-fat red meat and processed meat
  • Gluten products – especially in people with a gluten allergy
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine – particularly the variety found in soda
  • Fruits and vegetables, like bananas, cabbage, and potatoes
  • Foods that relieve mucus:
  • Fruits and vegetables like garlic, celery, onions, parsley, winter squash, berries, oranges, greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peppers
  • Chicken soup
  • Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, lake trout, and herring
  • Olive oil

Excessive mucus in throat every morning

Waking up each day with mucus in throat may be due to a few different reasons. For starters, mucus in throat in the morning could be a result of an infection or allergy, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or it could be a sign of congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure, can cause daily mucus in throat each morning, because the heart has a difficult time moving high amounts of blood through the body, causing fluid build-up. This fluid accumulates in the lungs, especially when a person is lying flat throughout the night. The result is a wet cough in the morning or throughout the night.
Excessive mucus in throat after eating
There are numerous reasons for experiencing mucus in throat after eating, including food allergies, post-nasal drip, medication side effects, chronic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, being a heavy smoker, and viral or bacterial infections.
In order to reduce mucus in throat after a meal, increase your fluid intake to help loosen up mucus, inhale steam after your meal, avoid foods you’re allergic to, gargle lukewarm water with salt, drink herbal tea after the meal, and stop smoking or begin to cut back.

Severe excessive mucus in throat conditions

The colour of your mucus in throat is a strong indicator of how severe the health problem is. Generally, thin and clear is the safest, and other colours could indicate a particular infection. Here are some guidelines to know when mucus in throat is a serious issue.
Thin and clear: Sign of cold or allergies, it could also be a sign of medication side effect or a reaction to certain food.
Thick and coloured: If mucus is very thick, it could be a sign of dryness, which can be caused by heating systems. If mucus appears green, yellow, or brownish, it could indicate a bacterial infection.
Rattling sound in chest: If mucus is dripping down to your chest, it may be difficult to swallow and may cause a “rattling” sound, which may be pointing to pneumonia.
Burning sensation: If mucus is burning, it could be a result of a heartburn or GERD.
Paying attention to your mucus can help offer insights into your overall health and give you indications on how to treat the mucus.

How to get rid of Thick Mucus in Throat

As horrible as thick, sticky mucus is, it actually serves a vital function in the body. Mucus lines the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and gastrointestinal tract helping to lubricate these surfaces, while acting as a filter to remove unwanted substances before they enter the body. It also contains antibodies and enzymes that help the body recognize and kill invaders like bacteria and viruses.
However, nipping the underlying cause of excessive mucus in throat is vital to normalize production, these natural remedies will help you manage your streaming or stuffy nose and congested chest in the meantime.
Blow Your Nose Properly
Probably the most obvious way to clear mucus from the nasal passages is to blow your nose! You have to make sure you do it correctly or it may cause more problems, according to some experts. Clear only one nostril at a time, blowing gently. (Blowing too hard can cause small openings in the sinus areas and can force irritants and bacteria further back into the body.)
Drink Warm Liquids
Always make sure to stay hydrated with warm drinks while you’re under the weather. Not only will they provide you with some degree of comfort, but warm water, herbal teas and lemon water help to loosen the mucus in the chest and nasal passages.
When researchers tested the effects of hot and cold drinks on flu sufferers, they found that those who drank a hot beverage experienced ‘immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose’ as well as a reduction in coughing, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness.
Inhale Steam
Used to enhance health for thousands of years, steam therapy is both effective and completely safe. Breathing in steam serves to loosen up the mucus and phlegm so they can move out of your body more quickly. To make a steam bowl, boil water in a pot or kettle and transfer immediately to a large, heat proof bowl. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, positioning the towel to keep in as much steam as possible. Breathe in the vapours for up to ten minutes.
If this seems like too much effort, a steamy shower twice a day will also provide some relief.
Raise the Humidity
Adding extra moisture to the air in your home will help to thin out mucus in the nose and phlegm in the chest. This can be achieved by using either a warm-mist or a cool-mist humidifier although the cool-mist is a better option. Firstly, it’s safer, particularly if you have children or pets; and is more cost-effective, using less energy than the warm-mist version.
Keeping the machine clean is of the utmost importance though, as the growth of bacteria and moulds will only serve to exacerbate your condition, and contribute to further mucus formation. Wipe it down every day with a solution of vinegar, water and tea tree oil.
Apply Warm Compresses
To help loosen mucus further, allowing it to drain out of the nose, place a warm compress on the affected areas. Simply wet a small towel with very warm water (or zap a damp washcloth in the microwave for 30 seconds). Lay this gently over the eyes, nose and cheeks and leave for three minutes.
Repeat this procedure two to six times a day until all the mucus has cleared.
Diffuse Essential Oils
With their strong aromas and antimicrobial properties, essential oils can be a powerful therapeutic tool when clearing away mucus and phlegm.
Some of the most potent mucus fighting oils include:

  • Eucalyptus– antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant.
  • Tea tree– an effective antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic.
  • Peppermint– helps to open nasal passages.
  • Thyme – powerful antiseptic and great for colds, flu and chills.
  • Basil – an antiseptic that helps open nasal passages.
  • Rosemary– an antiseptic that helps open nasal passages.
  • Pine – decongestant and antimicrobial.
  • Lavender– antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial.
  • Chamomile – relieves and soothes congestion.

Add a few drops of a single oil, or a blend of the above oils, to your diffuser or oil burner and allow them to waft through the room.
You could also take a steamy bath scented with the oils, or shake a few drops on a tissue and hold it in front of your nose, being careful to avoid contact with the skin. At night time, sprinkle some on your pillow to loosen mucus as you snooze – lavender is particularly effective as it also encourages a restful sleep.
Gargle
If the phlegm is especially concentrated in your throat, then gargling with salt and warm water can be helpful. This remedy creates a high-salt barrier which works to pull out fluids from the tissues in the throat area, helping to remove mucus, irritants and infections. You should also enjoy a noticeable reduction in inflammation, pain and mucus after gargling.
Dissolve a teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt (or sea salt) in a cup of hot water. Allow to cool slightly and then gargle with this solution. Repeat several times a day for continued relief.
Adjust Your Pillows
Sleeping with an elevated head is a great way to relieve congested nasal passages and enjoy a good night’s sleep – which is vital for helping your body deal with infection.
By sleeping this way, you’ll also be preventing the congestion from going to your lungs which can lead to an annoying and painful cough; and you should even experience relief from tinnitus – one of the side effects of a stuffy nose and head.
Some people may find sleeping with two pillows too uncomfortable. A good trick in this case is to place the additional pillow between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.
Limit Exposure to Irritants
A stuffy or runny nose can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues, which is why it’s important to become aware of your triggers and avoid them where possible.
For many people, that includes smoke – from cigarettes or open fires, strong chemical fumes, or sudden temperature changes. Other pollutants that contribute to mucus formation include exhaust fumes, smog, dust, pet dander and moulds.

Sticky Mucus in Throat won’t go away

Mucus in the throat that won’t go away or that you can’t get rid of as many people state is a common happening. Throat clearing and mucus in the throat that will not go away is associated with stomach acid coming up into the back of the throat, as many doctors may reveal.

Causes of mucus in throat that won’t go away

  • People with this form of acid reflux do not typically experience the typical reflux symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. The body has one protective mechanism to acid in the back of the throat, which is mucus. Therefore, that thick mucus in the throat that you experience and cause you problems to clear throat almost constantly in some cases is the one we are talking of.
  • Allergies such as sneezing, mucus running and dripping from nose and itching, can be automatically treated using allergy medication. By using these treatment you will not treat that thick protective mucus in the throat causing the need to clear the throat.

How to get rid of stubborn mucus in the back of the throat

Research shows that you can start by reducing having your meals three hours before bed and cutting down on highly acidic foods. If this fails adequately you can try an over the counter treatment until the symptoms resolve, and then continue to focus on dietary treatment measures to keep the reflux from happening.

What Clears up Sticky Mucus in Back of Throat

When a foreign body, say a virus or some allergen enters our nose, the body reacts back by producing antibodies. The mucoid secretion, which we see is a mixture of this allergen plus the antibody produced, contained in a thick sticky substance. As the allergic or infectious process gets alright, the mucoid snot also gradually go away. This is a normal process.
In some individual, excess of mucus is produced. Also, drainage may not be adequate. This leads to blocked sinuses and sticky throats.

Steps to clear away thick mucus

You need to clear this sticky phlegm. Following steps and a little change in diet may help you do so-

  • Salt water gargling, at least thrice a day would help clearing the phlegm. You need to do them regularly for 15 days to get results.
  • Drink a lot of water. A thick sticky mucous may imply that you are not sufficiently hydrated. Taking water would help in thinning of this Flem.
  • To open up your nostrils and sinuses, take steam inhalation. You may use Vicks vapour rub along with it. Do this before bedtime and when you get up. If required, repeat it in the daytime too. Try to breathe through the nose, if possible.
  • Make a habit of gently blowing off your nose in the morning.
  • Some food stuff aid in mucous formation. You may avoid them for some time. They are- fried stuff, refined foods, dairy food and heavy meals.
  • Fresh fruits would be beneficial for you. Add prune or apple juice.

More references

  1. Mucus build up in throat: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Mucus-Buildup-in-Throat.html
  2. What is mucus: http://www.everydayhealth.com/mucus/guide/

Cut in Mouth: Turned White, How to Heal Faster

Your mouth is involved with very many activities ranging from speaking, chewing, digestion and even singing, as you may want the activities to be numerous. All these involves movement of the mouth and its minor organs – tongue, teeth etc. during these processes you may happen to bite or develop a cut in mouth.

I have a Cut in Mouth, what should I do?

These cuts may involve injuries to the lip, flap under the upper lip (frenulum), tongue, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth (hard and soft palate), or back of the mouth (tonsils and throat)

Types of Mouth Injuries

  • Cuts of the tongue or inside of the cheeks (due to accidentally biting them during eating) are the most common mouth injury. Bites of the tongue rarely need sutures. Even if they gape open a little, if the edges come together when the tongue is quiet, the cut should heal quickly.
  • Cuts and bruises of the upper lip are usually due to falls. A tear of the piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is very common and always heals without treatment. It may bleed again, however, every time you pull the lip out to look at the bleeding site.
  • Cuts of the lower lip are usually caused by catching it between the upper and lower teeth during a fall. Most of these cuts do not connect. These do not need treatment unless the outer cut is gaping.
  • Potentially serious mouth injuries are those to the tonsil, soft palate, or back of the throat (as from falling with a pencil or toothbrush in the mouth).

Canker sore is the name for a painful, open sore in the mouth that is medically known as aphthous ulcer. The sores are not contagious and are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in the mouth and gums. Canker sores may result from cut in mouth, viral infections, hormonal shifts, an abnormal immune system, or a diet low in nutrients.
Trauma in the mouth, or teeth, or on the lips may result to mouth ulcers and canker sores, which after the cut have been infected. Trauma related cuts may become inflamed, swell, and have potential to develop into mouth ulcer. Wrongly fit dentures are also known to cause cut in mouth and mouth redness. Any kind of trauma to the mouth, lips or tongue can as well cause mouth cuts which appear red as a result of inflammation and swelling around the site of the injury.
Cuts that appear in the mouth from hot or spicy foods, chewing tobacco or smoking can cause mouth ulcers as well. Mouth ulcers may also result from specific medications, such as chemotherapy. The underlying conditions that are common causes of mouth ulcers include deficiencies in certain nutrients and minerals and also hormonal imbalances.

What does it mean when a Cut in Mouth Turned White

White patches in the mouth are a common symptom of infection, inflammation, trauma, malignancy, and other underlying conditions and diseases. Cut that turn white usually result from pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, which inflame the lining of the mouth causing swelling, redness, and ulcer formation.
Ulcers most commonly occur on the inside of the mouth but may also occur on the tongue and lips, or in association with more generalized conditions, such as cancer. Allergic reactions to food and other substances may cause inflammation, swelling, and development of mouth white patches.
Trauma to the mouth, gums or teeth may result in mouth white patches. Trauma-related cuts become inflamed, swell, and have the potential develop into a mouth ulcer that is white in appearance.
White cuts or leukoplakia is a medical term for a precancerous condition that usually occurs on the tongue or lining of the cheek. This condition also appear as white cut in mouth and is caused by chronic irritation rather than infection. Leukoplakia itself is noncancerous but up to 20% of such patches will eventually develop cancer if left untreated
Chewing tobacco or smoking, particularly pipe smoking, can cause mouth white patches. Mouth white patches may result from specific medications, including chemotherapy. Underlying conditions that are common causes of mouth white patches include inflammatory bowel diseases, alcoholism, and cancer.
White cuts in the mouth may be associated with several other symptoms including:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Oval shaped sore
  • Raised, red lesions
  • Receding gums
  • Red spot or bump that develops into an open ulcer
  • Sore that heals without scarring in one to two weeks
  • Sore that may contain pus
  • Sore throat
  • Thickened or hardened areas
  • Tongue soreness
  • Ulcer with white or yellow centre

In other cases, a cut in mouth with white patches may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have mouth white patches along with other serious symptoms including:

  • Bleeding
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extreme difficulty eating or drinking
  • Headache
  • High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Pain not controlled with self-care measures
  • Recurring ulcers, with new ones developing before old ones heal
  • Swelling of throat or tongue
  • Unusually large mouth ulcers

Causes cut in mouth white patches

White cuts in the mouth result from infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi on the existing mouth injuries. Infections of the skin around the mouth, mucous membranes inside the mouth, gums, and tongue are common causes of mouth white patches.
Damage that occur in the mouth can be the result of chewing on the cheeks, excessive teeth brushing, trauma, or dentures that are not fitted properly. Each of these can cause inflammation, redness, and possibly white cuts on them in the mouth. Mouth white patches can also result from underlying conditions, such as cancer and gum disease.

How to Heal Cut in Mouth Faster

Cuts in mouth is something that may occur to anyone. This kind of injury can be as a result of hot foods and accidents. Although it may be very painful, cuts in mouth commonly heal without any medical treatments. A cut in mouth usually may heal within days, but during the process, you will definitely experience uncomfortable and painful eating and talking activities.

Healing cuts in mouth

The truth is that most cuts in the mouth will heal without specific medical treatments. However, there are some methods which can be done to speed up the healing process and to minimize the caused pain. These include the following:
Stop the bleeding
More often, cuts on the mouth lining which is caused by the teeth cause minor bleeding. Before treating the cut in mouth, this bleeding need to be stopped first. Some procedures can be done to do this. This include:

  • Rinse the mouth with water and gargle for several seconds, focusing on the bleeding area.
  • Give the bleeding area a sufficient pressure. You might need to let the mouth bleed, since this is the natural way done by the body to cleanse a wound.
  • Put an ice cube wrapped in a cloth onto the injured area. This will constrict the blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Do not apply the ice too long, though, as it may trigger burns.

Reducing pain
Injuries that occur in the mouth normally heal faster than other injuries located on the other parts of the body. However, this problem can cause an excruciating pain while eating, talking, or even opening the mouth. Thus, an important part of healing the mouth cuts will be reducing the caused pain. Some of the remedies that are proven to reduce pain caused by cuts in mouth are;

  • Avoiding salty, spicy, or dry foods which may irritate the cuts and make the pain worse. Eating soft foods during the healing process will be helpful in improving the condition.
  • Take in a lot of fluids, as it will keep the mouth lubricated. Dry mouth lining will worsen the pain, not to mention cause unpleasant odour.
  • Brush your teeth gently as it can help reducing the caused pain. Use soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent it from irritating the cut mouth lining.
  • Sucking an ice cube or applying it onto the injured area can be relieving. However, do not put the ice directly on the mouth lining as it may cause an ice burn. Instead, wrap it with a thin cloth first and apply it onto the cut afterwards.
  • Avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as it may aggravate the pain. Instead, drink a glass of warm water with additional drops of lemon or lime. Sufficient amount of water is also beneficial in reducing pain caused by cuts in mouth.

Promoting healing
Consuming more fruits and vegetables loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which will promote faster healing of a cut in mouth. Oranges, mangos, grapes, or blueberries will give you the benefits of healing the wound properly and quickly.

  • Rinsing the mouth with non-alcoholic mouthwash is also believed to kill infesting bacteria which may aggravate the cut. Do this twice a day, holding the mouthwash on the cut area to give a sharper effect.
  • Gargling the mouth with saline solution—or a cup of warm water added with a teaspoon of salt is also a good remedy for promoting healing in mouth cuts. Salt is a natural antiseptic which is going to cleanse the mouth lining as well as bacteria, which may inhibit healing.
  • Apply aloe Vera gel directly onto the cut to give a soothing effect and to heal the cut. You can also consume the aloe as a cocktail. This will give you an additional amount of vitamin E, which is necessary in wound healing.

Preventing cuts in mouth
Most frequently, cuts in mouth is caused by accidental bites on the mouth lining, which instantly causes injuries. Some other accidents, such as stroking a tooth brush onto the gum also often happen. Thus, to prevent your mouth from getting cut, be sure to do all the activities gently.
Stress is also known as a trigger that aggravates mouth injuries. Thus, it is important to control your stress level in order to promote faster healing for the mouth injuries.

How to Heal a Cut on your Gums

Cuts on the gums can sometimes be mistaken for dental infection. In fact, dental infection is caused by an infection inside the tooth, near the tooth root, while a cut on the gum is located on the gum itself, causing visible, painful inflammation. While dental infection is often triggered by bacteria infestation in tooth root, cuts on the gum are commonly caused by the accumulation of plaque built under the gum line and injuries on the gums.

How to treat gum infection from cuts at home

Dental infection needs close medical attention, since the problem does not only affect the tooth and it root, but may also influence the nerve system and thus, in severely bad cases, can be life-threatening. However, gum infection that result from cut in mouth, although may also be serious, can be self-treated at home with proper treatments and remedies. To treat gum infection at home:
Rinse your mouth to alleviate the pain
A cut in mouth gums is painful and may trigger tingling and throbbing sensation on the gum. To relieve this pain, rinse the mouth with saline solution made from a mixture of warm water and salt. You can also use herbal mouthwash and 3-percent hydrogen peroxide to rinse the mouth. While rinsing, pass on the inflamed gum and gargle the solution for several minutes to help kill the bacteria.
Make sure there is no food leftover on your teeth and the gum line
Foods that remain on gums may harden and develop into plaque around the teeth and the gum lines. If this plaque is accumulated and hardens, it causes irritation to the gum where it sits on. As a result, this area swells and pus-filled abscess may form which will require dental abscess treatment.
You have to always make sure you brush your teeth properly and thoroughly after meals so that there is no food left there. When brushing the already-inflamed gum, it is important to do it gently using soft-bristled toothbrush, so that it will not irritate the affected gum further.
Prevent the a cut in mouth from getting worse by avoiding sugary foods and drinks
Sugary foods and drinks will increase your tartar build-up, which may contribute to plaque formation. It is important to stop consuming sugary foods as it may aggravate the infection site. Replace these sugary drinks such as soda with a glass of warm peppermint tea. Peppermint is beneficial for bacteria killing and the warmth of the tea will alleviate the caused pain.
Improve red and inflamed gum with aloe Vera
Aloe Vera can be easily found and is affordable. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent that help brings down an inflammation. In addition, aloe Vera that is massaged over an infected gum will give a soothing effect that reduces caused pain.
Reduce pain and inflammation using warm compresses
Warm compresses also have a significant role in improving gum infection. Apply the compress on the infected gum and leave it for some minutes until the pain subsides and the inflamed gum becomes more tenderized. Warm compresses will promote blood circulation to the infection site and thus, improve its condition.
Prevent the infection from getting worse by not draining the discharge
In most cases, you are going to see pus-like discharge under an infected gum that develop from a cut in mouth and may be tempted to drain it. This will not eliminate the problem and instead, may aggravate the infected gum, making the inflammation worse. Bring down the inflammation by putting warm compresses on it, instead of attempting on draining the discharge.
Getting rid of formed ulcers on gum by applying clover oil
Clover oil is a good antibacterial, which also possesses antibacterial and pain killing characteristics. Thus, if you are developing ulcers on gum as a result of the infection, applying the oil can really help. Dab this oil onto the ulcers and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat the treatment several times a day or whenever the pain comes.
Rinse the mouth with saline water after every meal
Food leftovers can possibly make the cut on gums infection worse. In order to avoid this, it is essential to rinse the teeth and gum with saline water after eating. This will get rid of food leftovers and bacteria from the mouth and thus, prevent the infection from getting worse.

How to Treat an Infected Cut in Mouth

Oral mucositis or esophagitis may also be called mouth sores as they result from infected cut in mouth. It can range in severity from a red, sore mouth and/or gums to very painful open sores, causing a patient to be unable to eat.
Patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck area or those receiving certain types of chemotherapy are at risk to develop mucositis.
Other causes of mucositis include infection, dehydration, poor mouth care, and oxygen therapy, excessive use of alcohol and/or tobacco, as they all cause mouth injuries and lack of protein in the diet.
This condition may result in several problems including pain, nutritional problems related to the inability to eat, and increased risk of infection due to open sores in the oral and throat mucosa (lining). It has a significant effect on the patient’s quality of life and can be dose limiting.

How Are Mouth Sores Treated?

Infected cuts in mouth generally may heal on their own although others may require treatment. Continuing to perform good mouth care can help speed the healing process along. If mouth pain is interfering with eating and swallowing, your oncologist may prescribe a mouth rinse, which temporarily numbs the mouth or an oral pain medication.
To add on that, if an infected cut in mouth result in weight loss from poor intake of food and fluids is a concern, you may be referred to a nutritionist. If necessary, your oncologist may decide to delay further treatments until the mouth sores have healed.

Reasons for a Cut in Mouth not Healing

Your mouth is a very sensitive area and you’ll soon be aware if you suffer a cut to your gums or other soft tissue like your tongue. However, it’s important to know that some cuts in your mouth may need to be diagnosed by the dentist to make sure you haven’t damaged any important structures.
A cut in mouth, also known as a laceration, generally happens in conjunction with other dental emergency situations, such as a knocked-out tooth or cracked or broken tooth.
When dealing with a cut in the mouth that don’t heal, it is very important to make sure that the bleeding from the wound is controlled. Uncontrolled bleeding may result in shock, which may cause death if not treated immediately.
Cuts in the mouth that do not go away are a sign of infection, which may signify a serious condition. The infection may range from a mild one to a more serious one like oral cancer. In a situation where bleeding is continuing, you may need to take steps to stop bleeding before you can reach medical attention.
For these kind of cuts in the mouth, you may need to go and see your dentist who will carry an examination to verify the underlying condition, and corrective treatment thereafter.
To control bleeding caused by dental trauma:

  • Wash your hands and put on a pair of non-latex medical gloves. You can usually find non-latex gloves in a first-Aid kit. If gloves are not available, wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Lay the person down and elevate their head. Doing this will help prevent an additional injury from fainting, and elevating the head should help slow the bleeding.
  • Gently clean debris from the area of the cut. Most cuts involving the inside of the mouth generally do not involve debris. If an object is stuck in the area of the cut, do not try to remove it.

Cut on Lip or Cold Sore? Turned White, inside Mouth, Corner, How to Heal, Treat, Home Remedies

Apart from adults, even children often get minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the mouth and lips while playing, climbing, or participating in sports activities. Most of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first-aid treatment. The gums, tongue, and lips have a rich blood supply. When cut on lip happen, these areas may bleed a lot.

First aid for superficial cuts and wounds

Recommendations that doctors may give for taking care of cuts and wounds include the following:

  • Calm your child and let him or her know you can help.
  • Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding.
  • Wash your hands well.
  • If the wound is on the lips or outside area of the mouth, wash it well with soap and water. Do not scrub the wound. Remove any dirt particles from the area and let the water from the faucet run over it for several minutes. A dirty cut or scrape that is not well cleaned can cause scarring:
  • Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.
  • Give your child an ice pop or ice cube to suck on to help reduce bleeding and swelling.
  • Check the area each day and keep it clean and dry.
  • Avoid blowing on the wound, as this can cause germs to grow.
  • Use a sunscreen (sun protection factor, or SPF, at least 15 or greater) on healed cuts and wounds to help prevent scarring.

If the wound is inside the mouth, rinse the area well with cool water for several minutes. Remove any dirt particles from the area:

  • Give your child an ice pop or ice cube to suck on to help reduce bleeding and swelling.
  • Check the area each day and keep it clean.

Even small cuts on lips may cause a noticeable difference in the border or outline of the lips. These wounds may need stitches to keep the borders even and reduce the possibility of scars. Cuts that happen in the corner of the mouth where the upper and lower lips come together have the potential for very severe bleeding.
Often cuts inside the mouth, even if they appear large, are left to heal spontaneously without the need for stitches.
Bruises, blisters, or swelling on the lips caused by trauma may be treated by sucking on ice pops or ice cubes or by applying a cold pack to the area every 1 to 2 hours for 10 to 15 minutes for the first 24 hours.
You May Also Like:

  1. Cut on Tongue
  2. Cracked Corner of Mouth

Cut on Lip or Cold Sore

Cuts and canker sores are very much different from cold sores. However, there are numerous persons who do not know this and usually assume them to be the same. There are several differentiating features that can help a person tell the two apart. If you are not sure about whether or not you have a cut, canker sore or cold sore, it’s best to speak with a doctor to get confirmation. However, here are some ways to distinguish between cuts and cold sores:

  • Canker sores are located inside the mouth, on the gums or inner cheek. 

A canker sore, while painful is not something that is contagious. They can be caused by different factors such as stress, hormones, poor diet, or even food allergies. In appearance, canker sores are either yellow or white with a red centre.
They usually go away without the need of medication and no one is in danger of catching any type of virus if you kiss or share food. Another thing to take note, canker sores rarely form within the mouth and usually form on the lip or near it.

  • Cuts usually occur on the lips or mouth area and can have several causes but they are not to be mistaken for cold sores.

Sometimes when lips are incredibly dry, you can get cuts or something known as split lips. It is not a very pretty look but with some care, time, and patience these cut on lip will heal.
Split lips are caused by outside elements and also due to lack of hydration. Drink plenty of water and make sure to invest in a lip balm that will protect your lips against the cold, wind, or dry air. If dry lips that are causing these cuts and lacerations persist, speak with your doctor to make sure this isn’t an effect of something else.

  • Cold sores or fever blisters are associated with the herpes simplex virus.

They have a very different appearance compared to a cut on lip. The cold sore looks like a red dot on the lip area but if you look closely they are usually groups of red, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can break, leak, and scab over. Unlike cuts and canker sores, cold sores are contagious and contain the herpes virus.
So skin-to-skin contact with an active cold sore can usually spread the virus to another person. Sometimes cold sores come with symptoms as well. There may be pain at the affected area, fever, sore throat, or scabbing of the blister. You must remember that the herpes virus is not curable but is most definitely manageable.
Conclusion
Therefore, whether you have a cut, canker sore, or cold sore, these can often be treated with over the counter ointments, creams, and gels. If you find yourself experiencing a ton of pain or whatever you have on your lip is taking a long time to heal and go away, it may be time to speak with a doctor to get more powerful medication.

How to Heal a Cut Lip inside Mouth

The person should be checked for associated injuries such as problems breathing or swallowing, facial fractures, loose or missing teeth, or more serious tissue loss. Patients should receive a tetanus vaccine if their tetanus shot is not up-to-date. Severe mouth wounds should be treated at a trauma centre by a surgeon.
Very often, treatments include observation for many wounds and do not involve the vermilion border (the cosmetic line that marks the border of the lips on the face). However, lacerations that bleed for more than 15 minutes after holding pressure may require stitches.
For those cuts inside the mouth may require antibiotics. You may visit a chemist or your doctor who will advise on the best medications for your case. Many at times, those cuts inside mouth will heal on their own unless they are infected.

Cut on Lip Turned White

Depending on several factors, the recovery speed of wounds might differ from one person to another. As well as the steps of the recovery, some people might have a wound or scratch from initial bleeding phase and after being cured, moving on to the a reddish brown colour of scab which after that usually be followed by total recovery of the skin may be within a week.
However, some people have to undergo a phase where their cut on lip skin around the area of the wound or even in the middle if the wound turns to pale white colour. Now, what is that white scab and how to avoid or cure it? Basically, reading the answers of those two questions will also answer your question, why is wound turning white?

What is the white scab on cut on lip and how to take care of it?

Scab is basically a natural product that our body produces to protect the wound, however different type of treatments that a person uses might cause the wound has a white scab or even a slightly gooey white scab. Your condition and immune system can also be the cause of the presence of white scab.
Trapped moisture is a very common reason of white scab, other than that, extreme exposure of thick ointment could also be the reason for people who live then but also nowadays, allergic reaction and skin infection are some other reasons that can cause a more serious effect, and the last one probably is hypopigmentation.
The moisture is often caused by high level of water in your body or being in contact with your body. People who usually let the wound being indirectly rinsed by water during shower have the highest risk of getting a white scab because of trapped moisture.

How to Heal a Cut on Lip Corner

Cracks in the corners of the mouth can turn eating, drinking or smiling into a painful chore. This inflammatory condition, called angular chelitis, doesn’t have one single cause. The cracks typically go away on their own, but you can help them heal faster by treating your lips with a home remedy.

Causes of cracked lips

Angular chelitis and chapped lips are commonly caused by dry, cold weather. Sometimes, though, the cracks can be a symptom of a health condition. Certain products, such as lipstick or toothpaste, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Angular chelitis is also an indicator of B-vitamin deficiencies, anaemia caused by iron deficiency or a yeast, strep or staph infection.
If the cracks or sores on your lips become more painful or swollen after a week of home treatment, see a doctor, who may need to treat the problem with an antibiotic or antifungal medication. In these cases, home remedies can ease irritation and pain, but they’re unlikely to make the problem go away.
Home Treatments

  • Use of lip balms and ointments on cut on lips that contain vitamin E, lanolin and Shea butter soothe painful cracks and sores. If you don’t have any lip balm, petroleum jelly also works. Avoid products that contain eucalyptus, cinnamon, menthol or camphor — they can make irritation worse.
  • Honey lubricates lips and speeds up healing. Smear a dab of honey on cracked lips before bed and then let your skin absorb it overnight.
  • Yogurt that contains live active cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, may help as well. Apply some plain yogurt to the cracked area. Then put a spoonful in your mouth and swish it around before swallowing in case your cracks are caused by yeast.

Fixing the cracks at the corners
Chronic yeast infections may cause only minor discomfort while acute infections can affect the whole mouth and throat. In either case, they can be treated with a course of oral or topical antifungal (yeast) medication. NY statin may be used as a troche (a small medicated lozenge designed to dissolve) that is rinsed with and then swallowed so that it works in the mouth and throughout the body.
Antifungal ointments can also be applied liberally to the corners of the mouth several times a day to clear infection. They may be used in combination with a steroid ointment to control redness and inflammation, as well as zinc oxide paste or ointment, which is a barrier (skin) repair agent that has antifungal properties.
If infection arises from inside the mouth, it is likely to recur if only the corners of the mouth are treated. Chlorhexidine rinses can also be used to treat minor oral yeast infections. It is also effective for cleaning and scrubbing dentures; however, it is important to leave them out at night.

Cut Lip Treatment Home Remedies

A cut on lip can be a small surface wound or a deep gash. If it’s a deep gash, then do visit a doctor to check if you need stitches. However, if it is not, then you might just need to give the wound some care and use some medicines or home remedies for relief. Here are some home remedy ideas to help you treat cut and chapped lips.

  • If you have a cut on your lip, it is very important to keep the infection at bay. Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial agent and is very effective against fungi and bacteria. Apply some tea tree oil on your lips to reduce the inflammation and safeguard the wound against bacteria.
  • You might also like to drink tea brewed with feverfew and ginger to reduce the inflammation. Drink this tea thrice a day.
  • Cut on lips because they are chapped, keep yourself well-hydrated. Drink water regularly through the day as this keeps you, your lips and body well hydrated.
  • When you buy a lip balm, look for hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba, almond, Shea butter, beeswax and vitamin E. You can also use petroleum jelly. If you have sensitive skin, then do not use camphor-based lip balms as these can cause irritation.
  • You might want to use a humidifier to add some moisture to dry indoor air.
  • You must also check your diet to see if you are getting enough essential fatty acids, iron, and B vitamins. A deficiency in any of these can cause cracking of lip corners and scaling of lips. Consult a doctor and take a multivitamin.
  • If you have cuts and chapped lips, then check to find out if it’s been caused by allergy to lipstick dyes.
  • You can also hydrate your lips by dabbing a cool wet cloth over your lips. You can seal in the moisture by applying a lip balm. Apply some every few hours when your lips are dry and chapped. Don’t wait for your lips to crack and for cuts to develop before reaching for that lip balm. You can also use a balm or cream with spa to protect your lips from sun damage.
  • Don’t lick or bite your lips.

The cut on lips or other herpes symptoms can be only treated by the use of medications specially designed to suppress the herpes virus. A herpes sore is a cut on the lip that won’t heal with the help of home remedies for regular cuts and scrapes.
Cuts on lips due to herpes can keep coming back and causing you a lot of grief. Since the virus cannot be eliminated completely from the body, the symptoms can keep showing after brief periods of remittance.
If the cracked and chapped lips are caused simply due to environmental conditions, use a humidifier to add moisture to the dry indoor air. Also keep a check on your diet and include vitamin B, fatty acids, and iron in your diet.

How Long Does a Busted Lip Treatment Take to Heal

Busted lips are common problems that many people experience. Swollen lips do not only contribute to imperfect physical look, but may also cause itching and pain. A cut on lip and mouth can cause either one of or both lips to bleed or bust.

What contributes to a swollen lip?

Busted lips occur as a result of trauma to the tissues of the lip, which is triggered by inflammation or fluid build-up. Lip enlargement may affect the upper and lower lip on its outer and inner sides. These injuries can be minor and more severe, depending on the causes. Some of the most common triggers of busted lips, some of those are:
Bug bites and stings
They cause the body to naturally defend its parts from any kinds of chemical released by biting insects by triggering inflammation of certain tissues. Bug bites and stings are commonly harmless, and cut on lip caused by this factor can be healed by applying topical analgesic ointment.
Allergies
Some allergies causes watery eyes and sneezing, while some others can cause busted lips as a natural reaction of the immune system when the body has a contact with foreign allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, foods, and other kinds of allergens. Allergies are usually healed by taking prescribed antibiotics or keeping away from potential allergens.
Infection
Lip infection can be caused by some different risk factors. The most common infection to the lips is herpes virus infection. This kind of infection causes blisters to occur on the lips and around the mouth, causing itching, burning sensation, and inflammation.
Trauma
Another common cause of busted lips is trauma to the lips and mouth area. The trauma can be as a result by a hard contact between the lips and hard objects or surfaces. Punches and accidents, for instance, may cause either severely busted or bleeding lips.
Medications
The side effects of certain medications may contribute to busted or swollen lips, because the chemicals contained in these medications may cause its tissues to inflame.

How long does a busted lip need to go down?

Busted lips might be an embarrassing problem related to physical appearance. Yet there is natural method to heal busted lip, it also causes pain and discomfort which requires specific attention. Hence, people try to do various things to find out the cause of their busted lips to determine the length of required period for the busted lips to go down. In fact, this period is affected by some factors, such as:

  • The cause of the swelling.
  • The severity of busted area of the lips.
  • Taken or performed treatments.

However, some common busted lip phenomena will need variety of time length before it completely heals and goes down. This may include:

  • Busted lip from insect bite does not usually last long, since the chemical secreted by the biting insects will be combated by the immune system and thus, resulted in flattened busted lip. Normally, inflammation caused by the bite will last less than a day, especially when effective topical analgesic is involved.
  • Busted lip from an infection will take longer time to heal. With herpes, for example, someone may need three days to a week to completely find out flattened cut on lips.
  • The one from trauma might be the longest to heal, especially if it is severely busted and wounded, as the tissues and new cells take some time to regrow completely.
  • Swollen lips as a result of cosmetic surgery can heal after a long period, when the injected material is taken out or dissolved. However, it can also be quite permanent, as a prolonged reaction to these material.