Maintaining good oral health is an ongoing process, and if you want your mouth to be as healthy as possible, it’s a
good idea to regularly inspect your mouth to make sure everything looks right. The dentists and hygienists like the
ones at American Dental keep will always an eye out for any problems during every 6-month dental checkup, but it
never hurts to do your inspections between dental visits. Here are a few types of discolored spots in the mouth that
you should be aware of. If you see any of the following discolorations, it could be an indicator of serious issues, and
you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible:
Stains on the Teeth
There are several causes for stains on the teeth. Some stains are purely cosmetic, while others can be a sign of
potentially serious problems. If you smoke or drink coffee, red wine, tea, or other staining liquids, your stain could be
caused by one of them. In that case, whitening toothpaste may take care of the problem, or you can speak to your
dentist about more effective whitening treatments. Dark spots on the teeth can also be caused by tartar or tooth
decay, in which case you should take action right away or risk losing your tooth.
Black Spots Inside the Cheek
It can be rather alarming to find a black spot inside your mouth, but it’s not always something to be concerned about.
Moles, hyperpigmentation, and stains from dental fillings can all cause dark spots. On the other hand, a black spot
could be a sign of oral melanoma, so it’s best to check with your dentist just in case.
White Spots on the Tongue
Our mouths are full of microorganisms, including candida fungus. This benign organism usually doesn’t present a
problem unless fungal colonies grow out of control. If your tongue appears white or has white spots, it could be
caused by a candida overgrowth known as thrush. You may be able to get thrush under control by brushing your
tongue and rinsing with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, but if the problem doesn’t go away on its own, a dentist
may be able to help you.
Black Hairy Tongue
This is a harmless condition caused by a buildup of dead skin cells on your tastebuds. While it may look scary, brushing twice per day, flossing, and using mouthwash should be enough to get rid of it in a few days.
Sores in the Mouth
There are dozens of conditions that can produce white sores in the mouth; some are harmless and some can indicate
serious issues. You may just have a canker sore, but if the affected area doesn’t heal after a week or two, you may
want to get a checkup to ensure you’re not in the early stages of oral cancer.
Pale Spots on the Gums
Iron deficiency, also called anemia, can give your gums and mouth lining a pale appearance. If your mouth has lost its
vibrant, pink hue, you may want to check with a doctor and ask them how you can get more iron in your diet.
Finding the Best Dentist
If you live in the Chicago area and want to find the best dentist in Chicago you can rely on, American Dental. We have
7 different locations to serve you. Visit our appointment page to find the location nearest you and make an
appointment for your regular dental checkups or anytime you notice something may be wrong in your mouth.