What causes angular cheilitis?
The causes of angular cheilitis are many and can be different for everybody. Experts say it is a condition that usually occurs when saliva accumulates in the corners of your mouth and dries, resulting in the cracking of tissues around that area. The cracked tissue can stay moist for an extended period and is a suitable environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. In most cases, Staphylococcus bacteria and Candida yeast are significant invaders.
Several factors are responsible for cracked and dry lips corners. Some of them include:
- Dentures that don’t fit.
- Drooling during sleep.
- Fungal or yeast infections in the mouth, such as thrush.
- Misaligned teeth.
- Eczema [1] or Atopic dermatitis
- Skin allergies.
- Sucking on a pacifier or a pacifier.
- Putting on a face mask.