My dentist has showed concern at my habit of grinding my teeth, and 'chewing' the edge of my tongue when I'm anxious or stressed, making the edge of my tongue white. So much so, that if I didn’t stop doing it, I'd have to be given some sort of a gum shield device and she scared me by saying some forms of oral cancer can be detected by white patches on the tongue - and this statement managed to stop me from the chewing.

This was earlier this year. My tongue has been fine, no chewing, until I hit a stressful period with my job, and the chewing started about 2 weeks ago, but just for one day. The whiteness re-appeared on both sides, but there is also a 'hole' near the tip of my tongue. This is an area that is never affected by the chewing. It looks like an ulcer but is concave with a white/yellow centre (only probably 1mm in size). It is red and sore, and bleeds (not constantly) sometimes when I eat.

How long should I leave it to see if it clears before I pester my doctor/dentist? I've had it for about a week. I wouldn’t even be thinking it was anything sinister, only that I read about a case recently where someone passed away after suffering oral cancer.

For info, I am a non-smoker, but admit to binge-drinking.

Hi Antro

Follow the advice I have given on using the 'splint of air' to stop bruxism and clenching. I would give your tongue ulcer a couple more weeks before seeing your dentist.

Best wishes
Vinod