The Importance of a Healthy Oral Mucosa

What is the oral mucosa and what functions does it have?

The mucosa consists of what is known as squamous epithelium, which in some areas, such as the gums or the hard palate, is keratinised to withstand greater stress. Other areas, such as the soft palate or the floor of the mouth, are unkeratinised and therefore more sensitive. These sensitive areas are often prone to injuries and infections, making them particularly in need of care.

The flow of saliva plays a crucial role in the care of the mucosa, as it helps wash away bacteria and food debris. At the same time, it supports the healing of minor injuries. Good oral hygiene, regular brushing and the use of mouthwashes help you keep the mucosa healthy and prevent diseases.

Common Mucosal Diseases

Sometimes, changes in the mucosa occur that can have various causes. These changes can range from harmless irritations to serious diseases. Here are some of the most common problems you should keep an eye on:

1. Aphthae: These small, painful ulcers often occur on the floor of the mouth, the underside of the tongue, or the insides of the lips. They usually heal on their own within one to two weeks but can be alleviated by oral hygiene products.
2. Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia manifests as white spots on the mucosa, often as a result of chronic irritations such as smoking or poorly fitting dentures. These spots should be examined by a dentist as they can lead to precancerous changes.
3. Lichen Planus: This inflammatory condition results in small, white nodules on the mucosa. The exact cause is not always known, and often treatment by specialists is required to alleviate the symptoms.
4. Thrush and Candida infections: Fungal infections like Candida (also called oral thrush) can occur due to a weakened immune system or poor oral hygiene. These infections often manifest as white patches on the tongue or the tongue's surface.
5. Bad breath: Changes in the mucosa can also cause bad breath, especially when associated with inflammation or infections. Regular oral hygiene and addressing the underlying cause are crucial here.
6. Ulcers and sore spots: These often arise from mechanical irritation, for example from dentures, and can be uncomfortable. A healthy oral mucosa usually heals such areas quickly, but if you have persistent problems, you should consult a doctor.

How do you recognise changes in the oral mucosa and what does this mean for your health?

The mucosa is one of the most sensitive tissues in the body and reacts to many external and internal influences. Due to its constant exposure to food, drinks, and external stimuli like tooth brushing or dentures, it is susceptible to various changes. These changes in the oral mucosa can be harmless but may also indicate serious conditions. Therefore, it is important that you regularly check your mucosa and watch for certain symptoms that might indicate a disease or infection.

Typical signs of changes in the oral mucosa

Changes in the oral mucosa can manifest in many ways. Typical symptoms to watch out for include:

• White or red patches in the mouth: These changes can indicate leukoplakia or erythroplakia. While leukoplakia is characterised by white patches, erythroplakia presents with red, inflamed areas on the mucosa. Both forms of patch formation can be caused by smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or ill-fitting dentures. Mechanical irritations, like constant friction from teeth or braces, can also trigger them. Leukoplakia is considered a potentially precancerous change, so if persistent patches appear, you should definitely consult a specialist.
• Ulcers or sore spots that do not heal: If you suffer from ulcers or sore spots that do not heal despite good oral hygiene for more than two weeks, this can indicate stomatitis or another inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa. These spots can be particularly painful when eating or talking, and in many cases, targeted treatment by a doctor is required.
• Swelling or nodules: Swellings in the mouth area or small nodules can indicate lichen planus, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the mucous membranes. Although this disease is often harmless, it can be very uncomfortable. It is common for there to be white nodules on the mucosa accompanied by a burning sensation.
• Pain when eating or speaking: Pain in the mucous membrane caused by mechanical irritation or infections is another important sign of possible changes. This pain may indicate superficial injuries, but also inflammation of the oral mucosa such as gingivitis or stomatitis.
• Severe bad breath: Bad breath can be triggered by many factors, including diseases of the oral mucosa. Infections, inflamed areas, or an excessive accumulation of bacteria on the mucosa often lead to unpleasant odours that cannot be resolved by good oral hygiene alone.
• Discolorations or unusual salivation: Changes in the colour of the oral mucosa or increased saliva flow may indicate an infection or a systemic disease. These symptoms often appear in conjunction with other changes and should also be taken seriously.

Causes of changes in the mucous membrane

The causes of changes in the oral mucosa are varied. A common cause is the keratinisation of the mucosa, which can occur in areas constantly exposed to mechanical irritation, such as from teeth or dentures. However, they may also indicate systemic diseases, infections, or the use of certain medications.

Infections such as fungal infections (e.g. Candida, also known as thrush) or bacterial infections can also cause changes. Insufficient oral hygiene can weaken the mucosa and make it more susceptible to such diseases. In such infections, inflammatory reactions that further stress the mucosa may also occur.

What can you do if you notice changes?

If you notice changes in the mucosa, you should not ignore them. Especially if the symptoms last longer than two weeks or worsen, it is important to see a specialist. A dentist or specialist in facial surgery can examine your mucosa thoroughly and, if necessary, take a tissue sample (biopsy) to rule out precancerous changes or serious diseases.

Some changes in the mucosa, such as inflammatory reactions or fungal infections, can be easily treated with mouth rinses or medication. Other, more serious changes, like leukoplakia or lichen planus, may require more intensive treatment by specialists.

The role of oral hygiene in preventing mucosal diseases

Good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing mucosal changes. Regular and thorough brushing, the use of floss and mouth rinses help reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Especially if you wear dentures, you should ensure they fit well to avoid mechanical irritation.

In addition to daily dental care, diet and lifestyle habits also play a role. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of mucosal diseases. A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals also supports the health of your mucous membranes.

Also, come regularly to the ALPINE WHITE Studio for a dental hygiene and an oral health check to keep an eye on your oral flora.

Treatment of diseases of the oral mucosa

The treatment of mucosal diseases depends on the underlying cause. For minor injuries or irritations, it is often sufficient to improve hygiene and use anti-inflammatory mouth rinses. Fungal infections such as Candida are usually treated with antifungals, while conditions like leukoplakia or lichen planus may require monitoring by specialists.

Some conditions, such as severe forms of leukoplakia, may require surgical intervention by a maxillofacial surgeon to remove the affected areas. In such cases, local anaesthesia is often used to make the procedure as painless as possible.

When should you see a doctor?

If changes in the oral mucosa persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a specialist. This is especially true if you experience pain or notice unusual changes such as hardening or non-healing sores. Even with bad breath that persists despite good oral hygiene, it is advisable to seek medical advice. In some cases, a simple examination with a tissue sample (biopsy) may be necessary to rule out serious diseases.

Final word

The mucosa plays a central role in your oral health. Regular care and good oral hygiene help you keep the mucosa healthy and prevent diseases. However, if you notice changes such as white spots, ulcers or persistent irritation, you should not hesitate to consult a specialist. A healthy oral mucosa is the key to a healthy mouth and therefore to your overall well-being.