Your mouth is a remarkable and complex part of the body, composed of various structures that work together to help you speak, eat, and taste. The cheeks, lips, roof of your mouth, gums, throat, and the area below the tongue are all part of the oral structures that make up the soft tissues and oral cavity. However, the tongue is a muscular organ covered in little bumps and tissues. It is incredibly intricate and is an important part of the digestion process, helping you move food around your mouth and push it down the throat.
Soft tissues of the mouth and tongue can be injured. Such injuries can be very painful and cause problems with the function of the mouth, either temporarily or permanently. If you are suffering from dry mouth, cold sores, or other types of soft tissue or tongue conditions, schedule an appointment with the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group.
Overview of the Function of the Tongue and Soft Tissues
The teeth and gums are not the only important structures related to your oral health. Your tongue and the soft tissues surrounding your mouth are incredibly important too, as they ensure you can use every part simultaneously and comfortably.
Damage to the soft tissues and tongue can make talking and eating difficult. For example, if you accidentally bite them, scratch or injure them while eating, suffer accident injuries, or burn them, it can make it difficult to live your daily life comfortably while they heal. If a soft tissue or tongue injury will not stop bleeding or swelling, becomes infected, or is clearly in need of professional attention, you should seek appropriate care from the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group.
Oral Issues That Affect the Health of Your Tongue and Soft Tissues
There are many conditions or diseases that can affect the tongue and soft tissues of the mouth, including the following:
- Canker sores: These are painful, small ulcers that can develop on the tongue, inner cheeks, or lining of the lips. They are usually temporary and not contagious.
- Cold sores: Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically appear on or around the lips but can sometimes affect the soft tissues inside the mouth.
- Oral thrush: This fungal infection can develop on the tongue, inner cheeks, and the roof of the mouth. It can often appear as white, creamy patches and is more common in individuals with a weakened immune system.
- Oral cancer: Cancer affects various parts of the mouth, such as the lips, gums, tongue, and soft palate. Early detection is critical for successful treatment.
- Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia causes thick white patches to form on the tongue and inside the cheeks. While many cases are harmless, some can be precancerous, so evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial professional is essential.
- Lichen Planus: This chronic inflammatory condition affects the tongue and oral mucosa, causing white lacy lines or swollen red areas.
- Dry mouth: This condition is caused by medications, medical conditions and treatments, anxiety, specific foods, and other factors. Dry mouth makes you prone to tooth decay and can be extremely uncomfortable.
If you have any of these conditions, it is essential to contact the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group for a comprehensive evaluation of your oral soft tissues and tongue to determine the best course of treatment.
Call The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group
Understanding the various tongue and soft tissues of the mouth and the conditions that can impact them is essential for maintaining good oral health. The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group are here to help you treat and manage any oral condition with innovative methodologies and equipment.
Schedule an appointment today by calling (201) 601-9262 or filling out a contact form.
