Understanding Speech Clarity Issues: Tongue or Dental Problems?
Dysarthria Hello, I have a slight speech impediment and often get teased for having a "big tongue." I frequently bite my tongue while speaking and feel that my tongue is not very agile. My upper and lower front teeth do not align properly (the upper teeth are more protr...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Misalignment of teeth in the oral cavity can not only affect occlusion and chewing but also impact pronunciation and speech, as well as tongue movement. Under normal occlusion conditions, the maxillary incisors should slightly overlap the mandibular incisors, creating a horizonta...[Read More] Understanding Speech Clarity Issues: Tongue or Dental Problems?
Understanding Lingual Pain: Causes and Solutions for Tongue Discomfort
Tongue swelling and pain? My mother has been experiencing swelling and pain in her tongue for the past six months. Visually, there are no abnormalities on the tongue. The pain extends from the sides of the tongue to the tip, and it worsens particularly in the afternoon and evenin...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Hello, Xiao Feng: There are many tissues in the oral cavity, and their conditions can sometimes be related. We would like to know about your mother's daily routine, any other medical history, and whether she is currently taking any medications, as these factors can influence...[Read More] Understanding Lingual Pain: Causes and Solutions for Tongue Discomfort
Should You See a Dentist for a Tongue Injury?
Should I see a dentist if my tongue is cracked? Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask about a cut on the left edge of my tongue. It hurts when I eat and swallow saliva. Should I see an ENT specialist or a dentist? I can confirm that there are no issues with my teeth. Thank you, Xi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Oral ulcers, commonly known as "mouth sores," can occur on any part of the oral mucosa, including the tongue. Their causes may include trauma (such as accidentally biting oneself), mechanical irritation (from sharp edges of teeth or ill-fitting dentures), and chemical i...[Read More] Should You See a Dentist for a Tongue Injury?
Understanding Dryness and Roughness of Oral Mucosa: Causes and Solutions
A question about oral mucosa? Hello, Dr. Tseng. I often feel dryness in the mucosal area of my lower lip, especially at night when I sleep, which is quite uncomfortable. When I lick it with my tongue, it feels somewhat rough, unlike the smoothness of other areas. This symptom has...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dryness of the oral mucosa (including the lower lip and tongue) for about a month may indicate Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Patients often report that symptoms are manageable in the morning, but the burning sensation increases throughout the day and can even affect sleep at nigh...[Read More] Understanding Dryness and Roughness of Oral Mucosa: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tongue Moles: Causes, Risks, and Lifespan
A mole has developed on the tongue? I suddenly developed a mole on my tongue, but I am currently studying abroad and cannot return to Taiwan for an examination right away. Could you please explain under what circumstances a mole can appear on the tongue? Am I at any risk? I'...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The sudden appearance of black spots or patches on the tongue can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it may be a hematoma caused by trauma or other unknown reasons. In such cases, no treatment is necessary, as it will typically resolve and be absorbed back to norma...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Moles: Causes, Risks, and Lifespan
Unusual Growths in My Mouth: What Could They Be?
It seems like I have something unusual growing in my mouth? Hello, doctor... I have a lump under my scalp, and there is also a small white circle on the right side of my scalp. I feel very scared about it. Can you tell me what it might be?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Our oral mucosa (including the buccal mucosa, hard palate, floor of the mouth, tongue, and upper and lower lips) maintains normal metabolism under healthy conditions. However, when our oral mucosa (including the tongue) is subjected to abnormal disturbances, such as physical irri...[Read More] Unusual Growths in My Mouth: What Could They Be?
Understanding Dental Issues: What to Do When Symptoms Persist
Doctor, I need your help again? Doctor, I don't have any of the symptoms you mentioned. However, it seems like this has been present for several years. I noticed that it hasn't changed much since then. When I touch it, it feels like there are small lumps, and they are v...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the color of the oral mucosa is normal and the tongue moves freely, but there are bumpy (or circular, flat) structures felt on the posterior side of the tongue, another possibility could be the lingual tonsils. These are lymphoid tissues located beneath the mucosa at the back ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues: What to Do When Symptoms Persist
Unexpected White Bump in Mouth: Causes and Solutions
There is a growth in the oral cavity? Hello, Doctor. I suddenly noticed a small white bump in my mouth, located in the area where my tongue rests (not on the back of the tongue). It doesn't hurt or itch, and when I press it with my finger, it feels like a hard mass that I ca...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Generally, the areas that the tongue may come into contact with when it is at rest are the submandibular lingual mucosa and the floor of the mouth mucosa. The sudden appearance of small white nodules in these areas, which feel firm and slightly movable, can be concerning. The muc...[Read More] Unexpected White Bump in Mouth: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tongue Numbness: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Numbness of the tongue? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions. Recently, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation on my tongue. Additionally, I have noticed some coating on my tongue, which may be due to my diet consisting of more spicy foods. I am wondering i...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The tongue is an important organ for chewing, and under normal circumstances, its surface is covered with various taste buds that allow us to perceive different flavors such as sour, sweet, and bitter. However, if the normally rough surface of the tongue is frequently subjected t...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Numbness: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Why Your Tongue Appears White: Common Causes and Solutions
Hello, Dr. Lin? Hello Dr. Lin, could you please explain why the middle part of the tongue appears white? Thank you, Dr. Lin.
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Hello Xiaoling, Do you have a habit of smoking or consuming betel nut? A white tongue can occur for many reasons, and sometimes a biopsy is necessary to clarify the condition. I recommend that you visit a nearby medical facility for a detailed examination, or you can come to ou...[Read More] Understanding Why Your Tongue Appears White: Common Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bumps on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
excuse me? The tissue on my tongue near the throat has small bumps, about 2mm in size, that can only be seen when I stick my tongue out. However, they are not painful or bothersome. What could this be? I would appreciate your help in understanding this, as I am a bit worried. Tha...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
There are small nodules approximately 2mm in size appearing on the back half of the tongue. Although they are not painful or itchy, it is important to perform a self-examination to check the following: 1. Whether the tongue can move freely; 2. If there is any difficulty swallowin...[Read More] Understanding Bumps on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lip Sores: Causes, Nutritional Deficiencies, and Treatments
Oral mucosal ulcer on the lip? I would like to ask about my father, who recently developed a small ulcer between his lower lip and gums. Every time he eats, the wound gets irritated, and it hasn't healed yet. Is there any way to determine if this condition is caused by a nut...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
A hole occurring in the oral mucosa is likely to be a recurrent aphthous ulcer. These recurrent ulcers can easily reoccur after a period of healing and can appear in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, and hard palate. The c...[Read More] Understanding Lip Sores: Causes, Nutritional Deficiencies, and Treatments
Understanding White Coating on Tongue: Causes and Remedies
The entire tongue appears white? I would like to ask why, a few days ago, when I woke up, I found that my tongue was very painful and I couldn't eat foods that irritate the tongue, such as chili peppers. After that, I looked at my tongue and noticed that it was completely co...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Hu: May I ask if you have a habit of taking medications or chewing betel nut? The white appearance on your tongue can be caused by various reasons. You may seek a consultation with an otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist, or family medicine specialist for a biopsy to ...[Read More] Understanding White Coating on Tongue: Causes and Remedies
How to Effectively Improve Bad Breath: Tips from Dental Experts
How can I improve bad breath? Doctor: How can I improve bad breath? I always feel like my mouth has a strange odor. Could you please reply quickly? Thank you!
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Halitosis is primarily caused by the breakdown of amino acids or fatty acids by Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity, resulting in the production of volatile sulfur compounds, including hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. These amino acids or ...[Read More] How to Effectively Improve Bad Breath: Tips from Dental Experts
Is White Coating on the Tongue Normal? Understanding Oral Health Concerns
Is it normal to have white coating on the dorsal surface of the tongue? I recently noticed white patches on my tongue. Sometimes there are more, sometimes less, and I'm not sure if this is normal. I also found online that one of the symptoms of HIV is white lesions on the to...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Dear Bob, 1. It is normal for the tongue not to have hair unless there is an underlying disease causing such a phenomenon. Of course, neglecting oral hygiene can also lead to fungal growth in the mouth, which may appear white as well. 2. Confirmation of any disease requires cli...[Read More] Is White Coating on the Tongue Normal? Understanding Oral Health Concerns
Preventing Gum Recession and Understanding Tongue Types: Dental Insights
Please consult regarding oral health issues (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? 1. How can periodontal disease that causes gum recession be prevented and improved? 2. What are the types of tongues?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. Possible causes of gum recession include the accumulation of dental plaque and improper mechanical irritation, such as incorrect brushing techniques. Prevention involves maintaining good oral hygiene and using correct brushing methods, such as brushing after every meal and bef...[Read More] Preventing Gum Recession and Understanding Tongue Types: Dental Insights
Understanding Tongue Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Can small pus-filled bumps appear on the tongue? I have a small sore on my tongue that is about 0.5 by 0.5 centimeters. It hurts when my tongue touches the inside of my mouth while speaking, and it also hurts when I eat. Could lack of sleep, high stress, and poor mood contribute ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dianzi: Based on the symptoms you described, it seems you are experiencing recurrent oral ulcers. Many patients visit the dentist due to mouth sores and often report to the doctor that they have been sleeping poorly and feeling stressed, with painful sores in their mo...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Seeking Solutions for Misaligned Teeth After Orthodontic Treatment
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please provide the text you'd like I have misaligned teeth and also have a crossbite. Ten years ago, I underwent orthodontic treatment with braces for about one to two years. Just as I was nearing the completion of my...
Dr. Lai Liwen Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue, it mainly involves a lack of coordination in bone growth, with the mandible being overly protruded. Therefore, the physician recommends surgical intervention, which is classified as a type of plastic surgery. However, for a complete treatment regimen,...[Read More] Seeking Solutions for Misaligned Teeth After Orthodontic Treatment
Is Internal Orthodontics Suitable for Adults with Mouth Ulcers?
Types of Braces If you are not suitable for external braces due to a tendency to develop mouth sores that take a long time to heal, you may consider using internal braces (lingual braces) as an alternative. However, it is important to discuss this with your orthodontist, as they ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello VIVI: Of course, the "internal aligners" you mentioned may cause a more pronounced foreign body sensation, and they can slightly affect eating and pronunciation. However, they are generally more aesthetically pleasing compared to "external" aligners. I a...[Read More] Is Internal Orthodontics Suitable for Adults with Mouth Ulcers?
Understanding and Managing Aphthous Oral Ulcers in Children
Aphthous oral ulcer Aphthous stomatitis, commonly known as canker sores, refers to painful ulcers that occur in the mouth. The exact cause of these ulcers is not fully understood, but they can be triggered by factors such as stress, certain food sensitivities, hormonal changes, o...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Hello: The so-called aphthous ulcer, also known as canker sore, is characterized by painful, recurrent single or multiple superficial erosions on the oral mucosa, covered by a grayish membrane. Occasionally, mucous-filled vesicles may be observed, but they are rare. The affected ...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Aphthous Oral Ulcers in Children