subject: What Causes Cracks in the Corner of Your Mouth? [print this page] What Causes Cracks in the Corner of Your Mouth?
If you are wondering what causes cracks in the corner of your mouth, then you might be surprised to learn that it is actually a type of bacterial infection known as Angular Chelitis. This condition can become very aggressive if left untreated and can even develop into a more serious fungal infection such as thrush.
Bacteria thrives in warm, damp places and the corner of your mouth is the perfect environment. Very often, Angular Chelitis affects people who drool or dribble and this usually has a specific identifiable cause.
In older people, the cause is often ill-fitting dentures. In younger people it could be a brace which doesn't quite sit "right" in the mouth. The remedy here is to quickly get an adjustment made. In some people, the cause of the saliva seeping out of the mouth can be the result of finger sucking or pen chewing. If this is a habit which the sufferer cannot break, then paint the offending object with a bitter tasting liquid such as vinegar or nail biting solution.
Pain management is an issue too. The condition can cause extreme pain as the skin cracks and splits. It is the drying out of the skin what causes cracks in the corner of your mouth and to help this, try coating the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or unperfumed lip balm.
If Angular Chelitis has persisted for more than a couple of days, this usually means that it has taken hold and can become a permanent feature. The only way to ensure that the condition is eradicated it to starve the bacteria of oxygen which causes it to quickly die.
If you would like to look at pictures that can help you verify your own condition, you can download this simple and effective overnight cure from the Angular Chelitis Foundation. This cure will dry out the condition within hours, providing fast and permanent relief.
For further information on what causes cracks in the corner of your mouth, please visit Angular Cheilitis Treatment
