What is it: Mouth ulcers
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful lesions that form on the lining of the mouth. They are characterized by small, shallow, round sores with a white or yellow area in the center and a reddish border. Canker sores can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, and roof of the mouth.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Trauma: Accidental biting of the mouth, aggressive tooth brushing or wearing braces can cause canker sores.
2. Stress: Situations of emotional stress can trigger the appearance of mouth ulcers.
3. Nutritional deficiencies: A diet low in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, can increase your risk of mouth ulcers.
4. Allergic reactions: Certain foods, such as chocolate, coffee, and nuts, can trigger mouth ulcers in sensitive people.
5. Viral infections: Some viruses, such as herpes simplex, can cause recurrent mouth ulcers.
6. Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease may be associated with the development of mouth ulcers.
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
Symptoms of mouth ulcers can vary from person to person, but generally include:
1. Pain: Mouth ulcers can cause severe discomfort and pain, especially when eating or talking.
2. Sensitivity: The area around the canker sore may be tender to the touch or when brushing your teeth.
3. Swelling: In some cases, canker sores can cause swelling in the affected area.
4. Difficulty eating: The presence of mouth ulcers can make eating difficult, especially when the lesions are located on the tongue or cheeks.
Mouth Ulcer Treatment
Treatment for mouth ulcers usually involves measures to relieve symptoms and promote healing of the lesions. Some treatment options include:
1. Topical analgesics: Ointments or gels containing local anesthetics can be applied directly to the canker sores to relieve pain.
2. Mouthwashes: Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help reduce inflammation and prevent secondary infections.
3. Topical medications: In more severe cases, your dentist or doctor may prescribe stronger topical medications to speed up the healing of canker sores.
4. Systemic medications: In some cases, oral medications such as corticosteroids may be prescribed to control inflammation and speed healing.
Prevention of Mouth Ulcers
While it’s not always possible to prevent mouth ulcers from developing, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk. Here are some prevention tips:
1. Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth regularly, floss, and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
2. Avoid irritating foods: Acidic, spicy or hard foods can irritate the lining of the mouth and increase the risk of mouth ulcers.
3. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy.
4. Maintain a balanced diet: Eat a variety of foods rich in vitamins and minerals to ensure good oral health.
5. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These habits can irritate the lining of the mouth and increase the risk of mouth ulcers.
When to seek medical advice
In most cases, mouth ulcers will go away on their own within a week or two. However, it’s important to see a healthcare professional if:
1. Mouth ulcers do not improve after two weeks;
2. Mouth ulcers are recurrent and interfere with quality of life;
3. Mouth ulcers are associated with other symptoms, such as fever or severe sore throat;
4. Canker sores are spreading to other areas of the mouth or body.
By seeking medical attention, they will be able to assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrences.
