Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2011
Tags
- celebrity smiles (86)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (6)
- tmj (1)
- oral health (33)
- tmd (1)
- sleep apnea (4)
- gum disease (17)
- braces (10)
- dental implants (16)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- cone beam scans (1)
- crown (2)
- dental injuries (5)
- thumb sucking (3)
- pediatric dentistry (20)
- chipped tooth (4)
- cosmetic dentistry (16)
- teeth whitening (5)
- oral hygiene (23)
- tooth decay (5)
- nutrition (3)
- eating disorder (1)
- snoring (3)
- mouthguards (5)
- bad breath (3)
- root canal (2)
- periodontal disease (2)
- bridge (2)
- tooth wear (2)
- dental injury (9)
- dental hygiene (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- dentures (4)
- smile makeover (4)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- sports dentistry (1)
- dental emergencies (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- bonding (1)
- gluten (1)
- dental anxiety (2)
- crowns (6)
- baby teeth (1)
- clear aligners (2)
- x-rays (1)
- jaw pain (4)
- teeth wear (1)
- retainers (3)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- chipped teeth (1)
- teeth grinding (5)
- veneers (1)
- partial denture (5)
- anchorage devices (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- porcelain veneers (6)
- impacted teeth (1)
- headgear (1)
- saliva (1)
- teething (3)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- age one dental visit (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- bruxism (1)
- night guard (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- dental care (3)
- retainer (3)
- oral surgery (2)
- tmj disorders (3)
- gum surgery (1)
- medicine (1)
- bonded retainer (1)
- extraction (2)
- gummy smile (2)
- root resorption (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- facial pain (1)
- smoking (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- dental implant (5)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- fluoride (3)
- root canal treatment (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- gum recession (2)
- toothbrush (1)
- tmj disorder (1)
- bridgework (1)
Categories:
New Location:
2330 Patrick Henry Pkwy.
Suite 300
​McDonough, GA 30253
While a relatively minor health issue, cracked mouth corners (medically known as angular cheilitis) can certainly be irritating. Fortunately, you don't have to live with it—we can help reduce the discomfort and even make it less likely to happen in the future.
Angular cheilitis is most characterized by redness and fissures (or cracks) in the skin at the corners of the lips. It commonly happens in younger ages (children to younger adults) because of drooling or complications from wearing braces. Older adults can also develop cracked mouth corners due to wrinkling around the mouth. The immediate causes are usually localized to the mouth and lip region, but it can sometimes arise from systemic conditions.
A case of angular cheilitis can also become infected, usually with a strain of yeast known as “candida albicans,” which then intensifies inflammation and discomfort. This is usually due to interaction between saliva and the open fissures, helped along by people's tendency to habitually lick these cracks (hence the other name for cracked mouth corners, perleche, from the French “to lick”).
The best way to treat angular cheilitis is with a series of applications of oral or topical antifungal medication. These may also be combined with steroid ointments that help retard redness and inflammation. If the infection involves the inside of the mouth, you may also need to use an antibacterial rinse until it clears up.
There are also things you can do to minimize future occurrences. Be sure to have missing teeth replaced or loose dentures refitted, and stay vigilant with daily brushing and flossing. You might also consult with a dermatologist about ways to treat wrinkling around the mouth. And easing those wrinkles could not only minimize your chances of developing angular cheilitis, but also give you a more youthful appearance.
Cracked mouth corners can be unnerving. But with a few simple steps we can help relieve any current discomfort and help you reduce the chances of another occurrence.
If you would like more information on cracked mouth corners and other oral irritations, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cracked Corners of the Mouth.”