Lesions

Surgical Removal Of Lesions

Lesions Explained and Treatment

Occasionally, due to excessive exposure to sunlight, people will develop cold sores on the outside of their mouth. These lesions can be painful and unsightly. They are caused by the herpes virus and only an anti-viral medication will prevent or shorten the lesions appearance. Zovirax is available by Rx or directly from our office. Lesions which occur inside the mouth are usually canker sores and can be painful also. The new drug debacterol is very effective and is also available through our office. Some patients can develop cracks in the corner of their mouth, this is usually caused by a yeast infection and is treated by topical applications of nystatin, also available through our office.

Should you develop any of these lesions and desire an evaluation or a Rx, please call our office for an appointment.

Lesions Caused by Mouthwash

Dr. Dagostino and staff have noticed a dramatic increase in patients with intra-oral lesions and soft tissue irregularities directly related to the overuse of Listerine particularly and mouthwashes in general. Many people mistakenly think that Listerine will cure any intra-oral problems they have (i.e. bad breath, or sores.) Unfortunately, this is erroneous thinking, as most mouthwashes contain high levels of alcohol which is a desiccant, or actually dries out tissue. This can worsen your breath or make any sore or lesion heal poorly.

Bad breath is more properly treated by having your teeth cleaned regularly and by using a tongue blade or tongue scrapper. We have dishwasher safe tongue scrappers available for a small fee.

Intra-oral sores or lesions are better treated with a mild solution of salt water, mixing 1/8 teaspoon of salt in 8oz of warm water. If a sore or lesion persists for more than 7 days it should be evaluated by a health care professional.

If you, or someone you love has persistent bad breath or a mouth sore that won’t heal, please call our office for an evaluation.