A Spot In The Mouth May Resolve On Its Own, Or Not. Know When To React.

Posted on Jul 01, 2019 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Having a sore spot in the mouth occurs from time to time. Biting the inside of the cheek, foods that are highly acidic, or stress can all lead to sores.

Some viruses and other conditions can contribute to worse problems, however. It is important to know what to look for when it comes to an unusual spot in the mouth. Knowing when to watch and when to see a dentist could be a literal lifesaver.

Fortunately, most sores in the mouth resolve on their own. These include…

Canker Sores
Small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth. They are not contagious but their exact cause is uncertain. Some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved. Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible. Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or so. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics, steroid preparations,  and antimicrobial mouth rinses can provide temporary relief.

Cold Sores
Also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, these are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips, under the nose, or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious. Herpes lesions look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters that are most common around the edge of the lips. An outbreak may follow a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions or emotional upset. Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the duration of these kinds of viral infections.

Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia cause one or more white patches or spots (lesions) to form inside the mouth. Most who have the condition are males between the age 50 – 70. Although leukoplakia can be caused by a rough tooth or an irregular surface on a denture or a filling, it is often associated with heavy smoking or other tobacco and heavy alcohol. In some cases, however, the cause cannot be determined. Leukoplakia is especially concerning because it can eventually develop into oral cancer.

What will NOT resolve on its own and requires prompt evaluation are changes to oral tissue that do not heal within 14 days. DO NOT DELAY! This is a symptom of Oral Cancer. Nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal (throat) cancer each year. These cancers kill about 1 person every hour, every day.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer that are most common include:

• white or red patch of tissue
• lesion in the mouth
• difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
• persistent sore throat
• a lump or mass inside the mouth or neck
• wart-like mass
• numbness in the oral/facial region

The survival rate is one of the worst of all cancers, with only 57 percent estimated to be living 5 years from diagnosis. The death rate is higher than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, thyroid cancer, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

Although the death rate has seen a slight decrease since 1980, some symptoms do not emerge until the cancer has reached advanced stages. This is because lesions or discolorations that are early warning signs are not always visible, particularly in the back portion of the mouth (the oropharynx, the tonsils, and base of tongue), which can be an obstacle to early diagnosis and treatment.

This is yet another reason that keeping your regular oral hygiene exam and cleanings is so important. During these times, your dentist and hygienist look for unusual changes in the mouth that can indicate a problem. Please remember – NEVER wait until your scheduled appointment to have anything unusual examined.

Although a stubborn canker or cold sore may not be welcome, they tend to go away in a week or ten days. Again, if an unusual spot or sore is still present after two weeks, call our Asheville periodontal office at 828-274-9440 immediately for an appointment.