Hi,
well to start off I have been a chewer for 35 years off and on. About six months ago I started getting a burning sensation in my gums on the left side and in the front.
Then I looked in the mirror and seen red inflamed gums with a white line. I went to my dentist who said its nothing to worrry about. I then made and appt with an ent who also said he thought it was just thick skinned which means hyperkeratosis. But he biopsied them to make sure and indead they did come back as hyperkeratosis. And I am very thankful. But I keep worrying because I have quit chewing and the pain has gotten worse, it still looks the same but it keeps nagging me. Not sure if I should go back or just stay off the computer, is there anything I could put on gums to help with the burning. I should have asked my doc.

Thankyou

First... avoid Dr Google!!! I would suggest starting with your family physician then an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer patients (not the type that mostly puts tubes in childrens ears). Often doctors are much more familiar with issues in the gums/mouth than a dentist who focuses almost entirely on the teeth (usually seeing nothing else). Im sorry but our site is made up of 99% oral cancer patients and caregivers many of which are having very serious issues with a potentially deadly disease, oral cancer. Most do not have experience with hyperkeratosis which is why I said to start with your family physician. Theres only one thing I can think of trying, manuka honey. Some patients here have touted the wonders of manuka honey with helping to heal mouth sores. This can be found in bigger grocery stores in their natural food section or a health food store. Buy at least number 12 or higher.

Congrats on being tobacco free!!!! I hope this scare has opened your eyes to the dangers of using tobacco in any form. PLEASE!!!! Do yourself a huge favor and stay away from it forever. I would hate to see you or anyone else end up like me, missing half my lower jaw due to using tobacco. You can easily take a look for yourself by typing in Oral Cancer Foundation, Christine and you can view what using tobacco has done to me. Unfortunately, its only a matter of time before the poisons added to tobacco will cause a user serious health concerns.

Thankyou Christine for the reply.
I will be getting the manuka honey. My ent who is at mayo in eau claire says he has seen many oral cancers, he did take two biopsies the day I seen him. Biopsies are 100 percent I hope, I have a very imaginative mind, and I am always thinking the worse. Do you know do I just swallow the honey or let it sit on the inflammed area for a while?

Thanks again

Keep swishing the honey around in your mouth for at least a minute and then swallow it. The honey has a very thick texture so a teaspoon at a time is plenty.

Hope it works!!!

Good luck