AMAB 25: Suspected Canker Sore?
For several years, I've noticed an uncomfortable sensation on the roof of my mouth that resembles a minor irritation. It tends to be sensitive and occasionally feels itchy. Despite consulting with dentists and healthcare professionals numerous times, none of them have addressed this issue directly. However, after I stopped vaping three months ago, I've observed an increase in sensitivity in that area. Should I have this examined by a professional? Are there any effective home remedies I could try? I simply want to understand how serious this might be so I can take appropriate action.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 10:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address any ongoing discomfort in your mouth, especially since you’ve experienced sensitivity and irritation for several years. While it may not indicate a serious issue, having persistent symptoms can warrant further investigation. To help you understand your situation better, let’s explore what might be happening and the steps you can take.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
- Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) typically cause painful sores and can be triggered by stress, food sensitivities, or other irritants. However, the persistent irritation you've described might not fit this profile.
- Your increased sensitivity since stopping vaping could be a reaction to the absence of irritants, leading to heightened awareness of any underlying issues.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a journal of when the irritation occurs, noting any patterns or potential triggers, such as certain foods or stress levels. This could provide valuable information for your next consultation.
-
Home Remedies:
- Saltwater Rinses: Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth a few times a day to help soothe irritation.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of spicy, acidic, or abrasive foods that might worsen your symptoms. Also, consider avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and help with any sensitivity.
-
Professional Evaluation:
- Consider Seeking a Specialist: While general dentists can help, you may benefit from seeing an oral pathologist or an ENT specialist who focuses on mouth and throat issues for a thorough examination. Given the duration of your discomfort, it’s prudent to get a professional opinion to rule out any underlying conditions.
Seek a professional evaluation if you notice any changes, such as new sores, prolonged healing time, or significant pain. Being proactive in your health is key, and you deserve clarity and relief from your symptoms. Let me know if you have more questions or need further information!
Related Questions
Navigating Neuropathy at 28: When Should You Seek Help?
Age: 28 Gender Identity: Female, FtM (they/them!) Current Medications: Effexor, Atenolol, Pepcid, Depo Testosterone Medical History: Diagnosed with POTS, Fibromyalgia, and a peptic ulcer. Hello everyone, I have been living with POTS since 2017 and fibromyalgia since 2020, although I suspect I had both much earlier. Two persistent issues I've struggled with for over five years are peripheral neuropathy and allodynia. My doctor is aware of these conditions, but they were so mild initially that they hardly warranted discussion during my diagnosis. Recently, however, both symptoms have worsened significantly. When I remain still—whether seated or lying down—I experience tingling sensations radiating through my legs. Additionally, resting on my side causes my hand to clench uncontrollably into a painful, numb fist, which only feels worse as sensation gradually returns. As someone who enjoys creating art, it’s frustrating that gripping a pencil or my phone for too long leads to numbness in my hand and wrist, along with sharp discomfort. I’m already implementing stretches and techniques to mitigate the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The allodynia manifests as painful patches the size of my hand on my thighs, ankles, and forearms that feel like they are raw or have been irritated with sandpaper or stinging nettle, even though there are no visible issues. This discomfort intensifies when I’m fatigued and at rest, especially as I attempt to drift off to sleep. Unfortunately, these symptoms are starting to disrupt my daily life more than before. What used to be just a mild annoyance has escalated into a persistent challenge that can interfere with both my rest and my creative work. On a pain scale, I’d rate it around a 3 or 4, but its constancy makes it quite bothersome. My primary concern is whether there are effective remedies for this type of pain. Should I consult my doctor, and subsequently a neurologist? Or would it be more beneficial to concentrate on cognitive therapies and stretching exercises, simply adopting coping methods? I fear that these pains may simply be another aspect of living with fibromyalgia, and I might have to resign myself to that reality, but I cannot shake the uncertainty.
Concerns Surrounding ASCUS Pap After History of Complex Hyperplasia with Atypia
I am a 43-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds. I have concerns regarding my health, particularly after receiving news about a recent pap smear. My race is Caucasian, and I live in the USA. In 2017, I was diagnosed with complex hyperplasia with atypical cells, leading to a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure that revealed no additional abnormalities. Subsequently, I started a conservative treatment regimen involving a combination of birth control pills. In 2020, a diagnosis of CIN II was made following an HPV infection, which led to a loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) that showed clear margins. I received the HPV vaccine in 2022 and had normal pap smear results until recently. Now it's 2025, and I've been notified of an ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) pap result, which was HPV negative. The result arrived via email at 5:30 PM, and I am currently in a state of panic. I struggle with anxiety related to cancer, especially concerning women’s health issues given my previous medical history and the discomfort from estrogen-related symptoms. While I understand that ASCUS itself is often not a cause for immediate concern, I've been experiencing pelvic pain localized to the lower left side, near my ovary, for approximately three months. During my last pap examination, my doctor mentioned scheduling an ultrasound, which raises a few questions. Could the ASCUS result indicate changes in my endometrial cells? I had been taking Slynd, a progesterone-only pill, resulting in suppressed menstrual cycles for about two years, but I switched to Nikki due to some associated androgenic effects. Now, my periods have returned with light spotting and one particularly heavy episode about a month ago. It’s been around 3 or 4 years since my last endometrial biopsy. Should I consider requesting one now? Additionally, my most recent ultrasound was two years back, which showed a thin endometrium. Is it advisable for me to seek a second opinion from an oncologist, someone I’ve never consulted before? Alternatively, would proceeding with a hysterectomy be the right move to alleviate my fears? I am genuinely worried that my treatment approach has been too cautious, leaving me with potential risks. I would appreciate any guidance or advice on how to move forward with my situation.
Concern About a Small Bump in a Sensitive Area
Hello everyone, I'm a 25-year-old male and I've noticed a small bump in a delicate region, specifically on the lower part of the shaft, nearer to my body. This isn’t the first time I've observed something like this; it has occurred occasionally in the past. The bump resembles a cyst; while it isn't painful when touched, it does feel somewhat unusual. Its color is slightly reddish, but not excessively so. There’s a firmness to it, suggesting it might be an ingrown hair or a similar issue. I am currently in a monogamous relationship and active with my partner. I haven't undergone any STI testing in the past few years, as I haven't felt the necessity—trusting my partner, using protection consistently, and not displaying any symptoms have contributed to this choice. Could this bump possibly be a result of a clogged pore or sweat gland? I typically wear heavy trousers for work, and the recent hot weather may not provide optimum ventilation in that area. I plan to consult a physician when possible, but in my region, finding a doctor is challenging, with wait times extending beyond a month. I appreciate any insights you might have!
Uncomfortable Bump on Scrotum
I'm a 16-year-old male, and after being intimate, I discovered a minor, itchy bump on my scrotum that resembles a mosquito bite. There's also one located at the junction of my stomach and thigh. These bumps don't exhibit any blistering, and both my partner and I are free from sexually transmitted diseases as far as I am aware; neither of us has been unfaithful. Therefore, I doubt it's an STD. This is a new experience for me, and I'm curious about what it could be and what steps I should take. One potential factor might be my allergy to dogs; my partner owns one, and we were at her place during our encounter. It's possible that this reaction could be due to dog hair, considering the sensitivity of that area. I've looked into latex allergies related to condoms, but I don't believe that’s the issue since I have not experienced this before. I'm looking for clarity, especially since the bump on my thigh seems to be fading. I'm just concerned that it might indicate something more serious.
Can Spoiled Milk Transmit Prion Diseases Like vCJD?
Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here, so I hope I'm adhering to the guidelines. I’m feeling quite anxious right now. Lately, I’ve been dealing with some low moods, but I finally mustered the motivation to tidy up my dorm. In the corner near my front entrance, I discovered the remnants of a milk spill that occurred around two months ago. While I can't recall the exact brand, it was likely just conventional full-cream milk that had been pasteurized and homogenized. Clearly, it had spoiled, and although I'd thrown away the bottle long ago, some of the milk had leaked, leaving a stain on the floor. While cleaning the mess a little while ago, my hand brushed against the area where the residue was. Now, I'm quite anxious because I can’t shake off the thought that the proteins in that spoiled milk might have misfolded and begun creating prions, leaving me at risk of infection. I realize this may sound irrational, especially since I'm undergoing treatment for anxiety; however, prions genuinely frighten me, and I would appreciate any insights about whether this is a valid concern. Just for context, I’m in Australia, where there have supposedly been no reported cases of BSE or vCJD, but you can never be too sure. Thank you so much for any help!