Is It Necessary to See a Dentist for My Gums After a Strep Throat Diagnosis?
Hello everyone, I'm a 33-year-old female, standing at 160 cm and weighing 73 kg. I have a history of smoking for nearly two decades, although I've significantly cut back lately. On February 7, I received a diagnosis of strep throat and was prescribed Penicillin. It all began on February 1 when I developed a sore throat, which I initially linked to smoking a couple of cigarettes just two days earlier. However, the pain persisted, and by February 5, I noticed some sores forming in my mouth. After confirming strep throat on February 7, I began my antibiotic treatment. While the throat pain and fever improved, I’m concerned because my gums have become increasingly sensitive, and I'm still experiencing new sores. Additionally, my lymph nodes remain swollen. My work hours can be unusual, which makes it tough for me to visit a dentist. I'm wondering if I should head to the emergency room, or if I can expect the antibiotics to resolve these gum issues over time. To help with this, I’ve been doing saltwater and peroxide rinses several times a day, along with diligent flossing and brushing, but it’s still been quite painful and uncomfortable.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 3:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your gum sensitivity and the sores in your mouth following a strep throat diagnosis. While strep throat itself primarily affects the throat, it can lead to other oral issues, especially if you've been experiencing prolonged irritation or sores.
Explanation
The sensitivity in your gums and the presence of new sores could be attributed to several factors, including:
- Direct irritation: The strep infection and associated sore throat might be contributing to inflammation in your mouth and gums.
- Antibiotic effects: Antibiotics like Penicillin can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth, sometimes leading to soreness or oral thrush.
- Smoking history: Even if you've reduced your smoking, it can still affect your oral health and healing process.
Your current self-care routine with saltwater and peroxide rinses is beneficial, as these can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, persistent pain and sensitivity may indicate that further attention is needed.
Next Steps
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Continue with your rinses: Keep up the saltwater and peroxide rinses, but if you notice worsening symptoms or if the rinsing causes more irritation, consider discontinuing the peroxide and focusing solely on saltwater.
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Monitor symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the swelling in your lymph nodes persists beyond a week, if the pain worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms like fever or significant difficulty swallowing, that would be a reason to seek further care.
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Consider urgent care: Since your work schedule makes dental visits difficult, if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, visiting an urgent care facility might be a practical alternative to the emergency room. They can provide a quick evaluation of your oral health.
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Consult a dentist when possible: Once your schedule allows, plan to see a dentist to discuss your gum sensitivity and any ongoing oral health concerns. They can provide tailored advice and treatment options.
Pay attention to your body, and don't hesitate to seek help if you're feeling unwell or if your symptoms are concerning you.
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