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What Causes A Ulcer In The Tongue?
I'm a healthy non-smoking 31 year old male. I had a tongue ulcer on the side of my tongue for over a month, and it's affecting my eating and swallowing a bit. I went to a dentist who gave me an antibiotic mouth wash and told me to come back in another month. I cancelled my appointment because I was away travelling for work. I just got back and called to reschedule my appointment, but they say they're busy and I'll have to wait until Friday. My mouth hurts, and though I know I'm not in a high-risk category it's raised around the edges in a way that looks like photos I see online of oral cancer. It hasn't changed much in these past two months but it's making me anxious and it's very annoying.
Was a dentist even the right person to go to? I'm not sure if I'm supposed to go to a dentist or doctor for this kind of thing, and should I just make a doctor appointment instead since my dentist is busy?
Was a dentist even the right person to go to? I'm not sure if I'm supposed to go to a dentist or doctor for this kind of thing, and should I just make a doctor appointment instead since my dentist is busy?
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 26 Jun 2014
Answered on
Fri, 27 Jun 2014
Last reviewed on
Hello!Thank you for posting here.
Visual inspection cannot be the criteria for oral cancer.Do not panic.Long standing ulcers can be due to other health concerns like behcets,lichenplanus,apthous etc.
Maintain good oral hygiene.Consider if you have a sharp tooth hurting the tongue.In that case,the tooth must be rounded.
Use baking soda or tetracycline mouth wash.Get complete scaling done.
Your dentist might consider topical steroid ointment in severe case.
A biopsy must be done if it persists longer than 2 months.You must see a oral surgeon to get the biopsy done.
Hope this helps.
Visual inspection cannot be the criteria for oral cancer.Do not panic.Long standing ulcers can be due to other health concerns like behcets,lichenplanus,apthous etc.
Maintain good oral hygiene.Consider if you have a sharp tooth hurting the tongue.In that case,the tooth must be rounded.
Use baking soda or tetracycline mouth wash.Get complete scaling done.
Your dentist might consider topical steroid ointment in severe case.
A biopsy must be done if it persists longer than 2 months.You must see a oral surgeon to get the biopsy done.
Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
I recommend that you schedule a visit with an oral surgeon. This is a fairly long time for an ulcerated area not to heal. Viruses may heal and reoccur. Stresses and other irritants can cause ulcers to return iin the same location. I am unsure from your description if you were given an actual diagnosis. What was the antibiotic in your Rinse? Did you take any medication? Anti-inflammatories may offer you some relief. You can try Tylenol, Advil or the antihistamine Benadryl. Warm salt water rinses are cleansing and soothing as well.
The back border of the tongue is an area of greater concern for a non-healing sore. The oral surgeon may order a biopsy for a diagnosis.
Keep well hydrated. This affects the health of your tissue and helps your healing ability. Maintain a proper diet, balanced vitamins and good daily oral hygiene.
Thank you for your inquiry. I believe a dentist is a good choice but would recommend you see a specialist at this point. I am glad to answer additional questions.
I recommend that you schedule a visit with an oral surgeon. This is a fairly long time for an ulcerated area not to heal. Viruses may heal and reoccur. Stresses and other irritants can cause ulcers to return iin the same location. I am unsure from your description if you were given an actual diagnosis. What was the antibiotic in your Rinse? Did you take any medication? Anti-inflammatories may offer you some relief. You can try Tylenol, Advil or the antihistamine Benadryl. Warm salt water rinses are cleansing and soothing as well.
The back border of the tongue is an area of greater concern for a non-healing sore. The oral surgeon may order a biopsy for a diagnosis.
Keep well hydrated. This affects the health of your tissue and helps your healing ability. Maintain a proper diet, balanced vitamins and good daily oral hygiene.
Thank you for your inquiry. I believe a dentist is a good choice but would recommend you see a specialist at this point. I am glad to answer additional questions.
I find this answer helpful
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