Other mouth conditions

Aspiration Pneumonia

• An infection of the lungs due to the inhalation of food, drink, plaque or other material.
• Occurs most often in people who have difficulty swallowing or controlling their gag reflex.
• Higher rates for adults who live in residential care and have poor oral hygiene.
• Good daily mouth care is important to prevent aspiration pneumonia for people who are at risk.

Dental erosion

• The tooth surface is worn away by frequent exposure to acid eg; the acids in soft drinks or from the stomach when vomiting or regurgitating.

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Dry mouth (xerostomia)

• Reduced saliva in the mouth.
• Antidepressants, antipsychotics and sedative medications have been linked to dry mouth and reduced saliva flow.
• Low saliva increases risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• There are products that can help with dry mouth – ask an oral health professional.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD), rumination, regurgitation

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD) occurs when the stomach contents (including stomach acid) move back up into the oesophagus and mouth.
• Rumination occurs when chewed food is brought back up into the mouth, chewed and swallowed again.
• These conditions can lead to dental erosion (tooth wear) because stomach acid comes into frequent contact with the teeth.
• People with these conditions should be monitored closely by a dental professional.

Gingival hyperplasia (enlarged gums)

• Gums are red and swollen.
• Can be a side effect of medications such as anticonvulsants (used in epilepsy) and immune system suppressants (used during organ transplant procedures).
• Seek the advice of an oral health professional.

Oral (mouth) cancer

• The most common oral sites are the lip and the tongue.
• Tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol are the major causes in Australia.
• Oral cancer is comparatively uncommon in Australia.

Signs and symptoms:

• A white patch, particularly on the side or under the tongue
• A visible lump that may or may not be painful
• an ulcer (sore) that won’t heal
• bleeding from a lump or ulcer
• ”Floating teeth” (teeth able to move up and down like piano keys)
• Swollen lymph glands

Reduce risk of mouth cancer by quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and protecting lips from the sun.

Oral thrush

• A fungal infection.
• Looks like white patches in the mouth that can be wiped away.
• Can be caused by medications such as some antibiotics and steroids (e.g. asthma preventers).
• Poor daily mouth care can also lead to oral thrush.
• May be seen more often in people with an intellectual disability.
• Grinding can lead to tooth wear, gum disease and sometimes tooth loss.

For more information about a range of health conditions, see the Better Health Channel: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au