Is My Mouth Injury Infected?
A few days ago, I had a small growth in my mouth which my periodontist removed on Tuesday for a biopsy. They mentioned that it was probably not cancerous, but they wanted to confirm. After the procedure, I received stitches and experienced a lot of pain on the same day, prompting me to take Motrin. I felt better the next day, although some discomfort returned the following morning. Now that it’s Friday, the pain has significantly decreased. The area where the wound is located appears to have a slight white or yellowish tint, but I am unsure whether this is due to the stitches or if it could indicate an infection. Since the second day, I have been rinsing my mouth with salt water to aid healing. Unfortunately, my periodontist's office is closed until Monday. If anyone can provide some insights or advice, I would be very grateful! *Edit: The link to the image isn’t functioning. If you’re willing to help, I can send it via direct message. Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 7:10:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about an injury in your mouth, especially after a biopsy. The symptoms you're describing—pain, slight discoloration, and the use of stitches—are quite common following such procedures. The discoloration can sometimes be normal and related to the healing process or the stitches, but it’s good to be aware of signs of potential infection.
Explanation
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Normal Healing: After a procedure like this, it’s common to experience pain and some discoloration as the body heals. The presence of a slight white or yellowish tint is often due to tissue healing or necrotic tissue (which is normal), rather than infection, especially if the pain is decreasing.
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Signs of Infection: Monitoring for signs of infection is important. Typical signs include:
- Increasing redness around the area
- Swelling
- Pus drainage (thick yellow or green fluid)
- Increased pain rather than improvement
- Fever, which could indicate a systemic infection
Next Steps
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Continue Rinsing: Keep rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. It helps with healing and reduces irritation.
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Pain Management: Continue taking Motrin (ibuprofen) as necessary for pain relief, following the recommended dosage. This can also help reduce inflammation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the area. If it becomes significantly more painful, or if you notice any of the signs of infection mentioned above, this would warrant more immediate attention.
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Rest and Hydrate: Ensure you stay hydrated and consider soft foods that are easy on the area.
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Contact Your Periodontist: If you don’t see improvement by Monday or if any concerning symptoms arise, contact your periodontist’s office as soon as they reopen to discuss your symptoms.
It sounds like you’re taking good care of yourself so far. If you're feeling significant worry or discomfort, trust your instincts and seek out help. Healing takes time, so be gentle with yourself during this process!
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