Hi

Thanks for the query

The white lines on both the sides of the buccal mucosa are due to the teeth bite. This is the junction where the teeth of the both upper and lower jaw XXXXXXX and this part of the buccal mucosa usually gets trapped in between the jaws while chewing the food. It is a harmless condition and disappears slowly when the irritation passes off.

Regarding the painful swelling in the oral cavity, it could be mucositis or inflammation of the buccal mucosa secondary to vitamin deficiency or allergy to some food/medicines. This will require a thorough examination of the oral cavity and throat as well as blood investigations to rule out anemia.

If you can mail me a photograph of the oral cavity, I will be able to help you in a better way.

For the time being you can try the following measures which will give you some relief:
1. Drink plenty of warm water; avoid hot/cold food and beverages.
2. Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol and smoking if any.
3. Try taking mild anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac or paracetamol for the pain relief and multivitamins for increasing the body immunity.
4. Also, you can try taking short course of oral steroids such as prednisolone for a quick relief.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes, I do have received the images and I have examined it thoroughly. You seem to be having mucositis (inflammation of the mucosa) over the soft palate which could be secondary to the pharyngeal infection. If this is recurrent, then further evaluation has to be done to look for any chronic infection in the sinuses/throat and acid reflux disease.

The crackling sound could be either due to opening and closing of the Eustachian tube following sinus inflammation or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. In either of these conditions there can be noise in the ear during jaw movements and yawning as well as fullness in the ear.

CT scan of the paranasal sinuses will rule out any sinus pathology, it can also show any irregularities in the mouth. But for the ears, a different position has to be adapted and finer cuts are required; it is a high resolution CT scan of the temporal bone.

If you can revert back to me after the CT scan, I will be able to come to a conclusion and advice you accordingly. Meanwhile, you can follow the instructions as I mentioned in my previous response.

I wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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