Two Unusual ENT Questions: Oral Injury Risks and Ear Pain Concerns

Two strange questions?

I have two somewhat silly questions.
The first one is: I just brushed my teeth and wanted to clean my wisdom teeth.
I used a toothbrush that I hadn't used in a while, which was a bit small.
Before using it, I only cleaned the brush head and didn't check if there were any foreign objects on the handle.
While brushing, the handle touched the inside of my mouth.
I want to ask the doctor: if by chance there was a foreign object on the handle and it poked the oral mucosa, would the sensation be very intense? Would I be able to notice it by looking in the mirror? I checked with my tongue, touched it with my hand, and looked in the mirror, and it feels temporarily normal, just a bit warm.
Do I need to seek medical attention for this?
The second question is: I have been wearing safety goggles frequently, which has resulted in what seems to be a bruise behind my ear that occasionally hurts.
Over time, could this lead to any risk of pathological changes? I apologize for asking such strange questions.
I would appreciate the doctor's response, as I have previously been in a car accident and have had long-term issues with brachial plexus pain and dizziness.
Although the pain has recently alleviated, I have noticed an increase in my sensitivity to pain and awareness of injuries that I previously didn't notice.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/04

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, based on your questions, the first one is about brushing your wisdom teeth.
You mentioned using an old toothbrush that was small and only cleaned the bristles before use, without checking for any foreign objects on the handle.
If the handle happened to have a foreign object and it poked the oral mucosa, would the sensation be intense? Would you be able to notice it by looking in the mirror? You checked with your tongue, touched it with your hand, and looked in the mirror, feeling that it was temporarily normal but just a bit warm.
Do you need to seek medical attention? -> If there is a foreign object that has punctured the oral mucosa, there is usually a significant pain sensation, and you might be able to feel it with your hand.
Additionally, after 2-3 days, there may be signs of pus formation.
It is advisable to seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.

The second question concerns the frequent use of safety goggles, which has resulted in what seems to be a bruise behind your ear, occasionally causing pain.
Is there a risk of long-term changes? -> If it is simply a contusion, it is unlikely to develop into a malignant tumor.
However, if there is a persistent bruising condition, it is still advisable to seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2019/10/04

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your questions, which, while they may seem unusual, are quite relevant to the concerns many individuals face regarding oral health and ear-related issues. Let's address each of your inquiries in detail.

Question 1: Oral Injury from Toothbrush
When using a toothbrush, especially one that hasn't been used in a while, it's crucial to ensure that both the bristles and the handle are clean. If the handle of the toothbrush had any foreign objects or debris, and it made contact with the oral mucosa, the sensation could indeed be quite intense. The oral cavity is highly sensitive, and any sharp or foreign object can cause immediate discomfort or pain.
If you experienced a sharp pain or a puncture sensation upon contact, it is advisable to inspect the area carefully. You mentioned that you checked with your tongue and fingers and found no visible issues. However, if you notice persistent pain, swelling, or any unusual changes in the mucosa, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough examination to rule out any potential lacerations or infections that may not be immediately visible.

Question 2: Ear Pain and Potential Blood Accumulation
Regarding your second question about the discomfort behind your ear after wearing goggles, this could be related to several factors. Prolonged pressure from goggles can lead to localized swelling or bruising, which might feel like a hematoma (a collection of blood outside of blood vessels). If this area is tender and you notice any discoloration, it is essential to monitor it closely.

While occasional discomfort may not be alarming, persistent pain or changes in the skin's appearance could indicate a more serious issue, such as an infection or a more significant hematoma that might require medical intervention. Additionally, if you have a history of trauma, such as from a car accident, it is crucial to be vigilant about any new symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by dizziness or neurological changes.

General Recommendations
1. Oral Care: Always ensure your toothbrush is clean before use. If you suspect any injury to your oral cavity, keep the area clean and avoid irritating substances (like spicy or acidic foods) until you can see a dentist or doctor.

2. Ear Pain: For the discomfort behind your ear, consider applying a warm compress to the area to help alleviate pain and promote blood flow. If the pain persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, it is essential to seek medical attention.

3. Monitoring Symptoms: Given your history of arm nerve pain and dizziness, it’s crucial to keep track of any new symptoms. If you notice any changes in sensation or increased pain, consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your overall health and any potential connections between your past injuries and current symptoms.

In conclusion, while your questions may seem trivial, they highlight the importance of being attentive to our bodies and seeking help when something feels off. Always prioritize your health and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Best wishes for your health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Managing Toothache and Ear Pain: A Guide for Reluctant Patients

Recently, my father experienced a rupture of hemorrhoids, resulting in bleeding on his underwear (a significant amount). He has lost several teeth (he previously consumed betel nut but has quit). He is experiencing pain in his lower left teeth, which is severe enough to cause dis...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: If there is a history of smoking and betel nut chewing, it is recommended to have regular oral mucosa examinations to facilitate the early detection of oral cancer. If you have health insurance, the costs of seeking treatment at a hospital should be significantly cheaper t...

Dealing with Tongue Injuries and Ear Noise: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Dr. Hong, I accidentally bit my tongue while eating fish and there was some bleeding. Now I have a small bump that looks like a blood blister. Should I just leave it alone and let it resolve on its own, or is it better to pop it? Also, at the time, I wasn't sure if I s...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. For a hole in the tongue, it is recommended not to burst the blister and let it heal on its own. No special treatment is necessary. 2. Prolonged exposure to the same sound can indeed lead to slight hearing damage; however, it depends on the volume and duration of exp...

Understanding Ear and Throat Issues: Seeking Answers from an ENT Specialist

Hello, Doctor. Regarding the two issues you mentioned, I didn't experience them initially. I first went to Chang Gung Hospital to see a doctor, who asked me to perform a jaw clenching motion. At that time, I heard a sound coming from my left ear, and the doctor mentioned it ...

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Hello, I am currently serving at the Taoyuan Hospital of the Department of Health in Neili. My outpatient hours are Tuesday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, and Thursday mornings. You are welcome to visit in person so that I can assist you in identifying the cause...

Addressing Common ENT Issues: Hearing Loss, Oral Sores, and Thyroid Nodules

Dear Dr. Yeh, Question 1: When the degree of hearing loss in the ear is approximately moderate, is there a possibility of restoring normal hearing, or will it continue to deteriorate? (After treatment prescribed by an otolaryngologist, there was no response.) Question 2: When a...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
1. If it is sensorineural hearing loss, hearing cannot be restored. 2. Please see a dentist first. 3. Please visit an outpatient clinic for a detailed examination to determine the cause of the condition.