Mouth Abnormalities

Angular Cheilitis

inflammation and crackling on the corners of the mouth - common in older adults (dentures, vitamin deficiencies, or yeast infections) - can appear with excessive saliva pooling or anemia - sore, crusted, red

Ankyloglossia

tongue-tie; a defect of the tongue characterized by a short, thick frenulum

Macroglossia

- ENLARGED tongue; often congenital - seen in Down syndrome or hyperthyroidism - also allergic rx and large tongue can interfere with speech, swallowing, and breathing

Candidiasis (Thrush)

- fungal infection by Candida Albicans - white, creamy patches on tongue or mucosa that can be stripped off leaving to a bleeding surface underneath - common in infants, immunocompromised people, and after antibiotic/steroid use - reversible w/treatment

Glossitis

- inflammation of the tongue, making it red, smooth, shiny, r/t loss of papillae - caused by VB12, iron, and folic acid deficiency - may complain of burning, soreness, or difficulty eating spicy foods

Cleft lip and palate

- maxillary and nasal processes fail to fuse in early development - results in the opening of the lip, palate, or both - can cause feeding difficulties, speech problems, increased risk for ear infections - repaired surgically

HSV-1 Cold sores

- painful, fluid-filled vacuoles caused by HSV - appear on lip border and may tingle or burn before erupting - heals within a week; tends to recur with stress, sun exposure, illness

Carcinoma

-presents as a normal healing ulcer or crusted lesion with w/creased edges - may bleed easily, but does not recur over time -most common in the lower lip, especially with prolonged sun exposure and tobacco use