Pain or Swelling in Mouth
Whether it is a burning sensation, bleeding gums, or tooth sensitivity, most people will experience pain in their mouth at some point in life. Occurring anywhere in the mouth, swelling and pain can affect the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth (palate), and inside of the cheeks.
From mild discomfort to severe pain, understanding the underlying cause of the swelling and pain is important so that appropriate treatment can be recommended. Patients experiencing severe swelling or pain should consult a dentist as soon as possible. This article will examine some of the more common causes of mouth pain and their related treatments.
- Mouth Sores: There are numerous reasons why mouth sores can develop. Sores can develop on the outside of the mouth (i.e. cold sores) or inside the mouth (i.e. canker sores). Canker sores are amongst the most common mouth sores and often develop on the tongue, roof of the mouth, and inside of the cheeks. Small ulcers that can cause burning and tingling before they are visible, canker sores ultimately are identifiable by white lesions with red borders.
- Generally, canker sores will heal on their own but if they persist or are very painful, consulting a dentist is advisable. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids to treat the sore and also ensure the sore is not the symptom of an underlying oral cancer.
- Tooth or Mouth Injury or Trauma: From sports injuries, slip and falls, or an accident, it is easy to damage the mouth or teeth. Depending on the extent of the damage, severe swelling and pain can occur. Should a tooth be cracked or damaged, sensitivity issues can also occur. Treatment options vary based on the area and extent of damage but could include dental bonding, crowns, veneers, or implants.
- Tooth Decay: Unexpected sharp pain or throbbing could indicate tooth decay. Tenderness when eating and sensitivity to cold and hot could also point to a cavity that needs to quickly be addressed by a dentist. If caught early, tooth decay can be stopped or reversed with fluoride treatments. However, if tooth decay is not treated and left to advance, fillings, implants, root canals, or tooth extraction could be needed.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva has several essential functions in the mouth including maintaining moisture, washing debris and bacteria from the teeth, and preventing acids from eroding the tooth enamel. A chronic issue that develops when the salivary glands fail to keep the inside of the mouth moist, dry mouth can lead to mouth sores, bad breath, cracked lips, cavities, and swelling. Minor cases of dry mouth may be alleviated by drinking more water but more severe cases will likely require consultation with a dentist. The dentist will identify the underlying cause and could prescribe treatments like artificial saliva or medications.
- Gum Disease: One of the most common oral health problems amongst American adults, gum disease begins with a buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums (gingivitis). The plaque eats away healthy mouth structures resulting in swelling, bleeding, and bad breath. When treated early, gum disease can be managed with regular dental cleanings along with routine flossing and brushing. Should gingivitis be left untreated and allowed to advance into periodontitis, tooth loss, gum recession, and bone loss can all occur.
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