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Although I am not able to diagnose online I do not believe that the bumps you are seeing on the back of your tongue are from smoking.Â
The top of the tongue normally has three types of papilla. The circumvallate papilla are found in a V shape at the back of the tongue, are typically the size of a pencil eraser and contain hundreds of taste buds. The fungiform papilla are the small (1 - 2 mm.) mushroom shaped bumps that are distributed evenly over the top of the tongue - from the tip to the back of the tongue - and they also contain taste buds. The filliform papilla are the little hair like projections distributed evenly over the top of the tongue. The filliform papilla are made of keratin (like hair) and they protect the surface of the tongue.
The bumps on the back of your tongue should be biopsied to rule out a viral origin (like a wart) as they are not consistent with the size or distribution pattern of the typical papilla seen on the tongue.
Please remember that this is only a clinical impression and not a diagnosis.
I suggest that you see an oral surgeon and that the biopsy be sent to a pathologist familiar with oral pathology.
I hope that this helps.
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

If you can post more information Ion your symptoms I may be able to guide you to a specific specialist.
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

I am sorry to hear that you have been having severe pain. You did not mention if this was an acute (sudden) or chronic (long term) problem.the reason I am asking is that I am not sure of I should suggest that you see an oral surgeon, a specialist in oral pathology or a neurologist. If you are near a dental school you should see if they have a dentist who specializes in neuropathology.
There are a number of potential diagnoses and I strongly recommend that you have a face to face consultation since the pain you are having is severe enough to wake you up at night.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

Unfortunately I cannot provide accurate guidance without more clinical information. Howver, in general, nodules in the upper lip are slightly more worrisome that nodules in the lower lip which tend to be due to trauma. If the nodule is still present after a month I suggest that you see an oral surgeon for a biopsy and a definitive diagnosis.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

I am so pleased that you received a benign diagnosis! Your dentist was completely correct in requesting a biopsy and I applaud the swiftness of both the dentist and surgeon!
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

Laser treatment for periodontal disease can be an effective treatment for some patients. Without X-rays and a clinical exam it is not possible to determine if you would benefit from the procedure.
I strongly recommend that you see a periodontist - a gum specialist - for a second opinion prior to beginning the laser treatment. You can look online at the American Dental Educators Association web site to find a periodontist near you or if you have a dental school or a hospital with a dental department close to home you can make an appointment for a second opinion.
As this is a relatively new procedure you can ask your dentist why they prefer laser treatment over traditional surgical care and if they have had a chance to compare both procedures.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

The lesion is painful and long standing and obviously causing you both physical and psychological distress. I understand that you have had conflicting advice from multiple sources and I know that a biopsy can be scary however I strongly suggest that you have a biopsy and that the tissue should be sent to an oral pathologist for an accurate diagnosis.
On the positive side the leukoplakia has not changed in size, texture or color, and these are all good signs and suggest that the lesion is benign! The other benefit to having a biopsy - besides peace of mind - is that the process of having the biopsy done can actually help heal the affected lesion, the process of removing the lesion gets rid of dead tissue and brings fresh blood flow to the area which also supports and improves healing.
I suggest that you see your dentist who can smooth down any rough edges on your teeth. Orthodontic wax can temporarily be used to fill in the spaces between the teeth. If at all possible you should try not to play with the affected area as chronic irritation also can lead to swelling and pain.
If the leukoplakia has been present for more than six weeks it is not likely to resolve on its own and it should be biopsied. You need a definitive diagnosis so you can receive appropriate treatment.
I hope this helps, Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

I am sorry to hear you have been having bleeding gingiva (gums). You did not mention if the bleeding was spontaneous or if it occurred while you were brushing your teeth. If you could get back to me on that it would be helpful.
Typically bleeding gums are associated with gingivitis - inflammation of the gums without involvement of the bone - or periodontal disease which usually presents as gingivitis with associated bone loss.
You mentioned that you have good oral hygiene so I am assuming that you have been seeing your dentist regularly over the years. This means that you probably have a series of X-rays from past years. If you have not had a recent set you should consider having a full mouth series of X-rays taken now so your dentist can compare your current bone level to years past.
I would also consider having a consultation with a periodontist for a second opinion. Bring copies of your current and past X-rays for the periodontist to look at as well.
If the bleeding is not tooth related or it does not get better following dental hygiene treatment or periodontal treatment you should consider having a biopsy taken to get a diagnosis and confirm that the bleeding is a local problem confined to the mouth alone.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

Thanks for providing a photo! Although I cannot diagnose on line what you are describing (and showing) seems consistent with a mucocele. Mucocele are some of the most common lesions seen inside the mouth, they are completely benign and most are secondary to trauma.
Everyone has between 700 and 1000 minor salivary glands - you can feel them if you push your tongue up against your lower lip, they feel like small bumps just under the skin - and three pairs of major salivary glands.
The minor salivary glands are easily traumatized and form a 'water balloon' either when the duct (the tube that connects the gland and the inside of the mouth) is either blocked or severed.
Normally mucocele will go away on there own within a week. If it does not go away it may need to be removed by an oral surgeon in a very minor surgical procedure.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread

I am sorry that your husband has been having a decrease/change in his taste sensation. Although I cannot diagnose online I can tell you that the likelihood of the decrease/change in taste is probably not due to his surgery as there are no taste buds on the gum tissue.
Unfortunately there is very little written about taste disturbances other than that they are often associated with changes in ability to smell as well.If your husband has not seen an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor you might want to have him make an appointment for an assessment.
The other possibility is to contact a dental school near you, you can look at the American Dental Educators Association website for specific school locations near you, and ask if they are doing any clinical research on taste disturbances or if they have a dentist in the faculty who is knowledgeable about the subject.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Gwen Cohen BrownView Thread
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