Spots around the mouth can be a common and frustrating skin concern, affecting individuals of all ages. These spots can range from mild, temporary blemishes to more persistent and painful lesions, depending on the underlying cause. While many people might dismiss them as harmless, spots around the mouth can sometimes indicate more significant health issues, such as infections or allergic reactions. Understanding the causes and knowing when to seek treatment is essential for managing these skin problems effectively. In this article, we'll explore the various causes of spots around the mouth, including conditions like acne, perioral dermatitis, cold sores, and impetigo. We'll also discuss the symptoms associated with these conditions, provide an overview of treatment options, and offer prevention tips to help maintain healthy skin. By recognizing the signs early and taking appropriate action, you can prevent spots around the mouth from escalating into more severe skin issues.

Teething is a natural developmental process where an infant’s first set of teeth, known as primary or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums. This usually starts between 4 and 7 months of age, although it varies. Some babies might begin teething as early as three months, while others may not start until closer to their first birthday. The teething process can last until the child is about three, as the full set of baby teeth gradually emerges. Teething is an important milestone, but it can also be challenging for babies and parents. The discomfort associated with teeth breaking through the gums can lead to various symptoms, some of which may cause concern for caregivers. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for identifying what is expected during teething and what might indicate another issue, such as an illness that could cause a fever.

Teething is a significant developmental milestone in your baby's early years, marking the arrival of their first teeth. As this natural process begins, it often brings with it a host of discomforts and challenges for both the baby and the parents. From the first signs of swollen gums to increased drooling and irritability, teething can be a difficult phase to navigate. Understanding the signs and symptoms of teething is crucial for providing effective relief and support. This article aims to guide you through the various indicators that your baby is teething, helping you to distinguish between typical teething symptoms and other health concerns. Additionally, we will explore practical strategies for alleviating teething pain and discomfort, including both over-the-counter remedies and natural approaches. One common concern among parents is the potential link between teething and gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. We'll clarify this relationship and offer advice on how to manage your baby's symptoms effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the signs of teething and the best ways to help your baby through this period, you can ensure a smoother transition and provide much-needed comfort during this developmental phase.

A mouth ulcer occurs when a part of the lining of the inside of your mouth becomes damaged. The area that hurts is known as a mouth ulcer. They are very common and can be caused by many different things. Most are not caused by anything serious and will improve on their own within 2 weeks. They look like red and white lesions on the inside of your cheeks, usually 1/2 inch in size or less. You can sometimes get larger mouth ulcers, and they can appear at the bottom of the gums, under or on the tongue. There are some over-the-counter treatments available from your pharmacist, but if you are looking for some things to try at home – Healthwords’s pharmacists have you covered.

A tooth infection, otherwise known as a dental abscess, describes a collection of pus in one area. It's usually around a tooth, but may affect the gum or jaw bone. It's caused by a bacterial infection. You're likely to get persistent throbbing in your tooth or gum, with pain spreading to the ear on that side. You might get redness and swelling of the face, and red gums if you look inside your mouth. It may be painful to chew food, difficult to take hot or cold drinks, and you (or others) might notice bad breath, toothache or swelling. In severe infections, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, making you feel generally unwell and feverish. Dental abscesses usually require antibiotic treatment. It is also best to take simple painkillers, avoid hot or cold foods and drinks as your mouth may be quite sensitive, try softer foods and lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure you are maintaining good oral hygiene and follow their advice to maintain healthy teeth and gums at home.

Having a tooth removed can be an anxiety\-inducing experience. Here, Healthwords walks you through the best ways to recover from the process and why so many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow through your gums and are located at the back of your molars. There are four wisdom teeth (one in each corner of the mouth), and they usually begin erupting between the ages of 17 and 21. Many people do not have room in their mouth for these extra teeth, so when they begin to come out, they can often push against your other teeth, come out at the wrong angle, or even not at all. When the tooth has failed to erupt due to growth in the wrong direction, it is referred to as" impaction" and usually requires the tooth to be removed to prevent decay. However, they are also removed if they are causing pain, inflammation, or infection. This usually happens due to food being trapped in pockets created around the tooth as it erupts, or the tooth is simply pushing against the other teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly removed type of tooth in adults and can have a longer recovery period than others due to their size and location.

Xerostomia means dry mouth and is due to too little saliva to keep the mouth moist. Saliva is produced from glands in your mouth and helps not only keep your mouth and throat from becoming too dry but also helps with keeping the mouth clean by helping move small bits of food out from the crevices in your mouth and providing some protection against microbes (viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections). A dry mouth is a symptom in itself and can have multiple causes ranging from being dehydrated to a side effect of medication or treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, can cause it, or even if you breathe through your mouth most of the time rather than through your nose. A dry mouth can go hand-in-hand with a sore throat, bad breath, a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, mouth infections such as thrush, and problems with gums or teeth (this is due to bacteria or plaque building up more when there is less anti-microbial saliva).