Dr. Naveen Thomas
Dentistry
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I noticed this on the side of my husband. It is only on the left side. He does have a geographic tongue but has never had a flare on that side at all. He has been chewing sunflower seeds like crazy due to softball season going on. He does not have aids or any immune system issues. He tried to brush it off but it did not come off. It came on suddenly. It was not there a month ago.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
It is just slight inflammatory reaction of tongue epithelium. Nothing to be worried about. It changes according to diet and will become normal in few days or week. Is there any irritation or burning sensation?
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
No burning or pain sensation at all. So is this reacting to the salt in the sunflower seeds? It is only on the left side which he said he holds the seeds there during the games. He does chew tobacco but I know for a fact this was not there a few weeks ago because he went in for his six months exam and everything was completely normal. So it popped up quickly. But the thought of cancer is always in the back of my mind. Should he avoid seeds until this returns back to normal?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is definitely not malignant but just a reactionary epithelial inflammation either to a food or diet. Follow a balanced diet to prevent such lesions. Use warm salt water gargle twice a day for a week to help in healing. So no need to worry at all. Can be the salt if in excess but cannot say for sure.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
So the white area all along the side has resolved but there is still one area on the edge lateral border of his younger that is white and has not seemed to change or go away. I looked at his note and that is the same area he had a upper molar puller a year ago. I do not know if it has been like this a while or just appeared. Again my mind goes to something malignant since he is a smokeless tobacco user.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
They are not at all malignant but anatomical features seen on the tongue due to constant movement. No need to worry at all about it. The whitish appearances are due to a varied thickness of keratinized epithelium at the different area.
Patient's Query
Hello
Welcome back to icliniq.com I still have no doubt that it is not malignant at all. so please do not worry. tongue epithelium changes colour and texture sometimes due to our changed biting habit or food etc. It is also not a type of precancerous lesion. Still if you are in any doubt, get a direct consultation, but they will suggest a biopsy to relieve your apprehensions. Thank you
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Dentistry
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