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What Causes Persistent Shedding Of The Oral Mucosa Inside Mouth?

Posted on Sat, 4 Jun 2016

Question: The inside of my mouth is shedding-it's really the inside of my lips and the roof of my mouth I just had a biopsy to rule out possible autoimmune diseases but it came back negative. The oral surgeon says he's "at a loss" and doesn't know how to help. Just said some people have skin in their mouth that peels like the skin on your arm. This has been happening for about two years so I have to imagine it's being caused by something. I have tried SLS free toothpaste, stopped whitening toothpastes, stopped mint...I'm out of ideas and hope someone can help with a way to manage this. I'm desperate for an answers-I'm in sales and in a very visible role. I can't have peeling skin build up in my mouth while I'm talking.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like Oral Epithileolysis..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain it seems that you have a persistent shedding of the Oral mucosa inside mouth and in case of your investigations for any autoimmune disease is negative, it can be due to a number of other causes like
Allergic reaction or contact dermatitis to any component of toothpaste ( can be Sodium lauryl sulphate or even others), any medical conditions like Lichen Planus etc..

I would like to know a few more details so that Ican guide you further..

1. Do you have a dry mouth?
2.Do you take any Medication?
3.Are you having a habit of chewing chewing gums or suck candies throughout the day?
4.Do you have a cheek biting habit?
5.Do you have any known allergies?

Kindly revert back with answers..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

Thanks for your reply. I have already tried SLS free and mint free toothpastes as well as toothpaste without whitening components. I do not have dry mouth, I do occasionally chew gum and do take medication. That said, My gum chewing habits have not changed or increased and I have taken the same medications for over 10 years-Wellbutrin, Yaz, omemprazole. So nothing is different since this sloughing has started two yeas ago. I do not bite or chew my cheeks and the only known allergy is to Sulfa. I have read about lichen plancus and my symptoms don't sound similar.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like Idiopathic Oral Epitheliolysis..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome Again..

As per your answers, you do not seem to have any underlying cause for the problem and in that case it can be Idiopathic which means without any known underlying cause..

But still to check for the confirmation I would suggest you to consult an Oral Pathologist and get evaluated and he can advise you oral swab culture, blood tests etc to look for the possible underlying causes and eliminating the cause can relieve the symptoms..

As of now you can start taking the following remedies as they can provide you some relief:
1.Use a very soft toothbrush to brush your teeth and avoid overzealous brushing..
2.Take multivitamin supplements..
3.Take a nutritious diet and drink plenty of water..
4.Avoid spicy and hot foods..
5.Do warm saline gargles..
6.Limit smoking and drinking [in case if you do].

Any further queries are welcome..

Regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (22 minutes later)

What possible things would a pathologist test for or look for?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Will check for conditions as described below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome back..

The pathologist will take swabs from inside of mouth and will check for problems like any infections like fungal infection..

You will also be checked for diseases like Lupus, Pemphigus etc..

Blood tests can be carried out to check for allergies other than sulpha drugs like food allergies, side effects of medication etc.

Once the cause will be ruled out then you can be treated for the same and treatment of underlying cause will resolve the symptoms.

Any further queries are welcome.

Regards.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina