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How Can Canker Sores Post Mucosal Injury From Vigorous Brushing Of Teeth And Gums Be Treated?

Posted on Mon, 17 Jan 2022

Question: 2 days ago, I began brushing my mouth and gums vigorously to prepare for a mouth swab drug test (thc). Turns out it’s pretty easy to rub the area raw. Right where the bottom of the gum meets the bottom of the cheek, in that crease. The next day (yesterday) the areas looks like long white canker sores maybe 1/3 inch long. Also yesterday I woke up with pain in my arms both shoulder to elbow and in my thighs to behind my knees. I did touch the areas in my mouth the first day a few times without washing my hands, not thinking, and didn’t use a new tooth brush when the damage first occurred. The pain appears to be my lymph nodes, but none are swollen - just tender. I’m wondering if I could have potentially infected the wound in my mouth and the body lymph nodes are a reaction to that? Possibly something in the blood stream or something? Thanks! Btw yesterday I also had watery diarrhea and a slight fever of 100 which have both gone away today, still in pain though.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mucosal injury due to vigorous brushing.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

From your explanation, the long white canker sores is the area of mucosal injury due to vigorous brushing.
It has caused the mucosa to get injured and ulcerated.
The area needs not to be necessarily infected.
Do not worry it will heal gradually.
If it is painful you can apply Lidocaine gel over it.
If you suspect infection you can apply Chlorohexidine gel over it.
Do warm saline gargles.
Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth.
Do not injure the area again.

Please revert for further queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (29 minutes later)

I’m honestly more concerned about the pain I have in my arms and legs. I’m curious if the tender and painful lymph nodes in my shoulders - elbows and thighs - knees could be a result of that. It’s fairly painful.

I’m not so worried about my mouth, I understand I rubbed the area raw, I’m mostly concerned about the pain, diarrhea, and slight fever I had after that occurred, and if it could have been due to touching those open sores with an old tooth brush, my unwashed hands, etc. looking for an answer in regards to lymph node pain. Thank you. Not sure if you’ll be able to answer as a dentist or if you’ll have to pass the question off to a MD.

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (6 minutes later)

I’m not so worried about my mouth, I understand I rubbed the area raw, I’m mostly concerned about the pain, diarrhea, and slight fever I had after that occurred, and if it could have been due to touching those open sores with an old tooth brush, my unwashed hands, etc. looking for an answer in regards to lymph node pain. Thank you. Not sure if you’ll be able to answer as a dentist or if you’ll have to pass the question off to a MD.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be viral infection, not probably related to the sore.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
The fever, diarrhea and the lymph node swelling can be most probably due to viral infection.
It does not look related to the sore inside the mouth.
Do not worry about it.
You can take Acetaminophen for pain as you said fever and diarrhea is no longer present ..
If the symptoms does not get better consult an Emergency room for a blood test.

Thanks.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj