Once in a while, we all experience that feeling of a bitter and sour taste in the mouth. This can happen because of the food or beverages that we have consumed in the last couple of hours.
However, if a sour taste or bitter taste in your mouth is occurring frequently, it should not be ignored, as that’s indicative of a larger health issue.
The human digestive system is a complex one and is easily affected by changes occurring in one or more systems or organs of the body. This means, there are various reasons for that sour or bitter taste in your mouth. Each one of those reasons has its own method for diagnosing and treating it. These can be divided into four major reasons.
Reasons for Sour or Bitter Taste in your Mouth.
#1 – GERD – Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Food passes from the mouth to a narrow tube called the esophagus and from there to the stomach where the process of digestion begins. There is a small valve at the beginning of the stomach which ensures food does not go back into the esophagus from the stomach. The valve is called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. In people who are suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD, the LES opens abnormally allowing food to enter the esophagus from the stomach.
GERD causes various symptoms such as:
Heartburn
Chest pain
Sour or bitter taste
Bad breath
Burning sensation in the throat
Difficulty in swallowing
A lump like feeling in the throat
Coughing
Hoarse voice
Chest pain
Heavy eating
Acidic food
Fatty food
Regular consumption of caffeine
Alcohol abuse
Regular smoking
Pregnancy
Obesity
#2 – Medications
Medications being taken for other ailments can leave residual medicine in the mouth, or affect the taste receptors in the brain or tongue. These can cause a sour taste in the mouth. The Canadian Family Physician, a popular medical journal, had published an article which states that there are over 250 different drugs that can cause a sour taste in the mouth. These can be classified as:
Antibiotics: These are the most common culprit. Examples include sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, trimethoprim, ampicillin, metronidazole, etc.
Drugs that are given as part of chemotherapy such as etoposide, cyclophosphamide, and cisplatin.
Drugs are given for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, migraine, etc. and some muscle relaxants
Drugs are given for cardiovascular conditions such as high BP, irregular heartbeat, diuretics, statins, etc
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines, bronchodilators and those for inflammation, smoking de-addiction, fungal and viral infections
Drugs are given for psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, as well as mood stabilizers and hypnotics.
#3 – Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is one of those minerals that the body needs in small quantities for good health. These come from the food we consume such as:
Red meat
Shellfish
Dairy
Nuts
Beans
Oysters
Legumes
Certain vegetables
Zinc deficiency can occur due to the following reasons:
If the person is not getting enough zinc from the diet.
The zinc is not being absorbed properly by the intestines.
The person is on medications that interfere with zinc absorption.
Medications that inhibit zinc absorption include:
thiazide diuretics
captopril (an ACE inhibitor)
penicillamine
These drugs are used to treat a wide range of ailments such as cancer, diabetes, liver disease, celiac disease, chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis, sickle-cell disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
One of the symptoms of zinc deficiency is a sour taste in the mouth.
#4 – Other Causes
There are innumerable other conditions or causes for the sour and bitter taste in the mouth, some of them being:
Smokingor chewing tobacco can affect the taste buds over time and make the food less tasty
Some people suffer from decreased saliva production which creates wrong perceptions of taste. Also called Xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome
Xerostomia can be caused by dehydration, which makes dehydration also a cause for sour taste in the mouth.
Anxiety and stress can trigger the dry mouth syndrome
Various infections or illnesses cause inflammation which can heighten the sense of sour or bitter taste, or create wrong perceptions of taste
Fungal infections in the mouth such as oral candidiasis
Similarly, not brushing regularly or maintaining poor dental hygiene can create a sour or bitter taste in the mouth
In women, pregnancy and menopause are known to trigger a sour taste in the mouth., due to hormonal changes
Menopause, which, like pregnancy, may cause a sour taste in the mouth. due to changes in hormone levels
Injuries or surgery of the brain can affect the region that controls the perception of taste and create wrong perceptions of taste
Neurologic disorders such as dementia, Bell’s palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis as well as tumors in the brain
Radiation therapy given for treating cancers of the head and neck can damage salivary tissues and cause a sour taste in the mouth.
Lead poisoning comes from water or air excessively contaminated with lead
Syndromes that are not fully understood such as pine nut syndrome or burning mouth syndrome
Seek Expert Help
As you can infer from the above, recurring incidents of a sour taste in the mouth is not a simple condition that can be relieved by home remedies or antacids. Consult a gastroenterologist in a reputed hospital for the same. He/she will diagnose the underlying condition carefully and then prescribe the right course of treatment for the best results.
If you do the right things—keep your teeth clean, see the dentist regularly, and eat a "tooth-friendly" diet—you stand a good chance of having healthy teeth and gums later in life. Even so, after eating well over 75,000 meals by age 70, you can expect some wear from all that biting and chewing.
But there's normal wear—and then there's excessive wear, which can be caused by a variety of factors. When it occurs, accelerated wear can increase your risk of dental disease—and your shorter-toothed smile can make you look older than your actual age.
Here are 3 dental problems that can lead to accelerated tooth wear, and what you can do about them.
Tooth decay. This dental disease can severely weaken a tooth's protective enamel surface, which can in turn increase wear. You can minimize your chances of developing tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and undergoing regular dental cleanings. And the sooner you receive treatment for any diagnosed decay, the less likely your enamel will suffer significant damage.
Poor bite. Properly aligned teeth mesh well together while biting and chewing, which minimizes wearing. But misalignments put undue stress on teeth that can lead to accelerated wear. By correcting a bite problem through orthodontics, we can properly align teeth so that they interact with each other normally for less wear.
Teeth grinding. This unconscious habit of gnashing or grinding teeth (often during sleep) can produce abnormally high biting forces. Among other adverse outcomes, this can also increase teeth wearing. If you grind your teeth, there are therapeutic methods that could reduce the habit. You can also obtain a custom night guard to reduce biting forces while you sleep.
If you've already experienced excessive dental wear, there are cosmetic options like porcelain veneers or dental bonding that can restore your smile to a more youthful appearance and help protect your teeth. But if you haven't reached that point, you can make sure you don't by taking care of your teeth and gums and seeking prompt dental treatment for problems leading to accelerated wear.
There’s nothing like a bright, sparkling smile—but sometimes, brown spots on our teeth appear that can be a cause for concern. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to fix them. From tartar buildup to medical conditions, we’ll look at the reasons behind the discoloration and what you and your dental professional can do to get your smile back to a glistening and bright shade.
Common Causes of Brown Spots On Teeth
Decay
Sometimes, brown spots can be a sign of tooth decay, which develops from eating an excess of sugary and starchy foods, as well as sugary drinks. These foods and beverages create plaque that sticks to the tooth’s surface and damages it over time. And if you’re not brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily, the plaque can stay on your tooth, destroy your enamel, and turn it brown. These brown spots may also come from the dentin underneath, which has a naturally darker shade when exposed by worn enamel.
Tartar
Here’s a term that gets thrown around a lot: tartar. But what is it? When plaque builds up on teeth, it hardens into a substance called tartar, which is often a yellow or brown color. Tartar often appears along the gumline and in between your teeth, and regular brushing with toothpaste doesn't remove it. That’s why brushing twice daily to get rid of plaque in the first place plays an essential role in preventing brown spots.
Fluorosis
We know that fluoride is supposed to help protect our teeth from decay: but did you know that too much fluoride in the body, especially in children, discolors the tooth enamel? When you experience excessive fluoride intake, you might develop fluorosis. Permanent white lines or streaks often indicate mild fluorosis, whereas brown, gray, or black patches and pits, typically on top of an irregular tooth surface, represent more severe fluorosis. Although the teeth may look damaged, fluorosis is, in fact, only a cosmetic condition. Unless another condition has caused decay, they're perfectly healthy.
Celiac Disease
According to the American Dental Association, the tooth enamel of those who have Celiac disease is often poorly developed. White, yellow, and brown spots or bands may appear, and the enamel may be translucent. Because the effects are permanent, sufferers frequently opt for restorations to cover the condition.
Other Conditions
High fevers and dental traumas can cause brown marks on teeth, and, albeit rarely, the bones and skull’s developmental conditions have the same effect. According to the Cleveland Clinic, aging can also wear away the enamel on your teeth, revealing the darker-colored dentin beneath. Plus, while lifestyle habits like alcohol and tobacco use may not cause defined spots, they can lead to brown staining and discoloration. Further, the use of antibiotics in the tetracycline family can cause staining of the teeth, which is why they're not used by pregnant women or in children whose permanent teeth are still developing. Some mouthwashes, like the prescription antiseptic mouthrinse chlorhexidine gluconate, may also cause staining.
Prevention and Treatment
If your teeth have brown spots, ask your dental professional for a checkup. The earlier you find the cause, the better the outcome for your oral health. For at-home care, your best bet is to work on your daily oral health habits. To maintain the healthiest smile possible, be sure to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Also, clean between your teeth daily with floss, water flossers, or another interdental cleaning device. Together, these steps create a better environment for healthy teeth. It’s also worth exploring other whitening techniques if your dental professional thinks it will benefit your teeth’s color.
It’s no fun to notice a brown stain or spot on your teeth, and it might cause you to feel self-conscious. But luckily, there are ways to fight these pesky stains, as well as cosmetic solutions. Everyone deserves a sparkling and white smile, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t have one. The sooner you chat with your dental professional, the sooner you’ll be on track to having a bright, white, shining smile.
Enamel hypoplasia (EH) and hypomineralization are two teeth defects that can sometimes get confused. That’s because they’re both defects, often caused by genetic predispositions, that affect the development and enamel of your teeth. Here, we’ll look into the differences, causes, and treatments.
Defining Enamel Hypoplasia and Hypomineralization
Enamel hypomineralization happens when the mineralization process is not fully achieved, resulting in discolored enamel. This condition also weakens the teeth, which means that teeth can break down. The Australian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also explains that hypomineralization is prevalent in a fifth of all children. It can appear as discolored patches of soft or decaying, bumpy enamel that usually affect the molars and incisors as they grow in. The teeth with hypomineralization are sensitive and can cause children pain when eating, and these teeth typically start to deteriorate once they grow in.
On the other hand, enamel hypoplasia is a condition where teeth have pits, grooves, and missing enamel. It can also result in smaller teeth. Hypoplasia appears as brown or yellow stains and exposed dentin. While the enamel is still hard, it’s weak. It’s a type of amelogenesis imperfecta, where the enamel on teeth is missing or severely thin and prone to breaking.
How It Forms
There are several causes as to how and why these conditions form. According to the Indian Journal of Dentistry, these conditions occur when there is a disturbance in the matrix formation of the teeth. To break that down, let’s look at ameloblasts, which are your teeth’s enamel-producing cells. These cells form in six stages: morphogenetic, organizing, formative, maturative, protective, and desmolytic. Enamel hypoplasia happens in the formation stage, resulting in the pitting, grooving, or even total absence of enamel. Hypomineralization happens in the maturative stage and can appear as “chalky” areas on your tooth’s enamel.
Beyond the scientific processes of enamel formation, these conditions occur due to hereditary and environmental factors. That could mean nutrition, diseases, premature birth, trauma, or infections.
Treatment
Treatment for these conditions depends on the symptoms. For instance, if you or your child has EH or hypomineralization but are not experiencing pain or sensitivity, your dental professional may monitor the tooth during routine visits and likely recommend a fluoride toothpaste. However, some children and adults with EH or hypomineralization might experience cosmetic issues, tooth sensitivity, and an increased risk of decay. That’s why an early dental evaluation by your dental professional is critical. If they find either condition, they will likely recommend fluoride applications and remineralizing paste to decrease tooth decay. Teeth may also require repair with bonding, filling materials or crowns, and in some extreme cases, extraction. If your child grinds their teeth, your dental professional might recommend a nighttime mouthguard to prevent excessive tooth wear.
All in all, home care is a must. Children need excellent oral hygiene now to keep EH and hypomineralization under control later. But the best thing to do is to talk with your dental professional to get the right treatment as early as possible—so you or your child can work on having the healthiest, brightest smile possible.
Oral melanotic macule is a non-cancerous (benign), dark spot found on the lips or inside the mouth. An oral melanotic macule found on the lip is sometimes called a labial melanotic macule.
Who's at risk?
Oral melanotic macules can appear in people of any age, of any race, and of either sex. However, they are more common in middle-aged people, in dark-skinned people, and in females.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for an oral melanotic macule include:
Lips, especially the lower lip
Gums (gingiva)
Inner cheek (buccal mucosa)
Roof of the mouth (hard or soft palate)
An oral melanotic macule appears as a solitary, flat, tan-to-dark-brown spot usually less than 7 mm in diameter. It has a well-defined border and a uniform color.People can have more than one oral melanotic macule.
Self-Care Guidelines
There are no self-care measures for oral melanotic macules.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor for any new dark spot on the lips or inside the mouth. Similarly, any existing spot that changes size, shape, or color should also be evaluated promptly.
Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
If the diagnosis of oral melanotic macule is not certain, your physician may wish to perform a skin biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis. The procedure involves:
Numbing the skin with an injectable anesthetic.
Sampling a small piece of skin by using a flexible razor blade, a scalpel, or a tiny cookie cutter (called a "punch biopsy"). If a punch biopsy is taken, a suture or two may be placed and will need to be removed 5–10 days later.
Having the skin sample examined under a microscope by a specially trained physician (dermatopathologist).
Your doctor is more likely to biopsy certain lesions, such as new ones, large or growing ones, or those with irregular color (pigmentation). The biopsy can help the doctor to tell whether it is a benign oral melanotic macule or a malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.Most dark spots on the lips or inside the mouth are benign oral melanotic macules. Usually, your doctor will observe the lesion by measuring it, by taking a photograph of it, or both. As long as the oral melanotic macule stays stable in size, shape, and color, no treatment is needed.Nonetheless, some people want the lesion removed for cosmetic reasons. If it is appropriate, some physicians might recommend excision or, rarely, laser treatment.
Fear of the dentist is incredibly common, ranging from mild to severe. However, dental phobia, also known as dentophobia, is a more serious condition that can interfere with your life. Many people with this phobia postpone even critical dental procedures, putting their oral and physical health at risk. Here’s what you need to know.
Specific Fears
Dental phobia is a global term that encompasses many different specific fears. Although it is possible to fear anything related to seeing the dentist, the following are among the most common:
Needles: Trypanophobia, or the fear of needles, is a sort of crossover phobia. If you suffer from the fear of needles, you might be afraid of the numbing injections we use.
Pain: Although today’s dentistry is nearly painless, some discomfort is inevitable with many procedures. Until quite recently, moderate to severe pain was to be expected. Those who have had a prior painful experience at the dentist, as well as those with very sensitive mouths, are likely to fear that their visit will be painful.
Choking: Local anesthetic can induce uncomfortable sensations in the mouth, throat, and even nose. This can cause some people to fear choking or becoming unable to breathe. If you have ever experienced choking, whether during a dental procedure or at another time, you might develop the fear of choking in the dental chair.
“The Dentist”: If you have ever seen the film Little Shop of Horrors, you know that dentists are sometimes depicted as cold or even sadistic. Whether you have watched too many movies or have had a bad experience with an uncaring dentist, fearing “The Dentist” is not unusual.
Sensory Fears: Some people are inherently more sensitive to sensory input than others. You might be bothered by the sights, sounds, and smells of the dentist’s office. If you have more general medical phobias, you are more likely to develop these fears, but some people without other medical phobias develop specific fears of things like the dentist’s drill.
Possible Consequences
Everyone is different. Genetics, diet, home care, and numerous other factors affect your oral health. Therefore, some people are at high risk for dental disease after missing a single cleaning, while others can postpone dental care for years without significantly impacting their oral health.
Still, dental disease is progressive. Once you develop a cavity or gingivitis, it is only a matter of time before it worsens significantly. This means even more invasive and expensive procedures, and puts you at risk for tooth loss. It can also lead to a vicious cycle in which fearful patients become even less likely to make a dentist appointment, as they know that they will need extensive work.
Yet neglecting your teeth can wreak havoc on your career and your social life. You might gradually start to isolate yourself, raising your risks for anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse. In addition, dental disease can cause pain, infection, and inflammation, which can spread to the rest of your body. Untreated dental issues can cause generalized feelings of unwellness and increase your chances of developing heart disease or another serious condition.
Coping with Dental Phobia
Fortunately, there is help. Modern dentists use multiple soothing tactics to help patients manage their fear. Calming music, television with headphones, spa-like environments, warm blankets and neck wraps, and other sensory tools can help you feel more comfortable.
Sedation dentistry is also widely available today. There are several options available that range from very light to completely asleep, so you can select an option that is perfect for you. Mild nitrous oxide can help you relax while remaining awake and in control, making it an excellent choice for those who fear being “put under.” Oral sedation is a moderate choice for those who need a bit more help, while IV sedation can help you sleep through the procedure in comfort.
If you have a severe phobia, consider speaking with a professional therapist. Hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral techniques can help you beat your phobia for good rather than simply trying to manage it.
Cavities don't just form overnight. It can take months, or possibly even years, before the decay process advances to the point where a tooth requires attention. The entire process of tooth demineralization takes place whenever an acidic oral environment exists, and fortunately, this environment isn't the norm for a person's mouth.
Early-stage tooth decay can be corrected when it's caught early enough, which is why it's so essential to visit your dentist every six months for an exam.
Every Cavity Is Different
The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily. This means that a cavity can start to form and then not have the right conditions to continue to develop. A cavity won't just go away on its own; however, it can be slower to form, which allows your dentist to correct the issue before it gets worse.
Factors That Come Into Play
There are several types of factors that can significantly influence the length of time it takes for a cavity to form. The most common factors that can increase or decrease the speed in which cavity forms include:
Acid Levels – Cavities will start to develop when acid levels in the mouth increase.
The number of Acid Attacks – Teeth are extremely strong. However, if a tooth is subjected to multiple small acid attacks, eventually, a cavity will form.
Location Where the Cavity is Forming – Enamel is durable and contains minerals, which means it will take longer for a cavity to form in enamel than in the dentin of a tooth.
The thickness of the Tooth Enamel – Tooth enamel is thinner near the gum line, which means that cavities form quicker near the gums than they do on the tops of teeth.
Quality of the Tooth Enamel – Enamel that contains lots of minerals will take longer to get a cavity than enamel that has fewer minerals.
Tooth Damage CAN Be Reversed
If your dentist tells you that you have a cavity forming, there are ways to stop early-stage tooth decay from progressing into a full-blown cavity. The process known as remineralization can occur, which can reverse tooth decay.
Remineralization can correct damage to a tooth. When a cavity begins to form, the enamel or dentin starts to lose valuable minerals that protect the tooth. You can help to put these valuable materials back into the tooth by remineralizing it. The tooth will start to strengthen itself and repair the decay to the point where a cavity is no longer forming.
While remineralization can reverse some damage to the surface of a tooth and prevent some cavities, it won't work for all situations. If the damage to the enamel or dentin is too severe, the process will be ineffective, and the cavity will need to be treated by your dentist.
Cavity Prevention Is Simple
You can do your part in helping to protect your teeth from tooth decay by following a few simple guidelines:
Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day for a full two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day.
Incorporate a fluoride mouthwash into your oral care routine.
Avoid sugary and starchy foods, and avoid frequent snacking.
Having regular teeth cleanings and exams every six months is another necessary step in eliminating cavity-causing plaque and tartar. During these exams, your dentist will be able to identify any early signs of tooth decay and give you the tools and knowledge to combat cavities. Contact Tompkins Dental to schedule an appointment for a routine dental cleaning and exam.
When things get unpleasant in your mouth, it’s most often related to some underlying cause. In fact, the discomfort you’re feeling is often a call to action to have it checked and treated.
The American Dental Association recently surveyed approximately 15,000 U.S. adults about their oral problems. If you have any of the top 3 problems found in this survey, it could be a “warning bell” sounding in your mouth right now.
Here, then, are the top 3 dental problems in America, what they mean and what you should do about them.
#3: Tooth Pain. About a third of respondents (more among those younger or from lower-income households) indicated pain as a problem. As a warning sign of something wrong, tooth pain could be telling you that you have a decayed tooth, a gum abscess or something similar. The best thing to do is get a checkup as soon as possible. It’s unlikely that whatever is causing the pain will go away on its own and procrastination could make ultimate treatment more complex and difficult.
#2: Difficulty Biting. A slightly higher number of people named difficulty chewing and biting as their main oral problem. As with tooth pain, chewing difficulty causes could be many: cracked, loose or decayed teeth, ill-fitted dentures, or a jaw joint disorder (TMD). Again, if it hurts to chew or bite, see a dentist. Besides the underlying problem, chewing difficulties could also affect the quality of your nutrition.
#1: Dry Mouth. Chronic dry mouth garnered the highest response in the survey, especially among older adults. This is more serious than the occasional “cotton mouth” feeling we all experience—with chronic dry mouth the salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva to neutralize mouth acid or fight disease, thus increasing your risk for tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease.
It’s most likely caused by medications or systemic conditions, so talk with your dentist or physician about boosting saliva flow.
A swollen lump under the chin can be troubling, but it is usually not a cause for concern. Swollen lymph nodes, cysts, and allergies may cause these lumps to form.
A lump can appear anywhere in the soft area under the chin and jawline. The lump may be large, small, firm, or soft, depending on the cause. The surrounding skin may feel tight and tender, or even painful.
Anyone concerned about symptoms or unsure about the cause of a lump should see a doctor.
Symptoms and causes
Many conditions can cause a lump to form beneath the chin. Accompanying symptoms and the size and shape of the lump will likely differ, depending on the cause.
Below are common causes of a lump under the chin. Some are simple, while others require medical care to prevent complications.
Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, but a person can only feel those close to the skin’s surface, such as the nodes in the armpits or close to the chin.
Infections can often cause lymph nodes to swell. This may lead to a noticeable lump to the left or right of the chin. The swelling is a typical response of the immune system.
A lump caused by a swollen lymph node will be soft or flexible. It may be tender to touch, but it is usually not painful. The swelling should go away within 2 to 3 weeks.
The following viral or bacterial infections often cause swollen lymph nodes:
a cold or flu
ear infections
sinus infections
measles or chickenpox
strep throat
mononucleosis
an abscessed tooth
syphilis
Lyme disease
HIV or AIDS
If an infection is to blame, the lump should disappear as the infection clears up. A trip to the doctor and antibiotics may be necessary.
Benign tumors
A benign growth or tumor may cause a lump to form under the chin. Types of benign growths include cysts, fibromas, and lipomas. These are usually harmless and treatable.
Cysts. A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or debris. Cysts can form during an infection, and may slowly fill over time. Those under the jaw may be sebaceous cysts, resulting from blockages in the sebaceous glands or ducts. Damage from acne in the area can also cause cysts to form.
Fibromas. A fibroma is a round lump that can be soft or hard. They are usually found around the mouth and are not common under the chin. They usually cause no other symptoms and may signal Cowden’s disease, an inherited illness that causes benign growths to form frequently.
Lipomas. Lipomas are growths of fat cells under the skin. A lipoma lump will be soft, move easily, and have no coloration. Lipomas tend to grow very slowly, are rarely cancerous, and will usually cause no other symptoms.
Certain cancers
Cancers of the salivary gland, skin, or lymph nodes can cause a lump to form under the chin.
Hodgkin disease and leukemia may also lead to swollen lymph nodes.
Cancerous lumps are typically hard to the touch and may have an odd shape. There may be pain in the area if the lump is touching any nerve cells. If this continues, a person may feel partial numbness or tingling in the area.
Other symptoms of cancerous lump include:
a mole near the lump that changes shape or color
feeling a constant “lump in the throat”
difficulty swallowing or breathing
lumps in other areas near lymph nodes, such as the testicles, breasts, or armpits
sudden weight loss
a lump that keeps growing or changes shape
a suddenly or persistently weakened immune system
difficulty digesting
vocal changes or hoarseness
cysts that grow back rapidly after they are removed or drained
growths that discharge pus or blood
A doctor may suggest a biopsy to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous. They may recommend surgical removal.
If the lump is cancerous, doctors may also recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Treatment will vary, and a doctor will often present different options.
Other possible causes
A range of other factors can cause a lump to form under the chin. These may include:
a bug bite or sting, especially if the skin tends to have strong reactions
allergies to foods or products
acne
boils
salivary duct stones
tonsillitis
keloid scars
hematomas
goiters
medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
an injury, such as a cut or a broken bone
damage to the sebaceous glands in the chin.
When to see a doctor
Because of the wide range of possible causes, a professional diagnosis is essential. Unless the cause of a lump is apparent, consult a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Seek professional advice if cancer is suspected, or if a lump:
continues to grow
lasts for longer than a few weeks
feels very hard
The sooner a person receives treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.
A doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat any possible infections. They may also need to take a closer look at the lump and request an imaging test.
Takeaway
A lump under the chin is usually not a sign of a severe condition. These lumps tend to disappear on their own.
Often, they are the result of lymph nodes swelling in response to infections, such as those that cause a cold or flu.
Some conditions that cause lumps to form under the chin require medical treatment. Contact a doctor for a diagnosis.
Thinking about skipping those twice a year dental check-ups?
It may seem like a lot of time with the dentist, but those regular exams benefit you and your kids in many ways.
Many oral problems are preventable. Your dentist is your best partner in establishing healthy habits for prevention and spotting problems early.
Keep reading to see why you need to schedule a regular dental exam for everyone in the family.
ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS WITH DENTIST
When you schedule a regular dental tooth cleaning twice a year, you gradually get to know your dentist better. This helps build trust and makes you feel more comfortable talking to your dentist.
For kids, that early relationship can help them avoid feeling scared when going to the dentist. It can give them confidence when they have future appointments, especially if they need dental work.
The relationship also lets your dentist get to know you and your special needs. When you see the same dentist each time, you have a set of dental records to track your oral health.
Your dentist can look up past exam notes and X-rays easily. This helps you get continuous, personalized care based on your dental history.
LEARN PROPER ORAL CARE
Are you sure your kids are brushing and flossing properly? Are you following proper oral care guidelines for adults?
Your dentist can help you learn those proper techniques.
If you’re unsure of how to teach your kids proper oral hygiene, listen up to the dentist at appointments. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your dentist is a rich resource for dental care knowledge.
If you have an older child who doesn’t like to brush, hearing about the importance of oral care from the dentist may make a difference. Sometimes kids need to hear it from someone outside the family.
Learning how to care for teeth from a young age makes it second nature for your kids. They’ll grow up understanding what they need to do to keep their teeth healthy.
KEEP TEETH CLEAN AND HEALTHY
You brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean, but you also need a professional deeper clean regularly. Hygienists have special tools to remove any built-up plaque and tartar. Those things can affect your teeth, even with regular oral care.
Removing plaque and tartar is crucial for preventing tooth decay, which is a major problem for all ages.
In kids 2 to 11, cavities in primary teeth affect 42% in that group. In ages 12 to 19, the occurrence of cavities in permanent teeth is 59% of the population. The rate for adults ages 20 to 64 jumps to 92%.
Simply scheduling regular dental appointments to get the plaque and tartar professionally removed can reduce your risks of cavities.
Regular dental cleanings leave your teeth looking better, which makes you more confident in your smile. They may also help improve your breath.
SPOT DENTAL PROBLEMS EARLY
Cavities happen, even when you do all the right things to take care of your teeth. Your dentist can spot those issues early to tackle them before they become worse.
Early detection can save you a lot of money and discomfort. Fixing a minor cavity is much easier and cheaper than waiting until the decay spreads or causes an infection. You’ll also avoid the pain that sometimes comes with tooth decay.
Another common problem is periodontal disease, or gum disease, which affects 47.2% of Americans 30 or older in some form. It starts as minor inflammation of your gums, but it can affect the bones that support your teeth. This can lead to loose teeth or even result in teeth falling out.
If your dentist catches it early, you can prevent the more advanced damage. Even if your gum disease is advanced, your dentist may have treatment options.
Like cavities, gum disease is easier and more affordable to treat when you catch it early.
ENSURE PROPER TOOTH DEVELOPMENT
For kids especially, proper tooth development is essential. As a parent, you may not know what’s normal. But your child’s dentist knows exactly how things should develop.
Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth, even though they won’t stick around long. When your child’s baby teeth stay healthy, the permanent teeth are healthier.
As the permanent teeth start to grow, the dentist watches for problems, such as overcrowding and incorrect positioning. Early orthodontic care can correct those development issues while they’re easier to manage.
When you go to regular check-ups, the dentist has a record of the changes in teeth. This can make it easier to spot a problem early.
SPOT OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
You may think your dentist is only concerned with your teeth, but dental exams go beyond the mouth. Dentists look for other potential health problems in your head and neck area.
Cancer is of particular concern to dentists. They know how to spot signs of oral cancer and cancers in your head and neck.
Your dentist won’t handle the cancer treatment, but that early detection is important in successful treatment. You can schedule an appointment with your regular healthcare provider or get a referral to a specialist to create a treatment plan.
GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
Is something about your teeth or mouth bothering you? Maybe you’ve wondered about orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth or whitening treatments to improve your smile.
You can research any dental topic online, but that doesn’t guarantee the information you find is accurate or safe. When you get regular check-ups with a trusted dentist, you have a professional resource for those answers.
Your dentist knows your personal dental situations. That means you can get personalized recommendations instead of one-size-fits-all information you get online.
SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECK-UPS
With so many reasons to get dental check-ups, why are you waiting? Scheduling regular appointments for yourself and your kids helps keep your teeth healthy and helps correct problems early before they become major.
