Sudden onset of swollen painful gums, inside lips, and egde of tongue - what could it be?

[Anonymous]

About five days ago I noticed my gums were tender when brushing. I was using a new toothbrush and thought I had just bought medium instead of soft bristles.

Then I had a bad sore throat for a day and then two days ago my gums and mouth become red, painful, and slightly swollen.

My throat feels only slightly sore, but my gums, inside lips, and sides of my tongue are still very sore. I also have mild cold symptoms and feel "off".

Could a cold virus be causing this?

I go to the dentist twice a year and floss daily. From what I have read gum disease is a slower process, so I don't think that is what is going on.

I am just trying to decide if I should take off work and go to the dentist or just wait it out if it is a cold virus.

[Anonymous]

I'd suspect a virus.

Coxsackie
Cold sores
Canker sores
Strep throat

I'd go to a doctor for a diagnosis. Do you have a fever?

[Anonymous]

You have hand, foot, and mouth disease - the coxsackie virus!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have hand, foot, and mouth disease - the coxsackie virus!

This is my guess. Take tylenol or something for the pain and any fever. It's pretty common, and a pain in the mouth (and hands and feet), but harmless. My DW got this, and her hands looked awful. She didn't feel the need to go to the doctor.

[Anonymous]

Also, OP, I hope you get this straightened out, but you should ALWAYS use a soft bristled tooth brush.

Gargle with salt water too to help with the pain.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your responses. This is the OP. After consulting with my mom she also thought I have one of the strains of cocksackie. I never had a fever that I noticed, but I rarely get fevers anyway.

The situation in my mouth has improved today, although it is still sore and tender, but I think the worst was this past weekend.

If it doesn't continue to improve, I'll go see my doctor.

Now I know why little kids are miserable when they get this!

On a positive note, I read once you have it, you are immune from that strain at least.

[Anonymous]

Could you have developed an allergy? My DH recently developed an allergy to some/most apples and gets these kinds of reactions. If there's no fever, I'd keep an eye out for a new allergy.