CONDITIONS
Mouth Ulcers
What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are painful sores that can develop on the gums, tongue, roof of the mouth (palate), inner cheeks, and inner lips. These sores usually present as a white or yellowish spot in the center, surrounded by red edges, and can occur as a single or multiple lesions. These ulcers can be painful, making eating, drinking, and speaking difficult.
These ulcers are also known as aphthous ulcers.
What causes mouth ulcers?
Various factors can lead to the development of mouth ulcers. These include:
- Minor tissue injury resulting from dental procedures like cavity fillings.
- Accidentally biting cheek or tongue.
- Wearing braces or retainers.
- Using toothpaste that is harsh or abrasive.
- Consuming lots of acidic foods such as oranges, pineapples, and strawberries.
- Hormonal changes during menstruation.
- Stress
- Lack of sleep.
Mouth ulcers can also be associated with certain health conditions, including autoimmune diseases. These conditions may involve:
- Vitamin deficiencies.
- Viruses, bacteria, or fungi cause infections.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Celiac disease.
- Reactive arthritis.
- Lupus
- Behçet’s disease.
What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?
The ulcers are usually white or yellowish with a red border and may appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. The common symptoms include:
- Pain, especially when eating, drinking, or speaking.
- Increased soreness while brushing teeth
- Sensitivity to hot, spicy, or acidic foods.
How are mouth ulcers diagnosed?
The doctor will diagnose the mouth ulcer by visual appearance. The doctor may also ask questions about symptoms, diet, medical history, and what medicines are regularly taken. If they suspect a particular health condition, they may ask for certain blood tests for diagnosis of the cause of the ulcers.
How is mouth ulcer treated?
Most of the time, mouth ulcers heal on their own without treatment within a week. One can relieve any discomfort with a numbing anaesthetic mouth gel applied to the area, which can be bought over the counter from pharmacies.
If experiencing a lot of pain from mouth ulcers, ask a doctor about other pain relief options.
How is mouth ulcer prevented?
The risk of mouth ulcers can be reduced by:
- Keeping mouth as clean and healthy as possible.
- Eating a balanced diet
- Using a soft toothbrush and practicing regular dental hygiene
- Reducing or eliminating food irritants, such as hot spicy foods
- Taking vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins
- Avoiding smoking or using tobacco
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption
- Get plenty of sleep and adequate rest
- Regularly visiting dentist.
When should one be concerned about mouth ulcers?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if one has ulcers that:
- last for more than three weeks
- recur often
- are large and very painful
- do not go away or get worse
- painful or red or accompanied with fever
In conclusion, mouth ulcers are common and usually resolve within 1 or 2 weeks. These sores can cause discomfort while eating and drinking. Certain over-the-counter rinses, gels, or medications might provide relief; however, if an individual experiences severe or recurring mouth ulcers, it could indicate an underlying chronic or more severe condition. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Mouth Ulcer. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21766-mouth-ulcer. Accessed on 6th May 2024
- Mouth Sores: Symptoms, treatment and prevention. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/mouth-sores#takeaway. Accessed on 6th May 2024
- Oral Health Foundation. Periodontal (gum) disease. Available from: https://www.dentalhealth.org/mouth-ulcers. Accessed on 6th May 2024
- Mouth sores and ulcers (Canker sores). Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mouth-sores-and-ulcers. Accessed on 6th May 2024