Last Updated on September 16, 2022
Have you ever wondered why you keep licking your mouth? You may have heard of Perleche, a condition characterized by cracking skin at the corners of your mouth. The term, which derives from the French word lecher, means “to lick,” refers to the tendency for patients to lick the skin until it is cracked or flaked. You might be wondering what this means, or what causes it.
Perleche
You may have heard the term perleche when you lick your teeth. It comes from the French word lecher, meaning to lick. The condition is often caused by the mouth’s tendency to lick itself. Besides licking your mouth, perleche can also be a result of angular cheilitis. This infection is caused by the accumulated saliva and may spread to other parts of the mouth. Treatment may include using antifungal or steroid ointments.
Although perleche usually occurs in children, young adults wearing braces, and older people with deep wrinkles are at risk of developing the condition. The cold weather dries out the skin of the lips, so perleche often occurs during the winter. Constant licking may cause the lips to crack, which can lead to an infection. Yeast infections are the most common cause of perleche, but other factors may contribute to this condition, including a weakened immune system and poor hygiene.
Although perleche is usually caused by aging, it may also occur due to dental problems. Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures may cause the condition. If you’re not sure, talk to your dentist. You can also visit a dermatologist, who will examine your teeth and gums. Using these treatments may help prevent the occurrence of perleche and improve the health of your lips.
Treatment for perleche primarily involves bringing the infection under control. Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications, such as zinc oxide ointments, which fight the fungus. You may also be prescribed a troche, a small lozenge that dissolves in your mouth and affects other parts of your mouth. Besides antifungal medication, your doctor may prescribe zinc oxide ointments to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from outer contaminants.
Canker sore
A canker sore is a common ailment that appears on the tongue, inside cheeks, and back of the throat. It is usually not harmful, but it can be uncomfortable and may cause a burning sensation. It can be treated with over-the-counter ointments and topical steroids. You can also visit your dentist to see if your sore is caused by something more serious.
Often triggered by stress and acidic foods, canker sores are uncomfortable and can make daily tasks difficult. For faster healing, avoid using dental care products with sodium lauryl sulfate. While canker sores are caused by the same virus, they are not contagious. If you have a canker sore, you should avoid spicy or acidic foods and beverages. You can also swish water and salt around your mouth, which can help in the healing process.
If you have bad breath, you should try to quit smoking, which can cause dry mouth and canker sores. Tobacco also contributes to mouth problems, so you may want to reduce your intake of tobacco. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is also helpful, as they both cause dehydration and dry mouth, increasing your chances of developing canker sores. If you’re already suffering from canker sores, you should prepare yourself before your dentist appointment.
Another natural remedy to treat canker sores is aloe vera, which contains salicylates, like aspirin. Aloe vera has anti-bacterial properties, and you can drink juice or mashed pulp made from it. You can also apply honey to the sore to heal it faster. The same applies for other oral remedies, including vitamin C, zinc, and folic acid.
Thrush
A white coating on your tongue is a warning sign of oral thrush. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in your mouth. If it is pink or white, the cause is likely a poor oral hygiene routine. You may also be noticing an unpleasant odor, which could be an indication of other issues. In addition to this condition, tobacco use may lead to the change in color of your tongue. Your dentist may recommend that you stop using tobacco in order to prevent the condition from occurring. Lastly, if you notice a white patch on your tongue, you should have your oral health evaluated by a dentist to rule out oral cancer.
Oral thrush is caused by the same fungus that causes yeast infections in the digestive system. While the bacteria that causes oral thrush normally lives on the skin, it can multiply and cause an infection in the mouth. Some people are more susceptible than others and may have poor fitting dentures or other underlying health issues that make them more susceptible to this infection. If you have a mouth full of dentures or a denture that does not fit properly, you may have an infection.
The good news is that oral thrush is highly treatable with the right treatment. Antifungal drugs for thrush are available as lozenges or tablets that dissolve in the mouth. Liquid nystatin is another oral treatment that can help you treat the condition. Another antifungal drug is fluconazole, which can be taken orally. If these two methods are not enough, you can consult your doctor for further treatment.
Canker sores
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, can break out on the tongue, inside cheeks, or back of the throat. Unlike cold sores, which are contagious, canker sores do not spread. Home remedies are available to relieve pain and reduce the appearance of these sores. The causes are unknown, but some factors can contribute to their development.
To reduce the likelihood of developing angular cheilitis, you should try to avoid direct physical contact with others and not kiss them. Avoiding sunlight and other elements that can irritate the sore is also recommended. Using antiseptic mouthwash may help. Also, avoid eating acidic foods, since they can further irritate the sores. And of course, stay away from other people when you are suffering from cold sores!
Homemade remedies for canker sores include using baking soda or l-lysine to treat bites and stings. You can also try gargling with saltwater or sucrose. The salt water draws fluid from the sore’s tissues, speeding up the healing process. In addition to mouthwash, you can apply yogurt to the sore. It can help with acid reflux and sunburn as well.
Home remedies for canker sores include avoiding contact with the affected area. Keeping the mouth clean is essential to treating canker sores effectively. However, the treatment for canker sores depends on their causes and symptoms. If the sores persist longer than two weeks, it may be a sign of something more serious. In some cases, antibiotics are not effective for this type of infection, and doctors may prescribe long-term emollient treatment. If the symptoms are not gone, a course of oral antibiotics is necessary.
Dry mouth
If you frequently lick your teeth, you might have a condition known as dry mouth. The condition can be caused by a variety of conditions. Symptoms of dry mouth include sandpaper-like sensations, and a feeling that all the saliva has dried out. You may have experienced this phenomenon while sleeping or while brushing your teeth. It’s a common sign of a broader health issue. If you notice dry mouth frequently, make an appointment to see Dr. Mike or Dan to have it checked out.
If you lick your teeth, chances are, your tongue is also dry. This is a symptom of lichen planus, a fungus that causes shiny, red bumps on the skin. This condition is most common in women aged 30 to 70 and is not contagious or harmful. It can be very embarrassing and bothersome. It can also be caused by many medications, including antihistamines and anti-anxiety meds.
While brushing alone may help, it can’t completely eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Aside from reducing the bacteria that cause bad breath, mouthwash can also mask more serious underlying problems, like halitosis. And if you don’t brush your teeth, chewing sugar-free gum may help stimulate saliva production and prevent your mouth from becoming dry. It’s important to note that brushing alone only cleans 60 percent of the surface of the teeth, so you might need to do some more work to clean it thoroughly.
About The Author
Zeph Grant is a music fanatic. He loves all types of genres and can often be found discussing the latest album releases with friends. Zeph is also a hardcore content creator, always working on new projects in his spare time. He's an amateur food nerd, and loves knowing all sorts of random facts about food. When it comes to coffee, he's something of an expert - he knows all the best places to get a good cup of joe in town.