The mouth is the beginning of the digestive system and consists of the tongue, tonsils, teeth, hard and soft palates and uvula. The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body and aids the other parts of the mouth in chewing and swallowing. The tongue is also responsible for taste and the formation of words. Diseases of the tongue and mouth can interfere with function as well as appearance.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by the formation of thick white patches on the inside of the gums, cheeks, mouth and tongue. Most cases of leukoplakia are benign, but some can signify early stages of oral cancer. Smoking and the use of chewing tobacco are thought to be the main causes of leukoplakia, but the condition is also related to chronic alcohol use. White patches may also be accompanied by bumpy red lesions. These lesions usually indicate the presence of precancerous cells. The cessation of smoking or alcohol use usually makes leukoplakia disappear. If the precancerous cells are present, the white patches may be cut off or frozen off.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are a type of mouth ulcer characterized by benign, open sores in the mouth that cause pain. The sores are yellow or white in color and surrounded by a large red area. The sores are usually located on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, soft palate and gums. Canker sores have a genetic link, but can also be caused by mouth injury, dental work or constant biting of the tongue or cheek, according to Medline Plus. In addition to pain, canker sores can cause mild fever, discomfort and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment for canker sores is not necessary because the sores generally disappear on their own. Pain usually subsides in seven to 10 days and full recovery takes one to three weeks.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is characterized by an inadequate amount of saliva production in the mouth. Dry mouth occurs normally during specific times of stress or nervousness; however, chronic dry mouth is an abnormal condition. Dry mouth can lead to difficulty in tasting, chewing, swallowing and speaking as well as increased chances of tooth decay and oral infections. The condition is often caused by certain medications, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, nerve damage or certain diseases, such as diabetes, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Symptoms of dry mouth include a dry feeling in the mouth, burning in the mouth, cracked lips, cracked tongue and mouth sores. Treatment of dry mouth is based on the underlying condition and is different for each specific case. Treatment includes discontinuation of certain medications, medications to aid in saliva production and artificial saliva administration.
