Hi doctor, I have pain in some tooth on the right side of the jaw. I went to a dentist, and the doctor did an X-ray. The dentist concluded that it is probably due to clenching or grinding of the tooth. He suggested me a mouthguard. I have given impressions for a mouth guard. But still, I have mild pain. For a few weeks back, I have realized that I am biting the inner part of the cheek and tongue. After a week, I had an ulcer or sore in my mouth. It does not get healed. I saw a doctor again, and he prescribed me Orajel and an antifungal mouth rinse. I have attached the images of the mouth sore which is not healing. Could you please take a look at the picture of the sore on my inner part of the mouth? Please suggest me whether it is the first sign of oral cancer. Do I need to get screened? How long should I have to wait for the mouth ulcer or the sore to get healed?
Hi. I have gone through the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It looks like a well indurated mucosal ulcer. Being oral cancer is unlikely. Please mention about your habits regarding tobacco chewing or any other habit. Generally, oral ulcer takes three to four weeks to get healed. It depends on the cause. There are multiple causes such as vitamin deficiency, iron deficiency, viral and other immunocompromised diseases. Do CBC (complete blood count), VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory test), vitamin B12, and folic acid. Revert me with the reports. Continue using an antifungal mouth rinse, use Orajel (Benzocaine) and take B complex tablets daily for 15 days.