Cheilosis/Cheilitis - Cheilosis

Cheilosis/Cheilitis
Simple Steps to Better Dental Health

What Is It?
Cheilosis (also called cheilitis) is a painful inflammation and cracking of the corners of the mouth. It sometimes occurs on only one side of the mouth, but usually involves both sides.

Cheilosis is caused by a yeast (Candida) infection. The yeast grows easily in moisture that collects in skin folds at the corner of the mouth. Cheilosis occurs most often in people with ill-fitting dentures that don't a adequately separate the upper and lower jaws. People who lick, rub or otherwise irritate the corners of the mouth also tend to develop cheilosis.

People with health disorders such as anemia, diabetes and immune deficiencies are particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms
Cracking, painful inflammation and sometimes weeping at the corners of the mouth.

Diagnosis
Your dentist or physician first will look to see if your dentures fit well. He or she also will ask about your oral habits, such as licking the corners of your mouth. You may get blood tests to see if you have anemia or an immune deficiency. Your dentist also may test a smear or culture from the area for bacterial or yeast infections.

Expected Duration
Once the underlying cause is corrected, healing usually is quick.

Prevention
If you wear dentures, visit your dentist to be sure they fit and support your face well. Avoid licking or rubbing the corners of your mouth.

Treatment
Treatment focuses on eliminating causes. You may need to stop oral habits or get better-fitting dentures. Infections may be treated with medicine applied directly to the affected area. This could be a steroid, antifungal or antibacterial medicine. For severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills. This is most likely in people with underlying medical problems.

When To Call a Professional
If you have constant or repeat inflammation in the corners of your mouth, contact your dentist or physician.

Prognosis
Good, once the cause has been eliminated.