Ulcer and white spots on roof of mouth

apache

So I've had some gum pain for quite some time so bit the bullet and made an appointment with my dentist yesterday for a check up and clean. Teeth are very sensitive so find the whole cleaning process painful.

Anyway the painful part of my gum turns out to be an ulcer and she noticed white spots on the roof of my mouth. These combined may or may not be cancer. She referred me to the Dental Hospital for a biopsy so I'm just waiting on an appointment for that.

I suppose an ulcer could just be an ulcer but what could be the reasons for the white spots? I'm just a bit worried about it and looking for any advice anyone has to offer.

Did the dentist mention cancer?

White spots can be caused by all kinds of infection, bacteria, viral or fungal, and within each of those there are different versions. It can be unrelated to infection, if I don't let the outside of an icepop melt I'll get manky-looking white blisters on my tongue for the next day. 😅 If you can get a GP appointment quick-ish I'd do that to hopefully put your mind somewhat at ease.

apache

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119292655#Comment_119292655

Thanks for your reply. Yeah she mentioned cancer and said she was concerned which makes me concerned.

I should not overthink it though as I tend to be a worrier. It could be a reasonable explanation for it like an infection as you say.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119292655#Comment_119292655

GPs are far less informed about oral pathology than Dentists, who often receive referrals from GPs to check areas of concern in the mouth. So best not to give advice about dental matters unless you are a dentist.

Op, we regularly refer patients for biopsy/investigation to oral surgeons or ENTs. This is more precautionary than concern, if there is a unusual or unexplained area of soft tissue in the mouth which doesn’t appear to be due to dental/gingival infection, we like to get it checked for both the Dentist’s and more importantly the patient’s piece of mind. It is more likely to be a benign inflammatory response to something than it is to be cancerous. So, though it is easy for me to say, please do not worry, go to the appointment when it comes and get it checked.

apache

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119293096#Comment_119293096

Thanks very much for that. I will. I also don't think my GP would be any use. The dentist is probably just being careful and thorough. I feel a bit better about it.

apache

So I had my appointment in the dental hospital this morning. I have to say I was very pleased with how I was treated. Very professional and friendly and put me at ease. Referring me onto a specialist for the white patches and I have another appointment in two weeks time for a biopsy of the ulcer if it is still there then but I think it's healing.

Unfortunately I got a call to say they had deleted all my photos by accident so I have to go back in Monday to get them retaken but these things happen. Getting well looked after anyway.