Freezing temperatures, piles of snow, and dry air are all staples of Canadian winters.
Unfortunately, red, flaky, cracked, or split corners of the mouth are also common during the colder months. The area may also have a small crust and feel sore, tight, or tender, particularly when the mouth opens wide.
It can be tempting to blame the weather and wait for the problem to disappear. However, the cracking, known among medical circles as angular cheilitis, angular stomatitis, or perlèche, happens due to more factors than just cold weather.
In this blog, we uncover why the corners of the mouth are particularly vulnerable, why they are more noticeable in winter, and what can help the area settle.
Why Do the Corners of the Mouth Crack?
There is a simple anatomical reason the corners can be troublesome: Cracks can occur where moisture, lip movement, and natural skin folds meet. In other words, saliva can become trapped in deep mouth folds. Additionally, Candida (a type of yeast) or bacteria colonize the moist skin creases at the corners of the mouth, which can lead to angular cheilitis.
Lip-licking and drooling can contribute to the condition, as can increased folding at the corners of the mouth. For example, the loss of back teeth can contribute to over-closure of the mouth, creating deep skin folds at the corners that can trap moisture and allow fungal or bacterial infections to thrive.
Why Can Winter Make the Problem More Noticeable?
Winter deserves some of the credit for those cracked corners of the mouth, but perhaps not in the way you might expect.
Cold winter air dries out the lips and surrounding skin, leading to cracks and soreness known as chapped lips. However, chapped lips affect the lip surface, while angular cheilitis specifically affects the folds at the corners of the mouth, so it would not be completely accurate to say that chapped lips directly lead to cracked corners.
A winter-related factor to the condition is the tendency to lick the lips when the air is cold and dry. The saliva from doing so pools in the corners of the mouth, creating a warm, damp environment where angular cheilitis can develop.
It is also worth remembering that having dry lips, even in winter, does not automatically mean you have a dry mouth, which has its own set of causes and effects.
What Else Can Contribute to Angular Cheilitis?
Other factors that can contribute to cracked corners of the mouth include:
Changes in saliva
The quality or quantity of saliva can change, which may lead to dry mouth. Be sure to mention to your dentist if your mouth feels dry and the corners of your mouth are cracked.
Nighttime mouth breathing
Mouth breathing can expose the lips to moving air throughout the night, which can contribute to dryness.
A denture with a changed fit
Your mouth changes over time, which means that denture wearers may need their dentures adjusted or relined from time to time to maintain a proper fit. Your dentist should assess the denture’s fit when angular cheilitis is present.
Nutrition
A nutritional deficiency can sometimes contribute to angular cheilitis. A lack of iron, zinc, or B vitamins increases your risk. Speak to your physician about supplements before adding them to your healthcare routine.
Underlying health conditions
Health conditions such as eczema, a weakened immune system, or diabetes can make angular cheilitis persistent.
Treating and Preventing Cracked Corners of the Mouth
The right approach depends on what is causing the problem, but some general measures can help care for the area and prevent recurrence, such as:
- Applying plain petroleum jelly or a thick, fragrance-free barrier cream to protect the corners of the mouth from moisture and cold air
- Avoiding the urge to lick dry or cracked mouth corners, as saliva makes the irritation and microbial growth worse
- Using over-the-counter or prescription anti-yeast/antifungal creams
- Using a humidifier at home to add moisture to the surrounding air
- Talking to your dentist about any noticeable changes in saliva or persistent dry mouth concerns
- Changing your toothbrush once treatment for microorganisms or infection is underway, as wet toothbrushes provide an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria to survive and multiply, potentially re-introducing them to your healing skin
No single home-care routine suits every case, so if the cracking keeps returning or does not settle with straightforward measures, you may need help from a dental professional. At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we not only help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, but also assist you in achieving optimal overall oral health.
When you have any oral health concerns, including angular cheilitis, make an appointment with our team. We are always happy to help!
Learn More About Cracked Corners of the Mouth from Our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your family’s oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment today by calling 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Corners of the Mouth
Is angular cheilitis just chapped lips?
Not exactly. Chapped lips affect the surface of the lips and can be associated with dry, windy, or cold weather. Angular cheilitis specifically affects the folds at the corners of the mouth and can have several contributing factors.
Does angular cheilitis happen on one side or both?
It can occur on either one side or both sides.
Can children get cracked corners of the mouth?
Yes. In young children, cracks and splits at the corners often begin with lip-licking, biting the corners of the mouth, or thumb-sucking. If your child has recurring cracking, you should discuss it at their next dental checkup.
Can dentures contribute to angular cheilitis?
They can be one contributing factor. Changes in the way the mouth closes, including reduced closing height associated with dentures, can increase folding at the corners of the mouth. A denture that fit has changed is also worth having assessed.
Does a vitamin deficiency cause cracked corners of the mouth?
A vitamin B deficiency is one possible contributor identified, but cracked corners do not by themselves establish that a deficiency is present.
Can winter weather cause angular cheilitis?
Cold, dry, and windy winter conditions can affect the lips, however, that is not the same as saying that winter weather directly causes angular cheilitis. Cracked corners of the mouth can have several contributing factors.
When should I talk to a dentist about cracked corners of the mouth?
Consider discussing the problem with a dentist if the cracking keeps returning or does not settle with simple measures, particularly if you wear dentures or have noticed changes in your mouth. A dentist can assess relevant oral factors and determine whether another healthcare professional should be involved.
