Understand the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Mouth Ulcer
A mouth ulcer, or canker sore, is a painful lesion that forms on the mucous membrane inside the mouth. Various factors like stress, injury, or certain foods can cause them. Treatment involves topical medications to relieve pain and promote healing. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent them.
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What are the symptoms of a mouth ulcer?
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth, particularly when eating, drinking, or brushing teeth
- Visible sores or lesions inside the mouth, often white, yellow, or gray
- Swelling or redness around the ulcer
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing, especially if the ulcer is large or located in a sensitive area
- Tingling or burning sensation before the ulcer appears
- Possible fever or general feeling of being unwell if the ulcer is severe or accompanied by infection
How do you treat a mouth ulcer?
- Rinse your mouth with warm-saltwater several times in a day to help reduce inflammation and fast healing.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods that can irritate the ulcer and cause discomfort.
- Apply topical treatments such as over-the-counter gels or creams specifically designed for mouth ulcers to help relieve pain and accelerate healing.
- Use soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing techniques to avoid further irritation to the ulcer.
- Avoid chewing gum or using tobacco products, as they can aggravate the ulcer and delay healing.
- Us over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage pain if necessary.
- If the ulcer persists for more than 2 weeks or is causing severe pain, fever, or difficulty eating or drinking, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
What are the causes of mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers may occur for several reasons, including:
- Minor mouth injury from dental work, rough brushing, sports injury, or accidental bite
- Toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate
- biting your tongue, cheek, or lip
- Burn your mouth
- Irritation from a sharp object, like braces, retainers, or dentures
- Food sensitivity: Foods like citrus, strawberries, and pineapples and chocolate and coffee
- Lack of essential vitamins, especially B-12, zinc, folic acid, and iron
- Allergic response to oral bacteria
- Dental braces
- Hormonal changes during menstruation
- Emotional stress or lack of sleep
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
Mouth ulcer is a sign of conditions that are serious and require medical treatment, such as:
Medicine For Mouth Cancer
- Over-the-counter Options: Common over-the-counter medications include topical gels and ointments such as benzocaine, which provide pain relief and help reduce inflammation.
- Prescription Medications: In severe cases, doctors can prescribe stronger medications such as:
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics to treat underlying infections and reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic Mouthwashes: Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide can help reduce bacterial load and prevent secondary infections, aiding in the healing process.
- Nutritional Supplements: Supplements such as vitamin B12, folate, and iron can be recommended if nutritional deficiencies are contributing to the occurrence of mouth ulcers.
- Alternative Treatments: Some patients find relief using coconut oil, aloe vera gel, honey, or , which have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Types of mouth ulcers
Minor mouth ulcers
- They are usually small
- They are oval with a red border
- Heals without scarring in one to two weeks
Major mouth ulcers
Major mouth ulcers are less common and:
- They are larger and deeper than minor canker sores
- They are usually round with sharp edges but may have ragged edges when they are very large
- It can be extremely painful
- It can take up to six weeks to heal and can leave extensive scars
Herpetiform mouth ulcers
Herpetiform mouth ulcers are rare and usually develop later in life, but they are not caused by an infection with the herpes virus. These mouth ulcers:
- Are exactly sized
- They often occur in groups of 10 to 100 sores but can merge into one large ulcer.
- Have ragged edges
- Heals without scarring in one to two weeks
How to cure mouth ulcer
- Topical Treatments: Apply over-the-counter gels or ointments containing ingredients like benzocaine or hydrocortisone to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Mouth Rinses: Use antiseptic mouthwashes or salt water rinses to keep the mouth clean and prevent infections. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day can help speed up healing.
- Pain Relief: Use pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage discomfort.
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that can irritate the ulcer. Instead, eat soft, bland foods and ensure proper hydration.
- Nutritional Supplements: Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and iron, as deficiencies can contribute to ulcer formation.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use non-alcoholic mouthwash to avoid further irritation.
- Consult a Doctor: If ulcers are recurrent or do not heal within two weeks, seek medical advice to rule out underlying conditions and get appropriate prescription treatments.
How do you Diagnose mouth ulcers?
- Mouth ulcers are diagnosed visually by a doctor.
- Frequent or severe ulcers may prompt tests for other conditions.
- Examination includes mouth, tongue, and lips.
- Biopsy and additional tests for suspected cancer.
- Other possible causes:
- Cancerous lesions may resemble ulcers but require treatment.
- Oral cancer symptoms may include:
- Mouth or gum bleeding;
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Earaches
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When to visit a Doctor?
People who have mouth ulcers can often have a hard time knowing when to see a doctor. However, there are some situations in which a person should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some of these circumstances include:
- the appearance of a non-painful ulcer in one or more areas of the mouth
- unusual ulcers that appear in a new place in the mouth
- ulcers that are spreading
- ulcers that last more than 3 weeks
Others may want to seek medical care or treatment for their ulcers if:
- are particularly painful or large
- fever appears
- develop after starting a new medicine
- secondary bacterial infections
Home Remedies of mouth ulcers
- Rinse with salt water.
- Apply honey
- Use aloe vera
- Coconut oil pulling
- Avoid spicy and acidic foods
- Apply ice
- Over-the-counter pain relief
