Angular Cheilitis

Angular Cheilitis is found at the corner of the mouth. It mostly occurs on people who wear dentures or people who have a compromised immune system.

Photograph showing Angular Cheilitis at the left corner of the mouth.

Causes

When skin folding is formed at the corner of the mouth because of improper occlusion of the teeth, the accumulation of saliva at the corner of the mouth causes micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus and fungus to proliferate and leads to Angular Cheilitis.

Symptoms

Redness or ulceration around the corner of the mouth, with the affected area being itchy or painful. Therefore, discomfort will be felt when eating and speaking.

Management

  • Correct the occlusion, for example, adjust the height of the denture so that saliva will not accumulate at the corner of mouth.
  • Apply antibiotic and antifungal ointment.
  • Minimize movement of the corner of mouth so that affect area can heal.

Prevention

  • Wear a denture that fits.
  • Keep corners of the mouth dry.