Mouth Ulcers Should Not Be Ignored
Jul 15, 2024Mouth ulcers are one of the most common minor medical ailments. A mouth ulcer is a sore that appears inside your mouth. They are typically white, red or yellow in colour and may present as a single sore or multiple ones. They can develop on:
- The roof of the mouth.
- Gums.
- The inner surface of the cheeks.
- The inner surface of the lips.
- The tongue.
The sores can be painful enough to make speaking and even eating uncomfortable. That said, mouth ulcers are usually harmless and normally disappear within 1 or 2 weeks without the need for any treatment or medication. However, in rare cases, these ulcers could be symptoms of a more serious medical condition that needs proper medical diagnosis to enable the appropriate treatment to commence.
Types of Mouth Ulcers
There are various types of mouth ulcers, but the discomfort that a person feels and the duration of the sore is normally the same for all types. It is important to note that mouth ulcers should not be confused with cold sores that also appear in the mouth or around the lips. Cold sores are caused by virus infections and are always contagious. They can be passed on via physical contact with an infected person. If the ulcer is accompanied by fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, it is most often a cold sore caused by an infection that needs treatment.
Mouth ulcers are not contagious and cannot be passed on by contact with a person suffering from them.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Doctors are unable to agree on the cause and also on why some people are more prone to them than others. The most often seen causes are:
- A minor injury such as accidentally biting your cheek while eating.
- Consumption of excessive amounts of acidic foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapples, etc.
- Excessive consumption of coffee or chocolate.
- Stress.
- Wearing orthodontic devices.
- Allergic reactions to some dental hygiene products like toothpaste or mouthwash.
- Hormonal changes in women.
Some health conditions could also result in the development of mouth ulcers. These include:
- Fungal, viral or bacterial infections.
- Vitamin deficiencies.
- Reactive arthritis.
- Diseases such as lupus, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, Behcet’s disease, etc.
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
The first sign of mouth ulcers is seeing sores in the following areas:
- Inner lips
- Inner cheeks
- The roof of the mouth
- The tongue
- The gums
Other symptoms may include:
- Soreness while brushing teeth.
- The area around the actual ulcer becomes swollen and tender.
- Pain when eating sour, spicy or salty foods.
There could be just a single ulcer or many.
Mouth Ulcer Diagnosis
In most cases, a visual examination by a dentist or doctor is enough to confirm a diagnosis of mouth ulcers. If there is any doubt, blood tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. If the ulcers are suspected to be symptoms of some underlying medical condition, tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Mouth Ulcer Treatment
Most mouth ulcers fade away in a week or two without the need for any medication. However, if they remain for longer or if the problem keeps recurring, then the dentist or doctor may advise:
- Using baking soda or other paste for topical application.
- Applying milk of magnesia on the ulcer.
- Regular rinsing of the mouth with salt water.
- Applying ice to the ulcer.
- Using prescription mouthwash to reduce the pain and swelling.
- Applying over-the-counter gels on the ulcers.
- Taking vitamin and/or nutrient supplements.
- Trying various home remedies. These should be tried only after medical approval as in some cases they could cause adverse results.
Mouth Ulcer Prevention
Because there is no certainty about the causes of mouth ulcers, there is no sure way of preventing them from appearing. However, because many of the common causes are well-known, it is possible to reduce the possibility of developing these ulcers by:
- Avoiding foods that result in irritation of the mouth. Keeping a record of what you eat will allow for the identification of the irritant foods.
- Not talking when there is food in the mouth to avoid accidental biting of the inner cheeks or tongue.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Avoiding products that may cause mouth irritation like hard bristle toothbrushes, certain toothpastes and mouthwashes.
- Reducing your stress levels.
- Having regular dental checkups so that any incipient health issues may be identified early.
Mouth ulcers are rarely a cause for concern and do not require medical treatment. If the discomfort is severe, the use of antiseptic gels or mouthwashes can help reduce the discomfort. However, if the ulcers remain for over 2 weeks or if the pain becomes extremely bad, or if the condition becomes chronic (the ulcers keep appearing regularly), you should visit a dental clinic. This will ensure an accurate diagnosis of the nature of the condition after which the correct treatment protocols can be prescribed. It is best to go to a dental clinic that is part of a well-reputed multispecialty hospital. In case it is found that the mouth ulcers are a symptom of another medical condition, the hospital will have all the medical specializations and diagnostic and treatment facilities available to provide the right treatment for whatever the underlying cause may be. This will avoid the hassle of going to different medical facilities and make the recovery smoother and faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are sores that appear inside the mouth, typically on the gums, inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or roof of the mouth. They can be painful but usually heal within 1-2 weeks.
2. What causes mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers can be caused by minor injuries, acidic foods, stress, hormonal changes, allergic reactions to dental hygiene products, or wearing orthodontic devices. They can also be linked to health conditions like infections, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune diseases.
3. How can I tell if I have a mouth ulcer?
You may have a mouth ulcer if you see sores inside your mouth that are white, red, or yellow. They can cause pain when eating or speaking, and the area around the ulcer may be swollen and tender.
4. How are mouth ulcers treated?
Most mouth ulcers heal on their own in 1-2 weeks. For persistent or recurring ulcers, treatments may include topical applications, rinsing with salt water, using prescription mouthwash, or taking vitamin supplements.
5. How can I prevent mouth ulcers?
Prevent mouth ulcers by avoiding irritant foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, reducing stress, and using dental products that don't cause irritation. Regular dental checkups can help identify and address potential causes.
Comments - 0
Share Your Thoughts
SEARCH
RECENT BLOGS
CATEGORIES
7 Proven Ways to Live a Heart Healthy Life
Common Heart Procedures An Overview
Common Tests To Diagnose Heart Disease
All You Need To Know About Coronary Artery Disease
How to Manage Stress at Work? | Heart Health
How Good Sleep Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
Angioplasty and Stent Placement - How Is It Done?
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation for Irregular Heartbeat
Causes of Hair Fall and Prevention
All You Need To Know About Abdominoplasty Or Tummy Tuck Surgery
All You Need to Know About PRP Treatment
What Is Cosmetic Surgery? What are the types of Cosmetic Surgery?
Staying Healthy During A Pandemic
Healthcare in the Post COVID-19 World
Emergency Response When Experiencing Difficulty in Breathing
First Aid for Seniors – Special Precautions and Needs
The Importance of Medical Care for Patients Who Have Only About 6 Months to Live
Vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Middle Ear Infection And Treatment
Sore Throats and Their Treatments
Can Diabetes be cured permanently?
The Importance of Health Packages in Staying Healthy
Whom to See First? General Physician or Specialist?
Knowing When to Go to the Hospital
How to Find the Right Hospital Near You?
Why Multispecialty Hospitals Are the Best
The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity
Pain in Sole of the Foot – Do Not Ignore It
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
What causes excessive burping?
Acid Reflux Should Not Be Ignored
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Importance Of Limiting Time On Tech Devices For Children
Sitting Too Much and Heart Health: The Link
Health Risks While Returning to Work after the Lockdown
A South Indian Diet Plan For Heart Patients
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Traumatic Brain Injury - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
5 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy
Spotting Early Signs of Dementia
List of Common Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures
Tips for Successful Breast Feeding
The Importance of Regular Gynaecological Examinations
How To Find The Best Gynecologist
Vaginal Discharge - When Should You See A Doctor
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – What You Need To Know
Premenstrual Syndrome - Understanding and Dealing with It
What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cyst
Menopause Is Normal but That Does Not Mean It May Not Need Treatment
Uterine Fibroids May Be Common, but the Condition Should Not Be Ignored
What You Need to Know About Menstrual Pain and Cramps?
பெண்ணுறுப்பு புற்றுநோய்க்கான அபாயத்தைக் குறைக்கும் ஆரோக்கியமான பழக்க வழக்கங்கள்
மகப்பேற்றுக்குப் பின்பான பராமரிப்பு – சில ஆலோசனைகள்
Advancements in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Endometriosis: Surgical Options and Their Impact on Quality of Life
The Importance of Self Breast Examination
Understanding the Various Stages of Lung Cancer
Can Lung Cancer Be Diagnosed Without a Biopsy?
Healthy Habits That Can Help Deal with Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer – The First Step In Dealing With It – Part 1
Understanding Cancer - The First Step In Dealing With It - Part 2
HPV Vaccination – Protection against Cervical and Other Cancers
கீல்வாத மூட்டுவலி என்பது என்ன?
Herniated Disk: When Is Surgery Needed?
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment
Do Brittle Bones and Hormones Have a Connection?
Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
Immunization Chart For The Ages Of 0 To 3 Years
Regular Health Checkups for Children Are Vital for Long-Term Good Health
Psychological Trauma after an accident
Sleep Disorders - Causes and Treatment
மாரடைப்பின் எச்சரிக்கை அறிகுறிகளை அறியுங்கள் – தாமதிக்காமல் செயல்படுங்கள்!
எண்டோகிரைன் கோளாறுகள் - வகைகள், காரணங்கள், அறிகுறிகள், நோய் கண்டறிதல் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை வகைகள்
இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கான உணவுமுறைத்திட்டம்
குழந்தை சாப்பிட வம்பு பண்ணும் பழக்கத்தை சரி செய்யும் வழிகள்
ஸ்ட்ரோக் - சிகிச்சையும் பாதுகாப்பும்
நுரையீரல் புற்றுநோய்க் காரணிகள்
குழந்தைகள் பொருட்களை விழுங்கிவிட்டால் என்ன செய்வது
வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள் மூலம் கொலஸ்ட்ரால் அளவைக் குறைப்பது எப்படி?
வைட்டமின் டி குறைபாட்டினை நிவர்த்தி செய்யும் வழிகள்
தோல் வியாதிகள் மற்றும் அவற்றைப் புறக்கணிப்பதால் ஏற்படும் அபாயங்கள்
இதய நோய்ச் சிகிச்சையில் தொழில்நுட்ப முன்னேற்றங்கள்
மனநல நோய்கள் குணப்படுத்தப் படக் கூடியவை, கவலை வேண்டாம்!
செர்விகல் ஸ்போண்டிலோசிஸ் – காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
கீழ் முதுகுவலி மீண்டும் வராமல் தடுக்க சில வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள்
வறண்ட தொண்டைப் புண் - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
ஆஸ்துமாவுடன் வாழ்வது – நாம் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டிய விஷயங்கள்
செவித்திறன் இழப்பு - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் தடுப்பு
உறைந்த தோள்பட்டையை (ஃப்ரோஸன் ஷோல்டர்) புறக்கணிக்காதீர்கள்!
நடைப்பயிற்சி ஒரு வரப்பிரசாதம்!
மகளிர்நல மருத்துவச் சிகிச்சைகள் மற்றும் அறுவைச் சிகிச்சைகளிலான முன்னேற்றங்கள்