A member asked:

Tongue trauma? on left lateral border of tongue i can feel a bump that's irritated when touched.. i do have tmj bruxism. oral cancer screening?

43 doctors weighed in across 18 answers
Dr. Paul Grin answered

Specializes in Pain Management

See a dentist: The lateral border of the tongue is one of the most common sites for oral cancer. I would recommend that you have your tongue checked out by a dentist. Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity and should also be addressed. Take care.

Answered 2/13/2015

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See your dentist: Suggest that you see your dentist or oral surgeon if this area has been present for more than a couple days. Never wrong to have oral cancer screening when you have your dental exam. Good luck. The TMJ/ bruism issue may be benefitted by a plastic oral appliance.

Answered 10/27/2015

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Tongue lesion: biting your tongue is common with bruxism, but any lesion on the lateral border of the tongue should be examined. See a dentist for an exam of your tongue and your Bruxism.

Answered 2/13/2015

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Tongue trauma: can arise from biting the edges of the tongue while sleeping. Bruxism contribute to that trauma. A simple night guard made by your dentist can solve the problem. As far as oral cancer screening, that should be a part of your semiannual exam and cleaning.

Answered 2/13/2015

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Yes: Any swelling, especially if associated with bleeding or pain, or any white spots on otherwise pink tissue, should be examined and evaluated.

Answered 2/13/2015

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See a dentist: You need to have an examination to see if this trauma from bruxism or another problem. Only after an exam can a diagnosis be made and decisions on treatment and prevention be made

Answered 12/7/2015

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Dx and Tx: Lesions can only be diagnosed and treated once seen by a trained professional. See an Oral Surgeon, or your General Dentist for a consultation.

Answered 12/7/2015

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Consult your dentist: Since you have a history of bruxism, you may wear of your teeth, which can present sharp borders,which in turn can chronically damage the side of your tongue. Your teeth, bite & TMJ all need to be evaluated to do the proper & corrective treatment.If the tongue does not heal up after the corrective treatment, they may need to do biopsy to check the pathology of the tiissue,to rule out abnormalities

Answered 12/29/2015

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Might need biopsy: Visit your dentist ASAP. After reviewing your past and recent dental history your Dr should be able to determine the course of action. Generally if a oral lesion does not heal in 1-2 weeks by conventional treatment. a biopsy might be requested.

Answered 2/13/2015

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Yes: More than likely it is from bruxism, however you want to be sure. If it does not heal in a 2 week period see your dentist

Answered 2/9/2017

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Dr. Alan Zweig answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

Get it looked at: If you are concerned, you should have your dentist look at it. The lateral border of the tongue is the most common site of Oral Cancer. Dont be alarmed, but since you noticed it, and brought it up you should have it looked at.

Answered 10/27/2015

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Dr. Lindsey Wolfer answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Yes: you can do that and see your dentist. It could be a traumatic injury from bruxism

Answered 2/13/2015

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Dr. Neil McLeod answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

Please get checked: Any time you feel a change in the oral tissues which is uncomfortable and does not go away in a few days, you should have it checked. There are many forms of oral cancer, which if identified and treated within the first six months have an 80% chance of survival. Detected after six months the survival rate drops to about 20% on average. Don't you think you should get checked?

Answered 11/27/2017

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Good idea: if you have bruxism, i would also consult my MD and see if you have early stages of obstructive breathing disorder. I have seen this many times in my practice. Good luck. Oral cancer taste is always good.

Answered 2/13/2015

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Dr. Louis Gallia answered

Specializes in Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial

Biopsy: Any intra oral mass that has been present more than a few weeks should be biopsied to make sure you don't have a tumor. Oral surgeon or ENT.

Answered 3/22/2015

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Yes to screening: This is an important element of maintaining your oral health but in all likelihood, you bit your tongue. We can't diagnose over the internet so get it looked at to be sure.

Answered 3/13/2016

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See DDS: Have your DDS evaluate and refer if needed. When was the last time you had an oral cancer screening done by the dentist? The most likely etiology is trauma, but see your dentist for a diagnosis.

Answered 12/30/2015

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Wait two weeks: If the lesion does not resolve in two weeks have it evaluated by a dentist. It is extremely unlikely to be oral cancer but it still may need treatment to feel better and resolve the issue.

Answered 6/10/2017

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