Mouth diseases and conditions
Conditions and diseases of the mouth can impact how you eat, speak, socialise and express emotion. Having a healthy mouth is important for your overall health and may reduce your risk of chronic disease. Learn how to keep your mouth healthy and when you should see a doctor.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/bleeding-gums-and-dental-bleeding-48ff4f.jpg)
Bleeding gums and dental bleeding
Bleeding from your gums or mouth can be caused by gum disease, a dental procedure or an injury. Find how to prevent or treat dental bleeding.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate-15f881.jpg)
Cleft lip and cleft palate
Cleft lip or palate happens when parts of the lip, upper jaw or roof of the mouth don't join properly early in pregnancy.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/cold-sore_h-4fc165.jpg)
Cold sores
Cold sores are blister-like spots that appear in or around the mouth. Find out about prevention, common triggers, treatment and self-care options.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/dry-mouth-syndrome-5d1a14.jpg)
Dry mouth syndrome
Dry mouth syndrome is when you don't produce enough saliva. For some, it's annoying; others find it affects the health of their teeth and gums.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/dysphagia-1010f4.jpg)
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Find out about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), when to see your doctor and how this problem can be treated.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/gingivitis-bfd7c2.jpg)
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. If untreated it can progress to periodontitis. Learn more about the signs and treatment of gingivitis.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/gum-disease-05c6f9.jpg)
Gum disease
Gum disease is when the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth becomes infected. Find out about the symptoms and treatments for gum disease.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/halitosis-3af810.jpg)
Halitosis
Halitosis (bad breath) is normal when you wake up, before cleaning your teeth. Sometimes halitosis can be a sign of another dental or medical problem.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/mouth-and-tongue-cuts-e3c7c4.jpg)
Mouth and tongue cuts
Cuts to the mouth and tongue can happen after a fall or knock to the head. Most are minor and heal on their own, but some may need treatment.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/mouth-cancer-792fe9.jpg)
Mouth cancer
Mouth cancer can affect your tongue, lips, cheeks or soft palate. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, treatment and importance of early diagnosis.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/mouth-sores-and-ulcers-7f1d61.jpg)
Mouth sores and ulcers
An ulcer is a common type of mouth sore. It can make everyday tasks like brushing your teeth, talking, eating and drinking feel uncomfortable.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/oral-thrush-80b7e9.jpg)
Oral thrush
Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) is an infection of the mouth caused by a yeast fungus. Learn about symptoms, treatment and how to prevent infection.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/tongue-tie-5c9e58.jpg)
Tongue-tie division (infant)
A tongue-tie joins the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Dividing the tongue-tie should allow your baby to feed better and improve oral hygiene.