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Suggest Treatment For Inflamed And Swollen Tongue

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Posted on Tue, 2 Sep 2014
Question: I have inflamed/swollen foliate papillae on one side of my tongue. On the same side I had a crown fall out of my furthest back top molar and have not had it replaced yet. There are some sharp edges up there, but I don't remember biting my tongue. This has lasted about a week maybe. I also have dipped smokeless tobacco for years. I quit cold turkey as soon as I noticed this problem. I just want to ease my mind and hope the irritation is due to the sharp edges, but of course I am concerned about cancer. If the irritations are removed (dip/replace crown), should this problem go away and how long will it take? Also, any home remedies or over the counter products that can reduce swelling?

The other side has a minor inflammation too. On the top back side of the tongue above these areas it is somewhat white. The main swelling area is not really accompanied by any substantial pain, just irritatable
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshumala Singh (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Advised for biopsy

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome.
Thanks for sharing your concern.

After going through the history posted here,I can suggest you following things.

1.Please visit your dentist and get the sharp edges grounded,so that any further damage can be prevented.

2.On your visit to dentist please get a small biopsy done.This will not only give you mental relief but also exact diagnosis of the nature of the lesion developing there.

Regarding home remedies I would suggest only warm saline rinses for now.Because to rule out cancer it is required to get it properly examined first.

you can avoid on hot and spicy food stuff for time being as it interferes healing.
Drink plenty of fluids and maintain good oral hygiene.Please avoid stress and visit your dentist.

Hope it helps.
Let me know for further doubts.
Thanks.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anshumala Singh (32 minutes later)
I know that I should visit dentist. Problem is I am without insurance at the moment. So, I was going to see if the inflammation would go down first by simply not using tobacco, rinsing mouth with saltwater, increasing my multivitamins (especially B), drinking antioxidants and fluids over the next couple of weeks. Or do you think it is simply from friction, thus needing the crown put back on? I know you cannot answer %100 without a biopsy, but what is your educated/gut feeling.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshumala Singh (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Advised crown.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for reply.

All the measures that you are following are definitely going to help in reducing the inflammation. But it is very much required to ground the jagged teeth, So that it does not interfere in healing. If the sharp edges are not ground,it will continue to lacerate the area and produce fresh lesions. Therefore I would suggest you to get this done at the earliest.
If possible you can put the crown or else you can postpone it for time being until you are covered with insurance.

I had advised you for biopsy, so that you will not have stress related to cancer and you could be sure about the nature of developing lesion. If you can keep yourself positive and follow the measures that you are following then definitely even biopsy can be postponed.

Please observe the lesion closely for one month for any changes and based upon its symptoms you can decide further.Continue with good oral hygiene measures and get the sharp edges grounded.

Please let me know for further doubts.
Thanks.
Take care.


Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Anshumala Singh

Dentist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1010 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Inflamed And Swollen Tongue

Brief Answer: Advised for biopsy Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome. Thanks for sharing your concern. After going through the history posted here,I can suggest you following things. 1.Please visit your dentist and get the sharp edges grounded,so that any further damage can be prevented. 2.On your visit to dentist please get a small biopsy done.This will not only give you mental relief but also exact diagnosis of the nature of the lesion developing there. Regarding home remedies I would suggest only warm saline rinses for now.Because to rule out cancer it is required to get it properly examined first. you can avoid on hot and spicy food stuff for time being as it interferes healing. Drink plenty of fluids and maintain good oral hygiene.Please avoid stress and visit your dentist. Hope it helps. Let me know for further doubts. Thanks. Take care.