What causes dark spots in the mouth. How to identify different types of oral discoloration. When should you be concerned about black spots inside your cheek. What treatments are available for various causes of oral pigmentation.

Common Causes of Dark Spots in the Mouth

Discovering a dark spot or discoloration inside your mouth can be alarming, but in most cases, it’s not a cause for serious concern. Various benign conditions can lead to pigmentation changes in the oral cavity. Understanding the potential causes can help alleviate anxiety and determine when medical attention is necessary.

Oral Nevi: Moles Inside the Mouth

Oral nevi, commonly known as moles, can appear as small brown, bluish-gray, or nearly black dots inside the mouth. These slightly raised spots are typically harmless and don’t require treatment. However, they can sometimes be mistaken for more serious conditions.

• Usually found on the roof of the mouth or inner lip
• Can also form on the cheeks
• Generally asymptomatic
• May require a biopsy to rule out melanoma

Blood Blisters: Temporary Discoloration

Blood blisters are fluid-filled sacs that can range in color from purple to dark red. They often form when the skin inside the mouth gets pinched or injured.

• Typically painful when touched
• Usually resolve on their own within 2 weeks
• May require medical attention if persistent or recurring

Melanotic Macules: Benign Hyperpigmentation

Oral melanotic macules are areas of hyperpigmentation that appear as flat, well-defined spots. While they are noncancerous, they may require further investigation to ensure they are not a sign of melanoma.

• Average size: about a quarter of an inch in diameter
• Can be as small as 0.04 of an inch
• May require a biopsy for definitive diagnosis

Dental-Related Causes of Oral Discoloration

Sometimes, dental procedures or habits can lead to discoloration inside the mouth. These causes are generally harmless but may require professional evaluation.

Amalgam Tattoos: Leakage from Dental Fillings

Amalgam tattoos are caused by leakage from dental fillings made of a mixture of metals, including mercury, tin, zinc, silver, and copper. These tattoos appear as dark blue, gray, or black spots, usually located near a filling.

• Permanent unless removed with laser surgery
• Do not cause symptoms
• No treatment necessary in most cases

Smoker’s Melanosis: Tobacco-Induced Staining

Regular smoking can lead to blotchy stains inside the cheeks and gums, a condition known as smoker’s melanosis. Approximately 22 percent of smokers develop this type of staining.

• Asymptomatic
• May require a biopsy to rule out other conditions
• Can be removed with laser treatment or electrosurgery
• Best prevention: quitting smoking

Rare but Serious Causes of Oral Pigmentation

While most dark spots in the mouth are benign, there are rare instances where they may indicate a more serious condition. It’s crucial to be aware of these possibilities and seek medical attention when necessary.

Oral Melanoma: A Rare Form of Cancer

In extremely rare cases, a dark spot inside the cheek may be a sign of oral melanoma, a type of cancer that affects pigmented cells called melanocytes. Oral melanoma accounts for about 1.6 percent of cancers of the head or neck and less than 1 percent of all melanomas.

• Often appears as a dark brown to blue-black spot
• Can also be unpigmented or white
• May be accompanied by pain, ulcers, and bleeding in later stages
• Average age of diagnosis: 56 years
• Twice as common in men as in women

Treatment options for oral melanoma may include:

1. Surgery
2. Immunotherapy
3. Radiation
4. Drug therapy

Systemic Conditions Associated with Oral Pigmentation

Some systemic diseases can manifest with oral pigmentation as one of their symptoms. While these conditions are relatively rare, they highlight the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation when dealing with unexplained oral discoloration.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: A Genetic Disorder

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a condition that causes noncancerous growths called polyps in the intestines and stomach. Children with this syndrome often develop dark spots on their lips, inside their mouth, near their eyes and nose, and around their anus.

• Spots usually fade with age
• Associated with complications such as pain, bleeding, or bowel obstruction
• No cure, but surgery can remove polyps in the digestive tract

Addison’s Disease: Adrenal Insufficiency

Addison’s disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a deficiency of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. One of the symptoms of this condition is hyperpigmented blotches of skin inside the mouth.

Other symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Weight loss
• Salt cravings
• Low blood sugar
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin

Diagnostic Approaches for Oral Pigmentation

When faced with unexplained dark spots or pigmentation in the mouth, healthcare professionals may employ various diagnostic techniques to determine the underlying cause and rule out serious conditions.

Visual Examination and Medical History

The first step in diagnosing oral pigmentation typically involves a thorough visual examination of the mouth and a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history. During this process, the healthcare provider will assess:

• The size, shape, and color of the pigmented area
• The location and distribution of the spots
• Any associated symptoms or changes over time
• Relevant medical conditions and medications
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking or dietary habits

Biopsy: A Crucial Diagnostic Tool

In many cases, a biopsy may be recommended to definitively diagnose the cause of oral pigmentation. This procedure involves taking a small sample of the affected tissue for microscopic examination.

• Can differentiate between benign and malignant lesions
• Helps identify specific cell types and structures
• May be performed using local anesthesia
• Results can guide treatment decisions

Advanced Imaging Techniques

In some cases, advanced imaging techniques may be employed to further investigate oral pigmentation:

• Dermoscopy: A non-invasive technique using a handheld device to examine skin lesions in detail
• Reflectance confocal microscopy: Provides high-resolution images of skin tissue without the need for a biopsy
• CT or MRI scans: May be used to assess the extent of lesions or detect potential metastases in cases of suspected oral cancer

Treatment Options for Oral Pigmentation

The treatment approach for oral pigmentation varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In many cases, benign pigmentation may not require active treatment, but rather periodic monitoring.

Conservative Management

For many benign causes of oral pigmentation, such as oral nevi or amalgam tattoos, conservative management may be the preferred approach:

• Regular monitoring through dental check-ups
• Documentation of any changes in size, shape, or color
• Patient education on self-examination and warning signs

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical removal of the pigmented area may be recommended, particularly if there is concern about malignancy or if the lesion is causing functional or aesthetic issues:

• Excisional biopsy: Removes the entire lesion for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
• Laser surgery: Can be used to remove certain types of pigmentation with minimal scarring
• Cryosurgery: Freezing of the affected tissue to destroy abnormal cells

Medical Treatments

For systemic conditions associated with oral pigmentation, such as Addison’s disease, treatment typically focuses on managing the underlying condition:

• Hormone replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency
• Immunosuppressive medications for certain autoimmune conditions
• Targeted therapies for specific genetic disorders

Prevention and Lifestyle Considerations

While not all causes of oral pigmentation are preventable, certain lifestyle choices and preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing some types of oral discoloration and promote overall oral health.

Tobacco Cessation

Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to prevent smoker’s melanosis and reduce the risk of oral cancer:

• Seek support from healthcare providers or smoking cessation programs
• Consider nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications to aid in quitting
• Be aware that the risk of oral cancer decreases significantly after quitting smoking

Oral Hygiene and Dental Care

Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent certain causes of oral pigmentation and ensure early detection of any abnormalities:

• Brush teeth at least twice daily and floss regularly
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations
• Discuss any concerns about dental materials or procedures with your dentist

Sun Protection

While the inside of the mouth is not directly exposed to sunlight, protecting the lips and surrounding skin from UV radiation can help prevent certain types of pigmentation and reduce the risk of skin cancer:

• Use a lip balm with SPF protection
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outdoors
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak UV hours

Dietary Considerations

Certain dietary habits may contribute to oral pigmentation or overall oral health:

• Limit consumption of staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support oral health
• Stay hydrated to promote saliva production and help neutralize acids in the mouth

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many causes of oral pigmentation are benign, it’s important to know when to seek professional medical advice. Prompt evaluation can help ensure early detection and treatment of potentially serious conditions.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Consider seeking medical attention if you notice any of the following:

• A new or changing pigmented spot in your mouth
• Rapid growth or expansion of an existing spot
• Irregular borders or asymmetry of the pigmented area
• Accompanying symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or ulceration
• Multiple pigmented spots appearing in a short period
• Pigmentation accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Regular Oral Examinations

Even in the absence of specific symptoms, regular oral examinations are crucial for maintaining oral health and detecting potential issues early:

• Schedule routine dental check-ups at least twice a year
• Perform self-examinations of your mouth monthly
• Report any changes or concerns to your dentist or healthcare provider promptly

Risk Factors and Special Considerations

Certain individuals may be at higher risk for developing oral pigmentation or related conditions and should be particularly vigilant:

• Individuals with a history of skin cancer or melanoma
• Those with a family history of genetic syndromes associated with oral pigmentation
• Long-term smokers or users of other tobacco products
• People with compromised immune systems
• Individuals with a history of chronic sun exposure

By understanding the various causes of oral pigmentation, recognizing warning signs, and maintaining good oral health practices, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their oral health and seek timely medical attention when necessary. Remember that while most cases of oral pigmentation are benign, professional evaluation is key to ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment when needed.

Causes and What Needs to Be Treated

Finding a black spot or dot on the inside of your cheek can be alarming, but it’s not necessarily a sign of something serious.

A variety of harmless conditions can cause discoloration in your mouth, such as moles, hyperpigmentation, and leakage from your dental fillings.

In extremely rare cases, a black spot may be a sign of a type of cancer called oral melanoma. Oral melanoma accounts for about 1.6 percent of cancers of the head or neck, and less than 1 percent of all melanomas, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation.

Keep reading to find out what may be causing a black spot on the inside your cheek and when you should see your doctor.

The following conditions may cause a black dot, a small, circular mark, to form on the inside of your cheek.

Oral nevi

Oral nevi are small brown, bluish gray, or almost black dots that can appear inside your mouth. Nevi is a medical term for moles (nevus is singular).

Oral nevi are usually slightly raised. They’re more common on the roof of the mouth or inner lip, but they can also form on the cheeks. They usually don’t cause any symptoms.

No treatment is usually necessary for an oral nevus, and there are no reports of an oral nevus becoming cancerous. However, your doctor or dentist may still recommend getting a biopsy to make sure it’s indeed a nevus and not melanoma.

Blood blister

Blood blisters are sacs of fluid that fill with blood. They can range in color from purple to dark red. They commonly form when the skin in your mouth gets pinched.

Blood blisters are often big enough that you can feel them with your tongue. They most often form on the soft parts of your mouth, like your cheek or inner lips. They’re typically painful when touched, or if you eat spicy food.

The majority of blood blisters don’t last long and don’t need treatment if you leave them alone. But if the blood blister lasts for more than 2 weeks or becomes a reoccurring problem, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor.

Melanotic macules

Oral melanotic macules are areas of hyperpigmentation that average about a quarter of an inch in diameter. They can be as small as 0.04 of an inch. These spots are typically flat and have a well-defined border.

Oral melanotic macules are noncancerous, but your doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out melanoma.

The following are potential causes of dark spots on the inside of your cheek. Spots can vary in size but they are larger than a dot.

Leakage from a dental filling

Amalgam is a material made of mercury, tin, zinc, silver, and copper. It’s been used for more than 150 years for dental fillings.

Amalgam tattoos are leakages from these dental fillings. They’re relatively common and usually appear dark blue, gray, or black. They’re most often located next to a filling.

Amalgam tattoos don’t cause any symptoms and don’t need treatment. They’re permanent unless removed with laser surgery.

Smoker’s melanosis

Smoking can leave blotchy stains called smoker’s melanosis inside your cheeks and gums. About 22 percent of people who smoke have this staining.

These stains don’t cause symptoms and don’t need treatment. However, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy to rule out other conditions. The stains can be removed with laser treatment or electrosurgery.

Oral cancer

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects pigmented cells called melanocytes.

Melanoma is most common on parts of your skin frequently exposed to sunlight, but it can also form in your mouth and nose. In extremely rare cases, a dark spot inside your cheek may be a sign of oral melanoma.

In its early stages, oral melanoma often has minimal symptoms. It usually manifests as a dark brown to blue-black spot. It can also be unpigmented or white. In its late stages, the spot may be accompanied by pain, ulcers, and bleeding.

The average age of diagnosis of oral melanoma is 56. Oral cancer is twice as common in men as women.

Treatment for oral melanoma may include:

• surgery
• immunotherapy
• radiation
• drug therapy

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a condition that causes noncancerous growths called polyps in the intestines and stomach.

Children who develop this condition also commonly develop dark spots on their lips, inside their mouth, near their eyes and nose, and around their anus. The spots usually fade with age.

People with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome also often develop complications such as pain, bleeding, or bowel obstruction.

There’s no current cure for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, but surgery can remove the polyps in the digestive tract.

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease, or adrenal insufficiency, is a deficiency of the hormones produced by your adrenal glands. One of the symptoms of Addison’s disease is hyperpigmented blotches of skin inside your mouth.

Other symptoms include:

• extreme fatigue
• weight loss
• salt cravings
• low blood sugar
• hyperpigmentation

You can take medication to replace the hormones your adrenal glands can’t produce by themselves.

Even though the chances of developing oral melanoma is very low, it’s good practice to see your doctor whenever you notice an abnormally colored spot or dot in your mouth.

It’s especially important to get the spot checked if you’re older than 55 years. Older adults have a higher risk for developing oral cancer.

Your doctor may use the following tests to help confirm a diagnosis of the dark spot inside your cheek:

• Physical inspection. Your doctor may be able to identify the spot during a physical examination simply based on its appearance.
• Biopsy. During a biopsy, your doctor will cut away a small piece of the spot and send it to a lab for analysis.
• Blood test. Your doctor may administer a blood test measuring your potassium, cortisol, and ACTH hormone levels if they suspect Addison’s disease.

Finding a dark spot or dot in your mouth is unlikely to be a sign of cancer. However, it’s still a good idea to show it to your doctor or dentist. If it does turn out to be cancerous, getting an early diagnosis and treatment can improve your outlook.

Causes and What Needs to Be Treated

Finding a black spot or dot on the inside of your cheek can be alarming, but it’s not necessarily a sign of something serious.

A variety of harmless conditions can cause discoloration in your mouth, such as moles, hyperpigmentation, and leakage from your dental fillings.

In extremely rare cases, a black spot may be a sign of a type of cancer called oral melanoma. Oral melanoma accounts for about 1.6 percent of cancers of the head or neck, and less than 1 percent of all melanomas, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation.

Keep reading to find out what may be causing a black spot on the inside your cheek and when you should see your doctor.

The following conditions may cause a black dot, a small, circular mark, to form on the inside of your cheek.

Oral nevi

Oral nevi are small brown, bluish gray, or almost black dots that can appear inside your mouth. Nevi is a medical term for moles (nevus is singular).

Oral nevi are usually slightly raised. They’re more common on the roof of the mouth or inner lip, but they can also form on the cheeks. They usually don’t cause any symptoms.

No treatment is usually necessary for an oral nevus, and there are no reports of an oral nevus becoming cancerous. However, your doctor or dentist may still recommend getting a biopsy to make sure it’s indeed a nevus and not melanoma.

Blood blister

Blood blisters are sacs of fluid that fill with blood. They can range in color from purple to dark red. They commonly form when the skin in your mouth gets pinched.

Blood blisters are often big enough that you can feel them with your tongue. They most often form on the soft parts of your mouth, like your cheek or inner lips. They’re typically painful when touched, or if you eat spicy food.

The majority of blood blisters don’t last long and don’t need treatment if you leave them alone. But if the blood blister lasts for more than 2 weeks or becomes a reoccurring problem, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor.

Melanotic macules

Oral melanotic macules are areas of hyperpigmentation that average about a quarter of an inch in diameter. They can be as small as 0.04 of an inch. These spots are typically flat and have a well-defined border.

Oral melanotic macules are noncancerous, but your doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out melanoma.

The following are potential causes of dark spots on the inside of your cheek. Spots can vary in size but they are larger than a dot.

Leakage from a dental filling

Amalgam is a material made of mercury, tin, zinc, silver, and copper. It’s been used for more than 150 years for dental fillings.

Amalgam tattoos are leakages from these dental fillings. They’re relatively common and usually appear dark blue, gray, or black. They’re most often located next to a filling.

Amalgam tattoos don’t cause any symptoms and don’t need treatment. They’re permanent unless removed with laser surgery.

Smoker’s melanosis

Smoking can leave blotchy stains called smoker’s melanosis inside your cheeks and gums. About 22 percent of people who smoke have this staining.

These stains don’t cause symptoms and don’t need treatment. However, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy to rule out other conditions. The stains can be removed with laser treatment or electrosurgery.

Oral cancer

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects pigmented cells called melanocytes.

Melanoma is most common on parts of your skin frequently exposed to sunlight, but it can also form in your mouth and nose. In extremely rare cases, a dark spot inside your cheek may be a sign of oral melanoma.

In its early stages, oral melanoma often has minimal symptoms. It usually manifests as a dark brown to blue-black spot. It can also be unpigmented or white. In its late stages, the spot may be accompanied by pain, ulcers, and bleeding.

The average age of diagnosis of oral melanoma is 56. Oral cancer is twice as common in men as women.

Treatment for oral melanoma may include:

• surgery
• immunotherapy
• radiation
• drug therapy

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a condition that causes noncancerous growths called polyps in the intestines and stomach.

Children who develop this condition also commonly develop dark spots on their lips, inside their mouth, near their eyes and nose, and around their anus. The spots usually fade with age.

People with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome also often develop complications such as pain, bleeding, or bowel obstruction.

There’s no current cure for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, but surgery can remove the polyps in the digestive tract.

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease, or adrenal insufficiency, is a deficiency of the hormones produced by your adrenal glands. One of the symptoms of Addison’s disease is hyperpigmented blotches of skin inside your mouth.

Other symptoms include:

• extreme fatigue
• weight loss
• salt cravings
• low blood sugar
• hyperpigmentation

You can take medication to replace the hormones your adrenal glands can’t produce by themselves.

Even though the chances of developing oral melanoma is very low, it’s good practice to see your doctor whenever you notice an abnormally colored spot or dot in your mouth.

It’s especially important to get the spot checked if you’re older than 55 years. Older adults have a higher risk for developing oral cancer.

Your doctor may use the following tests to help confirm a diagnosis of the dark spot inside your cheek:

• Physical inspection. Your doctor may be able to identify the spot during a physical examination simply based on its appearance.
• Biopsy. During a biopsy, your doctor will cut away a small piece of the spot and send it to a lab for analysis.
• Blood test. Your doctor may administer a blood test measuring your potassium, cortisol, and ACTH hormone levels if they suspect Addison’s disease.

Finding a dark spot or dot in your mouth is unlikely to be a sign of cancer. However, it’s still a good idea to show it to your doctor or dentist. If it does turn out to be cancerous, getting an early diagnosis and treatment can improve your outlook.

Lentigo in animals – Veterinary Clinic IEC “Two Hearts” in St.

Petersburg

Vet clinic

Articles

Lentigo in animals

Lentigo is a skin defect that is manifested by the appearance of dark spots with a diameter of less than 1 cm on the gums, lips, nose, ears. These spots are nothing more than an accumulation of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin pigment) at the junction of the epidermis and dermis. The causes of the phenomenon have not been established, but the hereditary factor of its development has already been confirmed.

Lentigo is more common in dogs than cats. Cats tend to be carriers of orange, cream or tortoiseshell coats.

Lentigo simplex in cats is considered a congenital cosmetic defect. Most often manifested in cats up to a year.

The lesions begin to appear on the lips in the form of small spots, which eventually increase in size and become more numerous. Usually there are one or more foci. But there have also been cases of generalized lesions in cats (lentigo profus)

In some breeds of dogs, in particular pugs, cases of a hereditary form of lentigo, called “profuse lentigo”, are recorded. This is a genetic disease. Miniature Schnauzers may also be predisposed to this pathology. In pugs, spots initially appear between 1 and 4 years of age. The lesions are at first single, slightly elevated patches that do not itch or bother the animal. They are found on the legs and trunk. Over time, the spots can grow up to 1 cm and merge with each other. In the future, the intensity of staining weakens.

Despite the fact that lentigo does not pose a threat to the health and life of the animal, it is necessary to exclude other skin diseases that can manifest as hyperpigmentation:

• Spots can form against the background of an inflammatory process of various etiologies.
• In places of mechanical friction when a bacterial, viral, fungal component or parasites are attached. In this case, the color of the coat changes, becomes dull.
• In other cases, hyperpigmentation is associated with foci of alopecia (alopecia). In these places, the skin may become dark.
• In animals, as in humans, papillomavirus skin lesions occur. In the initial stages, they can masquerade as hyperpigmentation. The course of the disease is unpredictable. Education can disappear without a trace on its own, or it can develop into a malignant tumor.

If you have any doubts about the health of your pet, it is better to visit a veterinary dermatologist. In controversial cases, the doctor will take a biopsy (tissue sample) from the pathological focus to clarify the diagnosis.

Health to you and your pets! 9 0040

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Oral halitosis – causes and prevention

Halitosis, or halitosis, is bad breath. This is not an independent disease, but only a symptom indicating other pathologies. The main ailment is not necessarily associated with an unhealthy oral cavity – the cause may be various painful conditions that cause the reproduction of anaerobic microflora. The product of their vital activity is sulphurous volatile compounds, which have a characteristic unpleasant odor.

It should be remembered that masking the smell with mints or chewing gum is not the best way out. It is necessary to identify the exact causes in order to cope with the manifestation and not only eliminate discomfort, but also prevent other complications of the disease.

Causes

Halitosis is general and local. In the first case, it is associated with dysfunction of the internal organs, in the second – with the state of the oral cavity. The main causes of local halitosis include:

• violation of the rules of oral hygiene, accumulation of bacterial plaque and the formation of hard dental deposits;
• single and multiple caries – superficial, medium, deep;
• stomatitis, periodontitis and periodontal disease;
• pulpitis, glossitis, cheilitis, gingivitis;
• alveolitis, peri-implantitis, pericoronitis, etc.

These are the so-called intraoral causes. For example, braces or orthopedic structures should be carefully maintained to prevent the accumulation of pathogenic microflora.

General halitosis can be associated with extraoral causes: diseases of the respiratory tract, digestive tract, intestinal dysbacteriosis, diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys. In addition, it occurs with endocrine pathologies – diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis.

Many ailments cause a change in the composition and viscosity of saliva, the volume of its production. Insufficient hydration of the mucous membranes contributes to a decrease in protective functions. If there are no obvious symptoms of dental disease, it is important to see a general practitioner or specialist to find out the cause of bad breath.

A separate category of reasons is the use of medications that cause changes in the composition of saliva or are accompanied by side effects such as dry mouth.

Common drugs with this effect are antibiotics, antiviral drugs, drugs for the treatment of chemical addictions, drugs to normalize heart rhythm and blood pressure. In this regard, dry mouth and halitosis associated with a change in the composition of saliva are often found in older age groups – older people who constantly take many drugs.

Types of halitosis

There are the following types of halitosis:

1. True. Such halitosis is felt both by the person himself and by others. There are two subspecies of true halitosis:

• physiological – an unpleasant odor that is observed in the morning, after waking up;
• pathological – occurs regardless of conditions, usually associated with diseases of the oral cavity or internal organs. In accordance with the causes of occurrence, it is divided into oral and extraoral.

2. Pseudogalitosis. In this case, the person himself feels the smell, which does not cause inconvenience to others, since it is not intense.

3. Halitophobia – an alarming condition of a person about an imaginary smell from the mouth.

Morning bad breath is due to the fact that saliva production decreases at night, microorganisms multiply on the root of the tongue. If after hygiene procedures the smell disappears, this is considered a variant of the norm and does not require treatment.

Symptoms and manifestations

If halitosis occurs exclusively in the morning and disappears after brushing your teeth, we are talking about the physiological nature of the symptom. At night, saliva production decreases and anaerobic microflora actively reproduces. After waking up and hygiene procedures, the unpleasant odor disappears, and this condition is the norm.

Pathological bad breath is observed, including after brushing your teeth. It can be different, the nature of halitosis is determined by the causes. So, a purulent smell can be observed with periodontal disease and pharyngitis, the smell of acetone – with diabetes mellitus, dehydration, the smell of ammonia – with liver dysfunction and diffuse toxic goiter, a sour smell – with fungal lesions of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx. In addition, it is possible to suggest the cause of the appearance of this symptom by the symptoms that accompany halitosis:

• bleeding gums – with periodontitis, periodontal disease, aphthous stomatitis, etc.;
• tooth mobility, the appearance of periodontal pockets – with periodontal disease;
• white or yellowish plaque on the oral mucosa – with candidiasis, stomatitis;
• darkening of enamel areas in the area of ​​the gum line – with hard dental deposits;
• an increase in the volume of the gingival papillae between the teeth, looseness of the gums – with gingivitis;
• pain and swelling of the mucous membrane of the tongue – glossitis, etc.

If there are no other symptoms besides halitosis itself, or non-specific manifestations are present, there is a possibility of systemic pathologies, gastrointestinal diseases or endocrine disorders. Therefore, it is important to visit not only the dentist, but also the general practitioner.

Treatment principles for halitosis

Diagnosis of halitosis necessarily includes an examination by a dentist. This is necessary to confirm or exclude dental pathologies. The dentist-therapist will interview the patient, examine the oral cavity, recommend sanitation, if necessary.

Today, a halitometer is used to assess the severity of bad breath. This device allows you to measure sulfur compounds, assign an unpleasant odor from 0 to 4 points. The halitometer works on the principle of gas chromatography. For diagnosis, it is enough for the patient to blow into the tube.

Basic principles of treatment:

• Professional cleaning: removal of tartar and soft plaque. The professional hygiene course should also include the removal of subgingival tartar.
• Treatment of diseases of the oral cavity: treatment of caries, inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes and gums, extraction of teeth that cannot be restored, etc.
• Elimination of foci of infection, including wisdom teeth in case of difficult, insufficient eruption, even when they still do not cause discomfort.
• Dieting: refusal of specific products, nutrition correction.
• Compliance with recommendations for hygiene products: choosing the right toothbrush, suitable toothpaste and rinse, learning how to use dental floss. It is necessary to learn the methods of carrying out hygiene procedures, including the proper cleaning of the tongue.

If halitosis does not go away after the measures taken, it is likely that a consultation with a general practitioner and / or other narrow specialists will be required. In good physical health, the patient may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Medicines and folk remedies against halitosis

Drug treatment of local halitosis is based on the causes. If foci of infection or carious cavities were the source of an unpleasant odor, then halitosis disappears on its own after sanitation of the oral cavity. You can also cope with the problem with the help of antiseptics, they contribute to the suppression of pathogenic microflora, participate in the prevention of recurrence of inflammatory diseases. Antiseptic rinse solutions are best chosen on the recommendation of a specialist.

If the cause of the unpleasant odor was infectious diseases of the gums and mucous membranes, the doctor will prescribe local preparations: ointments, gels for application or applications. The dentist will determine the nature of the infection and prescribe a drug with an antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal effect.

Combined products also contain other components – to relieve itching, burning, pain and eliminate halitosis. With severe inflammation, systemic antibiotic therapy may be required: antibiotics, fungicidal drugs, powerful antiviral and immunomodulatory agents.

In cases where orthodontic and orthopedic constructions contribute to halitosis, the dentist-therapist will refer to a narrow specialist. With the orthodontist, you can discuss the prospects for choosing an alternative method of correcting the bite. A visit to an orthopedic dentist is necessary for the correction of dentures or structures, as well as their replacement.

With periodontal disease, the course of treatment can be complex and rather complicated, including the removal of subgingival dental deposits, splinting and other measures. A periodontist can help you manage the root cause of bad breath and prevent complications.

Many patients are interested in how to cure halitosis at home. It is important to remember that the use of traditional medicine methods must be agreed with a specialist; dentists do not recommend self-medication.

One of the relatively safe methods include rinsing with infusions of herbs. Decoctions of chamomile, oak bark, sage have an antiseptic effect. Remember: the solution should be warm, in no case should you rinse your mouth with a hot solution, this is fraught with burns.

As folk remedies, you can resort to the use of certain products that contribute to fresh breath. These include the following:

• apples, carrots, pears;
• watermelon, rosemary;
• fresh herbs – parsley, mint, basil.

Finely grated ginger root is also able to cope with unpleasant odors. Consider allergic reactions when choosing foods – choose your own diet based on preferences and individual characteristics.

Preventive measures

Prevention can help prevent the development of halitosis: it is important to visit the dentist regularly, treat oral diseases in a timely manner, and undergo professional teeth cleaning twice a year.

Prevention of halitosis also includes following the recommendations of individual oral hygiene. These include the following:

• Selection of a toothbrush with a suitable degree of bristle stiffness. People with periodontal disease – with soft, those who are prone to the formation of a large amount of soft plaque – with hard, but only if the enamel is strong, there is no increased sensitivity of the teeth. The middle one suits everyone else. You need to change your toothbrush every 1-3 months.
• Use of a non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent micro-damage to the enamel and increase the risk of developing dental disease.
• Use of dental floss and mouthwash after each meal.
• Refusal of bad habits – smoking, drinking alcohol, a lot of tea and coffee.
• Drinking enough water – to prevent dry mouth and adequate moisture of the mucous membranes.

In case of chronic diseases of the internal organs, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention of complications, to take therapy according to the doctor’s recommendations.

If you have bad breath, you can contact the dentists of the STOMA clinics. The high qualification of our specialists, as well as modern equipment, will help to quickly identify the cause of the symptom and prescribe an effective treatment.

References

• Temkin E. S., Churikova A. S. Halitosis — modern diagnostic methods and their prospects // Volgograd Journal of Medical Scientific Research. – 2018. – No. 3. – S. 15−18.
• Khitrov V. Yu., Zabolotny AI Halitosis is a medical and social problem // Practical Medicine.