Dental Conditions
Abscess
An abscess is an infection around the root of a tooth. An abscess on a deciduous (baby) tooth can affect the development of the permanent tooth. It is often referred to as a gum boil. An abscess generally appears as a pimple on the gum around the affected tooth. When pressed there may be a discharge of pus. The child should be taken to a dentist to have the tooth treated.
Aphthous Ulcers
Aphthous ulcers occur in approximately 20 per cent of the population and are characterized by painful, recurrent solitary or multiple lesions or ulcerations. They are usually a few millimeters in size. There is no preference for age, sex or race. Aphthous ulcers usually heal spontaneously in two to three weeks. If multiple lesions resembling aphthous ulcers occur, accompanied by a fever, an infection with the herpes simplex virus should be considered. This is often seen in babies and small children. Treatment for apthous ulcers is limited and confined to restricting the intake of citrus foodstuffs (such as orange juice) and salty items (for example Vegemite). Topical anesthetic may be applied to the affected site for temporary relief such as anbesol.
Eruption Cysts
An eruption cyst appears as a smooth, localized dome-shaped swelling. They’re bluish in color and overlie an erupting tooth. The cyst drains once the tooth erupts and usually no treatment is necessary.
Geographic Tongue
Geographic Tongue is a term describing a patchy appearance of the tongue. It's characterized by single or multiple areas of pink to red smooth patches where the taste buds appear to be absent. The denuded areas continually change position and migrate from site to site. The condition is benign and generally doesn't require any treatment. The patches on the tongue may become tender especially following the consumption of spicy and/or acidic foods.
Herpes
The herpes simplex virus which causes cold sores on the lips, can also cause a general infection of the mouth and nose. The virus causes many painful ulcers and take up to 2 weeks to disappear. It's usually transmitted to the child by a parent, relative or friend who has active cold sores when kissing the child. This primary form of infection usually occurs before the child is five years old. The child generally develops immunity after the onset of the primary infection and thereafter develops only local lesions (cold sores) The infected child may suffer fever, irritability, and a general feeling of tiredness. In the primary infection, small clusters of vesicles rapidly erupt in the mouth. When the vesicles burst, they form yellowish ulcers surrounded by a red halo. Treatment involves maintenance of a nutritious diet. Fluid intake must be maintained and bland foods such as yogurt should be offered. Avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods as they irritate the mouth. Herpes usually heals within 10 to 20 days.
Recurrent Herpes Simplex
Following the original infection, people may suffer from recurrent bouts which are often precipitated by a triggering event such as sunlight, heat, stress, fever or trauma. Recurrent herpes simplex tends to produce clusters of vesicles that ulcerate. The lesions are characterized by the appearance of small clusters of vesicles that erupt and form slightly depressed, yellow-brown ulcers that have distinct red halos. Most people complain of tingling, throbbing and burning 24 hours prior to vesicle appearance in the mouth. Vesicles rupture to form painful lesions. When they appear on the lips they are commonly referred to as cold sores. Treatment involves applying antiviral creams or topical anesthetics directly to the affected areas.
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
HFMD is a common viral illness characterized by vesicular lesions in the anterior mouth and on the hands and feet. Most children complain of a sore throat or mouth and may refuse to eat. A low grade fever lasting one to two days is accompanied by a distinctive pattern of oral vesicles, chiefly on the tongue and inside surfaces of the cheeks. Peripheral lesions can occur on the hands and feet. HFM is self-limiting. Treatment is supportive.
Measles
This common infection can be identified by the presence of characteristic mouth lesions called ‘Koplik’s Spots’. They are small white spots surrounded by a zone of inflammation; they're usually present on the inside of the cheeks. Koplik’s spots appear about 2 to 3 days prior to the appearance of the rash; they coincide with the most infectious period. They disappear with the development of the skin rash.
Traumatic Ulcer
A traumatic ulcer may be the result of damage caused by a sharp object, cheek biting or eating overheated foods or drinks. These ulcers usually heal within a week.
Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection also known as candida albicans. It's a fungus that affects the superficial layers of the mouth tissues. Thrush commonly occurs in young babies and infants. It's generally a local surface infection that produces milky white patches in the mouth which do not wipe off. Treatment consists of antifungal agents applied directly to the affected areas.