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Sores on cheeks

Lately, for the past few months I been getting sores on my inner cheeks sides of tongue.  The sores on the cheek are painless (until I start picking at it with my tongue or fingers), red with a skin like top.  The white top goes away after brushing.  The sore goes away completely in just a few days with no treatment.  I just had one the ohter day and it was completely gone in 2 days.  The latest sore came after I had a few beers (i am an alcoholic).  I have had canker sores in the past and they are painful, ulcerlike.  My wife had oral thrush and it looked nothing like that.  They look or feel nothing like canker or thrush.  I also am on nexium for Acid reflux and anti-anxiety medication for stress and depression.  Why would sores go away so quickly and come back so often?  they do not feel or look like canker sores.  My local DOC said it was from stress, alcohol or allergies and nothing to worry about.  The sores on the side of the tongue look like inflamed taste buds.  What are you thoughts?
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, white star like sore inside mouth was started.
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233190 tn?1278549801
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Difficult to say without evaluation.

Various virus infections can lead to mouth sores, as well as STDs.  Appropriate testing for gonorrheal and chlamydia can be considered, as well as HIV.  Cultures can be taken of any mouth lesions to pin down the diagnosis.

Thrush or fungal infections can also be considered, and cultures can be taken of this possibility as well.

If the symptoms continue, a referral to an oral surgeon can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
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Avatar universal
I also drink lots of soda and only brush my teeth in the morning.
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Avatar universal
i notice your in debt answer.. Are you a Doctor?  
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Avatar universal
The sores you speak of sound like they may be from bacteria.  If you don't brush your tongue and cheeks when you do your teeth, this may be your problem.  You may be chewing on your cheek and breaking the tiny blood vessels on the inside of your mouth. It is common for alcoholics to do this during sleep.  Alcohol is very high in sugar and sugar-loving Bacteria gets into the small hole and develop into a pimple-like structure.  When they "pop" they release the bactera and heal.  Repeated  exposure to high sugar exposure increase the number of occurances.  When the tongue is exposed to the same high sugar and isn't cleaned, the tiny buds on the side of the tongue react to the constant exposure to sugar and inflame.  The obvious thing would be not to drink, but in the absence of this occuring, try  brushing  the tongue (especially the sides) and the sides of your cheeks when you brush your teeth.  Brushing should be more frequent when you drink, especially before bed.  good luck
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