Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (99)
- cosmetic dentistry (32)
- oral health (39)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (2)
- dental implant (6)
- dental implants (19)
- bridgework (2)
- dental injury (9)
- crown (2)
- fluoride (6)
- mouthguards (7)
- tooth decay (8)
- pediatric dentistry (15)
- oral hygiene (27)
- common symptoms (2)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- bad breath (2)
- sedation dentistry (4)
- oral sedation (2)
- oral cancer (3)
- braces (11)
- orthodontics (7)
- root canal (5)
- teeth whitening (5)
- dentures (1)
- gum disease (12)
- diabetes (1)
- smile makeover (10)
- wedding day smile (1)
- accessory root canals (1)
- root planing (1)
- orthodontic treatment (9)
- bonding (2)
- clear orthodontic aligners (1)
- thumb sucking (3)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- dental injuries (3)
- bridge (2)
- dental anxiety (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medications (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- periodontal disease (2)
- clear aligners (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- fillings (1)
- porcelain veneers (6)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- composite resins (1)
- crowns (3)
- smile design (3)
- partial denture (1)
- mouth rash (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- teeth grinding (4)
- veneers (2)
- dry mouth (1)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- mouthguard (1)
- extractions (2)
- gum recession (4)
- retainers (1)
- bruxism (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- toothache (1)
- root canal treatment (6)
- bone loss (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- nutrition (4)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- jaw pain (1)
- loose tooth (2)
- sugar (1)
- retainer (2)
- baby teeth (1)
- flossing (1)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- osteoporosis (2)
- athletic mouthguard (1)
- tooth extractions (1)
- dry socket (1)
- x-rays (1)
Categories:
As dentists, we often see other mouth problems besides those with teeth and gums. One of the most common is cracking around the corners of the mouth. Although usually not serious, it can be irritating and uncomfortable.
Medically known as angular cheilitis (literally “an inflammation of the angles of the lip”), it’s also called perleche, derived from the French lecher, “to lick.” The latter moniker aptly describes the tendency of sufferers to compulsively lick the sores to relieve irritation, which actually can make things worse.
Perleche has a number of possible causes, mostly from in or around the mouth (although systemic diseases or medications can cause it on rare occasions). It’s often found among younger people who drool during sleep or older people with deep wrinkles along the sides of the mouth that increase the chances of dryness and cracking. Long-term wind or cold exposure, ill-fitting dentures or a lack of back teeth (which help support facial structure) may also contribute to the condition.
Patients with perleche can also develop yeast infections from a strain called candida albicans. The infection can spread through the whole mouth, significantly increasing the chances of physical discomfort.
Treating perleche often involves topical ointments with inflammation-reducing steroids and zinc oxide, which has antifungal properties, to provide an environmental barrier during the healing process. If a yeast infection occurs, we may treat it with oral or topical antifungal medication like Nystatin for the whole mouth and chlorhexidine rinses, which has antibacterial properties.
It also helps to adopt a few preventive measures that can minimize the occurrence of perleche. If you wear dentures, for example, cleaning them often (including, if necessary, with chlorhexidine) and leaving them out at night reduces bacterial and fungal growth. We can also see if your dentures are fitting properly. Replacing missing teeth provides better facial support and could minimize wrinkling around the mouth. And, of course, keeping up daily brushing and flossing helps ensure a healthy and disease-free mouth.
If you’re experiencing cracked mouth corners, let us know at your next appointment. With our help and of other medical professionals we may be able to give you relief from this irritating condition.
If you would like more information on gaining relief from angular cheilitis, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor article “Cracked Corners of the Mouth.”