Oral Growths: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help - Dentistry

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When it comes to oral growths, particularly those that arise after trauma or irritation, it's essential to understand the underlying causes, potential treatments, and when to seek professional help. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be dealing with a form of oral mucosal hyperplasia, which is a benign growth that can occur in response to irritation or injury.


Understanding Oral Growths
1. Causes: Oral growths can arise from various factors, including:
- Trauma: As you mentioned, the initial ulcer or sore from biting the inside of your mouth can lead to irritation. When the area heals, it may form a growth as a protective response.

- Chronic Irritation: Continuous biting or rubbing against a rough surface (like a tooth) can cause the tissue to thicken or grow.

- Infections: Certain infections can lead to the formation of growths or lumps in the mouth.

- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to changes in oral tissues, leading to growths.

- Underlying Conditions: Conditions like fibromatosis or other systemic diseases can manifest as oral growths.

2. Symptoms: The growth you described is likely non-painful, which is a good sign. However, if it becomes painful, changes in color, or shows signs of infection (like swelling or discharge), it would warrant further investigation.


Treatment Options
1. Observation: If the growth is not causing any discomfort and does not interfere with your daily activities, your dentist may recommend simply monitoring it for changes over time.

2. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Ensure that you are brushing and flossing regularly to prevent food particles from getting trapped around the growth, which could lead to irritation or infection.

3. Surgical Removal: If the growth becomes bothersome, painful, or shows signs of significant change, surgical removal may be an option. This is typically a straightforward procedure performed in a dental office or oral surgery clinic. The tissue can be sent for histopathological examination to rule out any serious conditions.

4. Medications: In some cases, if the growth is associated with inflammation, your dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or topical treatments to help reduce irritation.


When to Seek Help
You should consider seeking professional help if:
- The growth changes in size, shape, or color.

- It becomes painful or starts bleeding.

- You experience difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

- There are signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or discharge.

- You have any other concerning symptoms, such as persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.


Conclusion
In summary, the growth you are experiencing is likely a benign response to irritation from the previous ulcer. However, it is essential to keep an eye on it and maintain good oral hygiene. If you have any concerns or if the growth changes, do not hesitate to consult with your dentist or an oral surgeon for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management. Regular dental check-ups can also help in monitoring any changes in your oral health.