We’re all familiar with common terms like cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis, but have you heard about trench mouth or burning mouth syndrome? Probably not! But there are many lesser-known dental conditions such as these that are not frequently talked about but can and do occur. So it doesn’t hurt to be educated about some of these conditions just in case they happen to you. Here are 5 of the more uncommon dental conditions you should be aware of.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
One of the lesser-known conditions you don’t normally hear about is Burning Mouth Syndrome or BMS. This is a condition that’s characterized by sharp burning sensations in the mouth. The primary source of this sensation is often the tongue, but BMS can also affect one’s palate, cheeks, gums and lips. It’s believed that BMS is caused by damage to the sensory nerves, but it’s still not exactly clear on what causes the condition. And although the symptoms vary from person to person, in most cases, it can persist for months or even years. Luckily, dentists can use medicine to help treat the symptoms and provide relief from the pain.
Itchy Gums
Experiencing itchy gums is another condition that’s not often discussed. This is caused primarily by built-up bacteria between the gums and the teeth. It can also be produced by hormonal changes, oral allergy syndrome, dry mouth and cuts in the oral cavity. It’s often easy to treat, but symptoms can be a sign of more serious problems such as gum disease. So if the symptoms persist for more than a week, you should visit your dentist for a checkup.
Radiculomegaly
This hard-to-pronounce condition is a rare anomaly that is only reported in women. It is characterized by extremely long roots that impact mostly the canines and occasionally the premolars and incisors. The condition can be easily diagnosed with radiographs by your dentist, and early diagnosis of the syndrome can help to prevent any further dental problems.
Trench Mouth
If you have a serious gum infection, you might be diagnosed with trench mouth. This is a condition that got its name from World War I because soldiers in the trenches often experienced painful infections in their gums caused by poor oral hygiene. Today, trench mouth is commonly caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. And for most patients, the condition can be easily treated with antibiotics and pain relievers.
TMJ Syndrome
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is related to pain in the jaw and surrounding facial muscles that control movement and chewing. It’s a chronic condition that can result in a great deal of pain and discomfort. The most common symptoms are lockjaw, pain in the jaw, clicking and popping sounds, and difficulty moving the jaw or chewing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should promptly contact your dentist. The proper diagnosis is important for deciding the appropriate treatment method.
Regular dental check-ups can help uncover any underlying oral health issues – including these lesser-known dental conditions – and ensure you get the treatment you need early to prevent future problems. At Rockcliffe Dental, our team is the most thorough in the industry. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.