The mouthpiece, known scientifically as angular cheilitis, is a sore that can appear in the corner of the mouth and is caused by the excessive development of fungi or bacteria due to the habit of licking the lips constantly, for example. This wound can appear on only one side of the mouth or both at the same time, causing symptoms such as pain, redness and peeling in the corner of the mouth, as well as difficulty opening the mouth and even feeding.
Because it is caused by fungi or bacteria, angular cheilitis can pass to other people through kissing and using the same glass or cutlery, for example. To avoid transmission, it is important that treatment is done with the use of ointments, creams or antimicrobial remedies indicated by the doctor.
How to treat the mouthpiece
The mouthpiece treatment includes keeping the corner of the mouth always clean and dry to avoid the accumulation of saliva in this region. However, in most cases it is important for the dermatologist to indicate the best treatment option, and the use of healing ointments or creams to isolate the wound from moisture may be recommended. In addition, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics or antifungals according to the cause of the mouthpiece. Understand how the mouthpiece treatment is done.
In addition, to help heal the mouthpiece faster, it is advisable to eat healing foods, such as yogurt or take orange juice with a straw, because they facilitate the formation of the tissue that helps to close the wounds. In addition, salty and acidic foods should be avoided to protect the region, in addition to avoiding pain and discomfort.
Angular cheilitis can become a persistent lesion in the mouth or present periods in which it is better, getting worse, and for this reason the treatment can take between 1 to 3 weeks.
What can cause mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is a common situation and the main cause is to keep the corner of the mouth always wet, as occurs when the baby uses a pacifier, in case of dental prosthesis or device to correct the position of the teeth. However, the mouthpiece can also appear when corticosteroid inhalation remedies are frequently used, when the lips remain dry for a long time or in cases of dermatitis.
This problem is more frequent when the immune system is compromised, as occurs in patients with AIDS or diabetes but in some cases, and in these cases, the mouthpiece may be a sign of oral candidiasis, which must be treated. See here what other symptoms may indicate candidiasis.
Symptoms of mouthpiece
The main symptoms of cheilitis include:
- Pain when opening the mouth, such as when it is necessary to speak or eat; Sensation of burning; Increased sensitivity of the corner of the mouth; Dryness of the skin; Redness of the corner of the mouth; Crust in the corner of the mouth; Small cracks in the corner of the mouth.
This sore in the corner of the mouth causes a lot of discomfort and sensitivity increases when eating or drinking foods that are very salty, acidic or high in sugar.
