Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that develop inside the mouth, typically on the cheeks, lips, gums, or tongue.
They occur when the mucous membrane of the mouth is eroded.
They can vary in size and severity, ranging from minor irritations to more significant lesions.
While they are not contagious, they can cause discomfort, especially when eating, drinking, or brushing teeth.
You can see on this photo an ulcer on the inside of the lip, commonly caused by accidentally biting the lip.
CAUSES OF MOUTH ULCERS
The exact cause of mouth ulcers isn't always clear, but several factors can contribute to their development, including: TRAUMA 🟢 Accidental biting of the cheek, tongue or lip. 🟢 Injury while brushing teeth 🟢 Rubbing against sharp or broken teeth 🟢 Constant rubbing against dentures or braces 🟢 Burns from eating hot food
ORAL HYGIENE 🟢 Some mouthwashes that contain strong antiseptics
STRESS 🟢 Stress can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers 🟢 This can be in periods of emotional stress, illness or extreme fatigue
UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS 🟢Taking certain medications can cause ulcers 🟢 Vitamin B2, Folate or Iron deficiency 🟢 AutoImmune diseases 🟢 Gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohns or Celiac disease 🟢 Mouth Cancer
SYMPTOMS OF MOUTH ULCERS
Pain or discomfort, particularly when eating, drinking, or brushing teeth. Redness and inflammation around the affected area. Formation of white or yellowish sores with a red border. Difficulty in speaking or swallowing, especially if the ulcers are large or numerous.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
The best product that I have found to treat mouth ulcers is - Kenalog in Orabase.
It forms a protective layer over the mouth ulcer. This provides immediate pain relief protecting the ulcer from further irritation and also acts like a bandaid over the top of the ulcer accelerating the healing process.
Kenalog in Orabase also contains a corticosteroid ingredient which acts as an anti-inflammatory further assisting the healing of the ulcer.
It can be purchased only at your local pharmacy.
Other treatment options include
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Topical gels or ointments containing ingredients such as benzocaine, lidocaine, or hydrogen peroxide can provide temporary pain relief and promote healing.
Mouth rinses: Antiseptic mouthwashes or saline solutions can help reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and keep the mouth clean.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate discomfort associated with mouth ulcers.
Avoid irritants: Avoiding spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that can aggravate mouth ulcers can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent bacterial infections and promote faster healing of mouth ulcers.
Stress management: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help reduce stress levels, thereby minimizing the likelihood of recurrent mouth ulcers.
WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST
While most mouth ulcers resolve on their own without medical intervention, it's essential to consult a dentist or doctor if: 🟢 The ulcers persist for more than two weeks. 🟢 The ulcers are unusually large, painful, or recurrent. 🟢 The ulcers are accompanied by fever, swollen glands, or severe discomfort. 🟢 You have difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking due to the ulcers.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting healthy lifestyle practices can help prevent the recurrence of mouth ulcers in the future.