A mouth ulcer which I've had for 5 weeks won't heal?

raspberrypie

Hi, sorry if this is overly long but bear with me if you can. Back in late November I came down with a chest infection and an ear infection. A few days later I got some type of mouth ulcer/gum infection. About a week or so later I went to my GP and was prescribed Co-Amoxiclav and prescription ear drops. The ear drops and Co-Amoxiclav seemed to get rid of the ear infection though the chest infection and gum problem remained. I was then put on a course of Clarithromycin, another antibiotic. That cleared up my chest infection but not the mouth ulcer.

I am in my 40's, I saw my dentist about 2 weeks ago, by that stage I had had the mouth ulcer for about 3 weeks. It is above an upper molar, almost right in the corner on the outside facing the cheek. I was given an appointment for over 3 weeks later. I moved the appointment ahead by a few days as I am worried it could be a sign of oral cancer. The dentist said if it hadn't cleared by then that an xray would be taken and I would be referred to a specialist via the HSE as I've a medical card.

It is just that two types of antibiotics haven't shifted it and it isn't going away on its own, I followed the dentists advice re: salt water rinses and Corsodyl gum gel. I am kind of thinking, if antibiotics don't shift it, is salted water and some gel going to? Or perhaps antibiotics aren't designed to "attack" it? I had been using a Chlorhexidine mouthwash for a couple of weeks and for a few days a 50/50 3% hydrogen peroxide and water rinse, the dentist said to stop using both? I wonder if I should start using the peroxide/water rinse again?

I am also wondering if its not some type of stubborn infection? Wiki is interesting but it can also give you nightmares. Ha. My better half took a look at it yesterday and said it was white with a yellow thing in it. Yum. Of course I'm hoping it's not a sign of oral cancer but when I read articles such as this: dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2449241/NEVER-ignore-mouth-ulcer-wont-heal-tragic-consequences.html and read up on mouth ulcers and oral cancer it is a worry.

Probably of no consequence but I also have asthma and lower back pain, since I fell ill in November, neither has been at me, I've only needed to take my asthma meds once in 5 weeks, before falling ill it was several times a day, and pretty much the same for pain and anti-inflammation meds for lower back pain? Really, really odd. I don't suppose theres an immunologist here? I think my auto-immune system is working overtime or something? Thanks.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Mouth ulcers are fairly common and have a whole loads of causes, however a ulcer that has not healed for 5 weeks is something that needs to be looked at. Mouth ulcers are rarely infections so antibiotics generally do very little. It could be a dead tooth that has a "sinus" of gum boil type infection. Best get to a dentist and if its not something they can take care of then referral to an appropriate specialist.

Good luck,

Oral Surgeon

I'll second this.
There are some conditions where ulcers can be prolonged... Generally any ulcer that lasts over 2 to 3 weeks needs investigation. And usually that means a biopsy....

Wilder Millions Pizza wrote: »

Mouth ulcers are fairly common and have a whole loads of causes, however a ulcer that has not healed for 5 weeks is something that needs to be looked at. Mouth ulcers are rarely infections so antibiotics generally do very little. It could be a dead tooth that has a "sinus" of gum boil type infection. Best get to a dentist and if its not something they can take care of then referral to an appropriate specialist.

Good luck,

raspberrypie

Well, luckily it healed up. Was given a two day course of prednisolone by my GP, applied each pill, just one pill each day, directly to the ulcer. Held it there until it dissolved. Cleared up, over a few days. Phew.

ani_mal

I recommend oil pulling on your teeth, every day in the morning for 20min use coconut oil (raw, unrefined) and it works great.
I also drink 500ml water with 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (unrefined with the mother) and I don't get sick anymore or have gum problems or yeast problems.