Mouth issues are plentiful

October 26, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Please tell me about lumps in the mucosa (inside cheeks) in the mouth. My adult son has suffered from these for about 10 years. They are many and are filled with white squishy stuff that can be expressed through squeezing. They can be painful. He has been to many doctors and dentists for treatment but nothing works. Please, do you have any suggestions?

DEAR READER: You son likely has mucous cysts which are quite common. They are thought to be the result of sucking the lip membranes between the teeth or from biting the cheek lining itself. Generally speaking they are harmless and painless but can be extremely bothersome.
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Lysine helps canker sores, IBS

November 22, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: A past column about cold sores reminded me that 10-15 years ago I suffered from frequent canker sores and irritable bowel syndrome. My family doctor told me that both were stress-related but I had symptoms even when I didn’t feel I was under any stress on the job or at home. A friend of my wife who was an RN at the local hospital suggested that I try L-lysine for the canker sores.

I have been taking 1000 mg of L-lysine with breakfast for years now and rarely have a canker sore. When I do, I have found that cleaning between my teeth and gums with a water pik seems to help the sores heal faster (within a day or two). My theory is that it flushes away the virus.
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Toothpaste ingredient causes cold sores

August 4, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Thanks for your daily column and the many interesting cases you are kind enough to take your time to explain. I have to write you about my experience with cold sores in response to the reader who suffers from them.

I, too, had them for years, and nothing I put on prevented them. The sores always took up to 10 days to heal, and I would immediately get another one. My husband is a retired dentist who suggested not using toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. CVS brand and Sensodyne ProNamel are two products free of the inactive ingredient. Since making the change, I have not had any more pesky sores. I hope this helps someone else.
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