My tongue is raised on the sides with paleness. Are these symptoms to be concerned?

Hello doctor,

I decided to look at my tongue a couple of days ago, and it seems to be pale or raised on the sides. I am not sure if this is normal or if it is something to be concerned about. I accidentally bite my cheeks and tongue while I am trying to sleep (I sleep on my sides with my arm pressing against my cheek, which presses it in between my teeth. My tongue has felt a bit swollen lately, so I notice my teeth are coming down onto the sides and resting like that for a while before I see.

I also started using a new electric toothbrush. Before that, I did not take care of my teeth well by any means. I would not brush for weeks at a time, and then brush once, and repeat. This is a powerful toothbrush I have been using. I am noticing now that there is some pale tissue right around my teeth and then regular, pink gum right below that. I am not sure if that could be pus or if it is from decay.

My gum line has receded in that area, and there is decay on those teeth (whitish spots and some yellow). I have a horrible phobia of disease, and I have been finding information on terrible illnesses. Do these things sound like oral cancer or something worse? Or changes from finally taking care of my teeth (it has been about two weeks since starting this toothbrush regimen, twice a day).

My mouth also feels dry and feels slightly burn-y in one area (inner cheek), but I even had been brushing that area with the electric toothbrush. It did not burn before that. I also have several nutritional deficiencies, and I have not been able to eat much lately from anxiety (my mom has breast cancer, and I have school anxiety). Could this be HPV or another disease? Or am I just worrying excessively (I have horrible anxiety, but I am also trying to get realistic advice)? Is this just from biting down on my tongue and cheek during sleep and or not taking care of my teeth or from the new toothpaste or toothbrush use?

Thank you doctor,

I am wondering where to start at first. So let us talk about your oral hygiene. Maintain oral health properly, and I think you are using a hard bristles toothbrush. An electric toothbrush is not well to develop oral hygiene properly.

1. Do not get anxiety that much. If you feel anxious, then smell something good and relaxing like a perfume or flower that will help you to get rid of it.

2. Do not get depressed as I read in your description. Meet people and enjoy yourself out in the environment.

3. The sleeping position is needed to be changed. Just sleep in a straight posture without a pillow.

4. For dryness, drink lots of water every day that will cure dryness and also help you to maintain oral hygiene. Drink water, especially before bed to avoid dehydration.

5. For receding gums, I suggest you visit a dentist and consult them to treat them. It is a general condition of gums that happens when we don't maintain oral hygiene. There is no chance of cancer until and unless you are a heavy smoker and drinker and have other bad habits.

6. You are not suffering from anything like HPV. You are fit; need some more oral care and other attention.

7. To correct your teeth, ask the dentist to fix them, and if there is need of replacement, then it is better you replace some teeth if suggested.

8. Do not overthink. It is just a common condition that happens when we do not maintain oral hygiene. And the tongue and cheek bites will be Cured with drinking Water, eating spicy food, avoid extreme hot food and drinks. Eat and drink cold will help you a lot.

9. The teeth are not coming down, it feels when we wake up. I hope you get almost all your answers.