It is not unusual to have a problem with your mouth from time to time. A mouth problem can involve your gums, lips, tongue, or inner cheeks, the roof of your mouth (soft and hard palates), under your tongue, your neck, or your teeth. Your mouth may be dry, or food may not taste right. You may have bad breath or a sore on your lip, gums, or tongue that makes it hard to eat or talk. Many of these problems can get better with home treatment.
Common mouth problems include:
Your tongue may become sore or swollen, or it may change color or texture. A buildup of food and bacteria on the tongue may make the tongue look thick or furry ("hairy tongue"). Often the problems will go away if the surface of the tongue is regularly brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your tongue problem is from some local irritation, such as tobacco use, the tongue problem may clear up when you remove the source of the irritation. Rapid swelling of the tongue can be caused by an allergic reaction, which can interfere with breathing.
Bad breath (halitosis) or changed breath can make you feel embarrassed. Make sure that you brush your teeth twice each day and floss once a day to decrease the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Brushing your tongue can also help.
The use of alcohol and tobacco can cause many mouth problems. Your chances of having oral cancer are higher if you smoke, use smokeless (chew) tobacco, or use too much alcohol.
Mouth problems may occur more often with other conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, Down syndrome, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Many medicines also can cause mouth problems.
Try these tips to help treat chapped lips.
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