Fistulas with different localization
The causes of fistulas on the gums are usually inflammation in the area of the tip of the tooth root, which spreads over time and forms an inflammatory duct in the gums (fistula duct), which can then sometimes open up on the surface of the gums. It is therefore a kind of connecting passage between a cavity (root tip) and a surface (gums). At the beginning of the fistula formation, it is not always easy to recognize it.
Only in the course of time, inflammatory gum swellings or contact of the fistula tract with the surface due to the discharge of purulent secretion will occur. Fistulas in the mouth can spread everywhere, including the palate. The origin is an inflammatory focus in the mouth, which spreads over time.
The spread of the germs can occur in the form of a connecting passage between the cavity (focus of inflammation, e.g. in the area of the roots of the teeth) and the surface of the mucous membrane (palate). These passages are usually only noticed through inflammatory changes in the oral mucosa, for example through redness, swelling and pain in the area of the palate or even through the discharge of purulent secretions. Fistulas can also develop in the area of the floor of the mouth.
If a focus of inflammation develops somewhere in the area of the floor of the mouth, a possible solution of the body for the removal of the developing pus is the formation of a fistula tract, up to the surface of the mucous membrane in the area of the floor of the mouth, through which the pus can be emptied. Fistulas in the area of the floor of the mouth can have an origin of inflammation in the area of the teeth, but just as well inflammations in the area of the lower jaw bone or the soft tissue in the floor of the mouth are possible. Fistulas in the mouth can also occur after root canal treatment.
The reason for the development of a fistula is always an active inflammation.Since a root canal treatment is usually initiated due to an inflammation of the root, there is a focus of inflammation. If this cannot be completely repaired during root canal treatment or if a new focus of inflammation develops in the area of the treated tooth, it can subsequently contribute to the formation of a fistula tract. This topic may also be of interest to you: Antibiotics after a root canal treatmentFistulas can not only appear in the area of the teeth or near a tooth root, but can also be found in other places in the oral cavity, including the lip.
If such a fistula is noticed, it is advisable to visit a doctor, as the exact diagnosis can be made there. Thus, the lower lip fistula is a typical leading symptom of Van der Woud syndrome. The openings of the fistulas open out into the red of the lips, near the transition from the skin to the mucous membrane.
These fistulas may not only impair the aesthetics, but also the function of the lip. The cause is believed to be a gene mutation that prevents the closure of the primary or secondary palate during embryonic development. Not only adults can suffer from fistulas in the oral cavity, but also children who still have their milk teeth.
Fistulas can occur throughout the body, but are most common in the oral cavity. If a fistula is found on a tooth, it is also advisable to visit a dentist, as even milk teeth are not protected from caries and inflammation in the root area is possible. Milk teeth fulfil an important placeholder function for the later permanent teeth, so that a milk tooth should be preserved as long as possible until the permanent teeth break through.
There are also many different home remedies available to fight fistulas, but their development is usually associated with a major problem, so only the dentist can determine the exact circumstances, especially in children. The cause should be professionally investigated. It is advisable to check the daily oral hygiene of children to make sure that it is being followed correctly. It is also advisable to look into the mouth from time to time to detect possible changes, as changes in the oral mucosa are not noticeable, especially in smaller children.
