mouth and dental disorders
Mouth Sores and Inflammation
Evaluation of Mouth Sores and Inflammation
Not all mouth sores require immediate evaluation by a doctor. The following information can help people decide whether a doctor’s evaluation is needed and help them know what to expect during the evaluation. In people with mouth sores, certain symptoms and characteristics are cause for concern for systemic disorders. They include Fever Blisters on the skin Inflammation of the eye Any sores in people with a weakened immune system (such as people with ) People who have warning signs should see a doctor right away. People who have no warning signs but have a lot of pain, feel generally ill, and/or have trouble eating should see a doctor within several days. All people with a sore that lasts for 10 days or more must be examined by a dentist or doctor to ensure that the sore is not cancerous or precancerous. Doctors first ask questions about the person's symptoms and medical history. Doctors ask people about their consumption of or exposure to food, medications, and other substances (such as tobacco, chemicals, toothpaste, mouthwashes, metals, fumes, or dust). Doctors need to know about all currently known conditions that might cause mouth sores (such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections , Doctors then do a physical examination. The mouth is inspected, noting the location and nature of any sores. Doctors then do a general examination to look for signs of systemic disorders that could affect the mouth. The skin, eyes, and genitals are examined for any sores, blisters, or rashes. What doctors find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the mouth sores and the tests that may need to be done. Sometimes cultures, blood tests, or biopsy The need for tests depends on what doctors find during the history and physical examination, particularly whether warning signs are present. People with a brief episode of mouth sores and no symptoms or risk factors for a systemic illness probably require no testing. In people with several episodes of mouth sores, viral and bacterial cultures and various blood tests are done. A biopsy may be done for persistent sores that do not have an obvious cause. Eliminating foods from the diet one at a time or changing brands of toothpaste, chewing gum, or mouthwash can be useful to determine whether a specific food or mouth care product is causing the sores. 