Pain or Swelling in the Mouth
Pain or swelling in the mouth can develop for a variety of reasons. If you are experiencing pain and/or swelling in the roof of the mouth, inside of your cheeks, gums, or tongue, contact your periodontist to schedule an evaluation. Once the underlying cause is determined, a treatment plan can be developed.
Common Causes of Mouth Pain or Swelling
- Mouth Sores: Canker sores are small ulcers that develop on the roof of your mouth, tongue and inside of your cheek. Canker sores are white with a red border and can cause a burning and tingling sensation. Treatment for canker sores includes corticosteroids, antibiotic treatment, or an antimicrobial rinse, although they will generally heal on their own. While most mouth sores are relatively minor, they can also be an early indication of oral cancer, which is why it is important to have any sores that are painful or persistent evaluated to determine the underlying pathology.
- Mouth or Tooth Injury: Physical trauma is a common cause for mouth pain or swelling and can range in severity. In some cases, this pain or swelling will go away over time, but if this physical trauma results in issues such as a cracked or broken tooth or the loss of a tooth or teeth, it may be necessary to seek care from your dentist to correct the underlying trauma. Ice therapy and over-the-counter pain-relieving medication may be helpful in managing pain or swelling until treatment can be performed.
- Tooth Decay: If you develop a throbbing or painful sensation in your mouth, this may be an indication of tooth decay. If the decay is in the early stages, a filling may be adequate in addressing the cavity. If the decay is more advanced, a root canal may be necessary to relieve your discomfort and halt the infection. While many people have anxiety about having a root canal procedure performed, it is important to know that this procedure will actually relieve you of pain and increase the likelihood that you will be able to preserve your tooth.
- Dry Mouth: Patients with dry mouth may experience a range of issues, including swelling on the roof of the mouth, cavities, cracked lips, a rough tongue, mouth sores, and chronic bad breath. In some cases, dry mouth can be corrected by the patient committing to staying hydrated and eating foods like almonds and carrots, which stimulate saliva production. For more severe cases, medications may be prescribed to increase saliva production.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease affects over half of all adults in America and can cause a range of oral health issues to develop. In the early stages of gum disease, common issues include gums that bleed easily or are swollen. As gum disease progresses, more serious issues may develop, such as gum recession, infected teeth, and eventually tooth loss. The best way to avoid gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene habits, eat a healthy diet, and schedule regular dental cleanings and exams.