San Rafael, CA
A 33-year-old female asked:
So scared of oral cancer bc i have been chewing on the inside of my mouth for so long. it bleeds and leaves raw exposed skin ?
5 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Daniel Rubensteinanswered
Dentistry 52 years experience
Oral cancer: You need to see a dentist to evaluate any wounds or sores in your mouth that do not heal within 7-10 days.
Also talk to your dentist about why you are chewing on the inside of your mouth, and what can be done to help you stop this habit.
1.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Galliaanswered
Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial 46 years experience
Unlikely: Unlikely. Stop chewing. If abnormality persists, see oral surgeon or ENT doc.
889 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Keith Hollanderanswered
Dentistry 37 years experience
Its rare: Its rare that the trauma of chewing would cause oral cancer. It will cause the overgrowth of a white line (called the linea Alba) of keratinized epithelium. This is like a callous that looks white because it is always wet.
889 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 54 years experience
Cancer risk: Repeated irritation can cause adverse tissue changes. Irritation can be mediated with dental care. Reason behind your pernicious habit can be mediated with behavior modification or therapy. Don't be scared. Get professional help. See a Dentist, have your tissues examined, and frankly discuss your problem with him/her.
886 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Douglasanswered
Orthodontics 52 years experience
An Oral: Cancer screening should be part of evert dental exam. It's very unlikely but possible to cause mouth cancer with constant irritation for many years. See your dentist to know for sure.
596 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 5, 2020
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