Digestive System


Mouth ulcers: What are their Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment?


By S.I. (staff writer) , published on September 23, 2022



Medicine Telehealth Health oralhygeine ulcer


What are Mouth Ulcers?

A mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of the sensitive mouth lining tissue (mucous membrane). They are soft tissue sores that occur in the lining of your gums, tongue, inner cheeks, lips, or palate. They are often yellow or red in colour and can be extremely painful. Aphthous ulcers and canker sores are other names for mouth ulcers. (1)

They are caused by a variety of conditions, including small injuries, hormone changes, and emotional stress. Mouth ulcers are not contagious and heal on their own, but there are treatments available to help relieve pain and discomfort.

 

 

What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are easily identified. They commonly manifest themselves as sores on your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of your mouth. Mouth ulcers, while red along the edges are usually white, yellow, or grey in the core. You may just have one ulcer, or you may develop several at a time. Other signs and symptoms could include:

  • Pain that becomes worse when you eat spicy, salty, or sour meals. (2)
  • Soreness while brushing your teeth.
  • Swelling around the ulcer.

 

 

What are the Causes of Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers have an unknown aetiology. However, several circumstances can lead to the formation of these sores:

  • Stress.
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Smoking cessation (3)
  • Hormonal changes during your period.
  • Minor tissue injury from dental work, such as having a cavity filled.
  • Accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
  • Allergic reaction to certain bacteria.
  • Vitamin deficiencies.
  • Using harsh or abrasive toothpaste.
  • Eating a lot of acidic foods, such as oranges, pineapples, and strawberries.
  • Wearing orthodontic braces or retainers.
  • Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

 

What is the treatment for Mouth Ulcers?

Although most mouth ulcers heal on their own, topical therapies may be administered to relieve pain and reduce the risk of complications. Antiseptic gels, steroid ointments, and medicated mouth rinses are common mouth ulcer treatments [4]. In severe circumstances, your doctor may prescribe imsssssssssssssssss.

There are various things that you may do at home to alleviate the pain caused by oral lesions. Here are some suggestions for treating a mouth ulcer at home:

  1. Apply an over-the-counter topical anaesthetic like OrajelTM or Anbesol®.
  2. Consume plenty of water.
  3. Keep your mouth as clean as possible by practising good dental hygiene.
  4. Various herbal remedies can be used to treat mouth ulcers at home [5]
  5. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater a few times each day.
  6. Avoid eating spicy or hot meals until the ulcer heals.

 

 

 

References:

  1. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mayra-Schemel-Suarez/publication/301599623_Oral_ulcers_Differential_diagnosis_and_treatment/links/5725e6d508aee491cb3e2124/Oral-ulcers-Differential-diagnosis-and-treatment.pdf
  2. https://www.bmj.com/content/321/7254/162.short
  3. https://academic.oup.com/ntr/article-abstract/6/4/655/1083949 
  4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11427-019-9590-6 
  5. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/327073472.pdf 

 




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