If you’ve ever gotten a splinter or had sand in your eye, you’ve had experience with a foreign body. A foreign body is something that is stuck inside you but isn’t supposed to be there. You may inhale or swallow a foreign body, or you may get one from an injury to almost any part of your body. Foreign bodies are more common in small children, who sometimes stick things in their mouths, ears, and noses.
Some foreign bodies, like a small splinter, do not cause serious harm. Inhaled or swallowed foreign bodies may cause choking or bowel obstruction and may require medical care.
Your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body. Any problem that affects your mouth can make it hard to eat, drink or even smile.
Some common mouth problems include
- Cold sores – painful sores on the lips and around the mouth, caused by a virus
- Canker sores – painful sores in the mouth, caused by bacteria or viruses
- Thrush – a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth
- Leukoplakia – white patches of excess cell growth on the cheeks, gums or tongue, common in smokers
- Dry mouth – a lack of enough saliva, caused by some medicines and certain diseases
- Gum or tooth problems
- Bad breath
Treatment for mouth disorders varies, depending on the problem. Keeping a clean mouth by brushing and flossing often is important.