That little white pill can be a life-saver to ease aches and pains when you swallow it, but it can wreak havoc in your mouth if you place it on an aching tooth. Well, aspirin happens to be an acid. It burns and irritates the tissue. Long-time use of chewing tobacco or snuff can turn your gums, cheeks or the insides of your lips a whitish color, according to Paul A. Stephens, D.D.S., a dentist in private practice in Gary, Indiana and president of the Academy of General Dentistry. The discoloration, called leukoplakia, can be a precursor of cancer.
Smoking can cause a similar discoloration.
And, of course, mouth sores can be from minor problems like biting your cheek or tongue or developing a canker sore. Symptom Relief W hat doesn't hurt you now ultimately could hurt you later on if you don't have a dentist or doctor examine it, Dr. Shapira says. A painless mouth sore could be a precursor of oral cancer. Eschew the chew. The leukoplakia caused by chewing tobacco should go away, Dr. Stephens says, if you pull the plug and give up your chaw.