Overview
The mouth includes the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, and the tissues lining the inside of the mouth. It plays a major role in chewing food, starting digestion, speaking clearly, tasting, and swallowing. Good oral health supports comfort, nutrition, and social well-being.
Key Symptoms
Common mouth and teeth problems may cause toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath, mouth sores, dry mouth, or difficulty chewing. Teeth may also become loose, chipped, broken, or discolored. Symptoms can be mild at first, so regular checkups are useful even when there is no pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
Tooth decay happens when bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that damage the tooth surface. Gum disease is linked to plaque buildup and can worsen with smoking, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. Other risk factors include frequent sugary foods or drinks, limited access to dental care, dry mouth, some medicines, alcohol use, and injuries to the mouth or teeth.
Who Is Affected
Mouth and teeth problems can affect people of all ages, from babies getting their first teeth to older adults with worn teeth, dry mouth, or gum recession. Children may be more likely to get cavities if they often consume sugary drinks or do not brush well. Older adults, people with disabilities, and people with chronic illnesses may face added barriers to oral care.
Prevention
Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth regularly with floss or other interdental cleaners. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, avoid tobacco, and reduce alcohol use. Regular dental checkups and professional cleaning can help find problems early and support prevention.
Diagnosis and Tests
A dentist or other oral health professional usually checks the teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues of the mouth. They may ask about pain, bleeding, dryness, eating habits, medicines, and tobacco or alcohol use. Dental X-rays or other imaging may be used to look for cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, or infection not visible during the exam.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the problem and may include professional cleaning, fillings, treatment for gum disease, repair of broken teeth, management of dry mouth, or treatment of infection. Mouth sores or white or red patches may need closer evaluation, especially if they do not heal. Replacing missing teeth with devices such as dentures or other dental options may help chewing and speech.
Diet and Lifestyle
Eating a balanced diet supports healthy teeth and gums, while frequent sugar exposure raises the risk of decay. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help, especially between meals. Using a mouthguard during sports and avoiding chewing ice or other hard objects can lower the chance of tooth injury.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek dental or medical care for ongoing tooth pain, gum bleeding that keeps happening, swelling, mouth sores that do not heal, loose teeth, trouble chewing, or persistent bad breath. White or red patches, numbness, or changes in the mouth that last more than a short time should also be checked. If you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or severe dry mouth, early care is especially important.
When It May Be an Emergency
Urgent care is needed for major facial or mouth swelling, heavy bleeding, severe injury, a knocked-out adult tooth, fever with dental pain or swelling, or trouble swallowing or breathing. These can be signs of a serious infection or trauma. If breathing is difficult or swelling is spreading quickly, seek emergency help right away.