Smoke and Oral Health
If you are a smoker and find that you get dead skin inside your mouth, you should not be surprised. Mouth changes with tobacco use. The lining of the oral cavity is composed of layers of flat scale-like cells called squamous epithelium. Tobacco use can affect the surface epithelium leading to changes in the appearance of the tissues. There may be thickening due increased pigmentation as well as irritation. The salivary glands on the hard palate may be irritated as well. There is an increased risk of dental problems and oral cancer. You may want to let your doctor or the dentist know without any delay.
Mind Your Toothpaste
It is also possible that toothpaste and mouthwash rich in alcohol content can scrape layers off your cheeks and gums. Perhaps, it is a toothpaste allergy. So if you are in the habit of using high-alcohol products for your mouthwash or to brush your teeth, you may want to switch over to something less harsh. Your dentist should be able to recommend a really good toothpaste or mouthwash that is kind and gentle on your mouth.
Could it be Infection?
It is possible that there might be a bug causing the symptoms of dead skin. You should know that disease-causing microbes can spread by direct contact with saliva or blood from the mouth or indirect contact with saliva- or blood-contaminated surfaces,includin hands or lips, droplet infection from coughing, sneezing or even normal speech. Even airborne microbes can get into you as you inhale, ingest or through eyes, nose or mouth and skin. Oral sex can spread diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and mononucleosis. Even viral diseases such as hepatitis B, herpes, gingivostomatitis and others can start from oral contact. Your doctor might be able to accurately diagnose what dead skin in the mouth really is.
Watch Your Chemo
Certain drugs like cyclosporin have been associated with gingival overgrowth. If you are someone under medications, it may be that chemotherapy is causing a rapid turnover of oral skin cells. Ulcerated mucous membrane can form a breeding ground for infection with bacteria, fungal and viral strains. Cancer patients undergoing bone marrow radiation who have chronic periodontal disease can show signs of mouth skin changes called mucositis. Your doctor should be able to suggest several ways to ensure oral hygiene.
Ways to Prevent Dead Skin Inside the Mouth
Experts recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a standard fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every few months. Remember to clean between the teeth with floss to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth and under the gums. Antibacterial mouth rinses and fluoride toothpastes keep infectious microbes at bay. Your risk of gingivitis or tooth decay will be minimized if you follow your dentist recommendations when you pay a visit for professional cleaning or dental examination regularly. Of course, fluoride toothpaste is not for kids younger than six. Buy only accredited or professionally approved dental appliances and oral hygiene products and it may be a good idea to give up smoking or alcohol and take a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.