Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention

Mouth ulcers are a pain to deal with. While in most cases they’re harmless, they could take some time to heal.

Mouth ulcers: are sore spots on the inside of the mouth that make chewing or brushing painful.

In this article, we will explore the nature of mouth ulcers, identify their common causes, and provide effective home remedies alongside pharmacy options. We’ll also discuss when it’s essential to seek medical attention.

What Are Mouth Ulcers? 

They are small, open sores that form when a part of the soft lining inside your mouth or tongue breaks down. They most often appear on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or near the gums.

Ulcers are not contagious. They are different from cold sores, which typically happen around the outside lip, and are viral and contagious. 

Ulcers take from two to three weeks to heal on their own. 

Now, the common types you might see.

Types of Mouth Ulcers 

Ulcers have various forms because they can originate from multiple issues. Let’s explore the types of ulcers.

Aphthous (Canker Sores) 

These are small, round ulcers that many people get repeatedly. They usually cause discomfort and tend to clear up within one to two weeks without special treatment. They could occur in the form of a single sore or multiple sores.

Why do they happen?

While this type of ulcer occurs naturally, some ulcers are caused by local injury.

Traumatic Ulcers 

Traumatic ulcers come from direct damage inside the mouth. Often, these ulcers are painful, but they heal immediately after the removal of the irritation.

Why do they happen?

There are a range of reasons traumatic ulcers show, like biting your cheeks, a rough filing, or rubbing from braces. This type occurs in the form of a single sore.  While traumatic ulcers exist due to individual habits or braces, Other ulcers point to infections or systemic issues.

Infection-Related Ulcers

Ulcers in this group are dangerous and must be tackled early. They are the result of a weak immune system and accompany a disease. 

Patients must immediately consult their GP or dentist to minimize the risk and pain of these ulcers.

Why do they happen?

These ulcers can happen for a wide range of reasons, such as; 

Next, how these ulcers actually feel.

Common Symptoms 

Ulcers are small, round or oval sores with a yellow or white center and a red rim. They often cause discomfort as you eat, drink, or brush. Areas surrounding these sores are either red or swollen. 

Some patients report a tingling or burning sensation before the ulcer appears, which is your body’s way of talking to you. Typically, these sores hurt, but if they don’t, then it’s recommended to visit a doctor early.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers 

Everyday Irritation.

Ulcers can cause immense discomfort as they result from habits, constant rubbing or infections.

These everyday irritations can range from; a sudden bite, rough tooth edge, tight braces, or hot food. Fixing the source not only helps healing, but also prevents further issues to happen later-on.

Ulcers are not only caused by physical issues but are also influenced by lifestyle habits.

Lifestyle Triggers 

Patients who are under constant stress and are often fatigue and can develop ulcers. These sore-spots have many triggers such as certain foods, smoking, certain fruits. 

Patients should spot and avoid their personal trigger, as they can reduce the frequency of ulcers. 

So, Ulcers are not only caused by physical ailments, they can be caused by lifestyle habits, and even physiological issues. 

Sometimes ulcers, can have underlying reasons that are not apparent like the ailments mentioned above.

Underlying Health Factors 

If a patient is suffering from severe or recurrent ulcers, it’s often be linked to an underlying health issues such as;

1. Iron deficiency.
2. Vitamins deficiency (Vitamen B and D – B12)
3. Mineral deficiency (Zinc)
4. Hormonal changes (Pregenancy, or medications)
5. Chronic conditions (Crohn’s disease) 

If you have mouth ulcers frequently, it’s a good idea to see a doctor or dentist. They can help you get tested to find out what’s causing them and recommend the best treatment.

On a positive note– most ulcers are treatable at home.

Self-Care & Natural Remedies 

The majority of mouth ulcers will resolve without the need for prescription medication.

Some of the natural remedies include; 

Rinsing your mouth: Gently rinse with warm saltwater several times a day to keep the area clean and reduce irritation.

Eating and drinking carefully: Sip cool fluids through a straw, eat soft foods, and avoid spicy or acidic meals to minimize discomfort.

Trying quick remedies: You can try rinsing with saline, sucking on ice chips, or dabbing a little honey or aloe on the sore for quick relief.

Now, that we’ve explored the home remedies, It is time to discuss the clinical treatments.

Pharmacy Treatments 

Pharmacists can recommend a variety of over-the-counter products to manage the symptoms and promote the healing of mouth ulcers. These options work to ease pain and protect the ulcerated area.

Topical Gels and Pastes: Products such as topical anesthetic gels and protective adhesive pastes are applied directly to the ulcer. 

These help by → Creating a physical barrier to shield the sore from irritation while providing localized pain relief.

Antimicrobial Mouthwashes: Certain mouthwashes contain antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine. 

These can help by → Reducing the bacterial load in the mouth and minimize the risk of secondary infection.

There are many myths surrounding ulcers, and how to treat them. Let us explore some of these myths and debunk the truth.

4 Myths vs Facts about Ulcers.

There has been some myths around ulcers and we’re going to walk through them find the truth;

Common myths about mouth ulcers include:

• Myth: Mouth ulcers are contagious.
  • Fact: Mouth ulcers, or canker sores, are not contagious. They are not caused by a virus and cannot be spread through kissing or sharing food and drinks. This is a key difference from cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are highly contagious.

• Myth: Mouth ulcers are the same as cold sores.
  • Fact: Mouth ulcers (canker sores) and cold sores are different conditions. Mouth ulcers appear inside the mouth and are not contagious. Cold sores are blisters that usually form outside the mouth on the lips and are caused by a contagious virus.

• Myth: Eating spicy food causes mouth ulcers
  .
  • Fact: While spicy or acidic foods can irritate an existing ulcer and make it feel more painful, they are not the direct cause of the ulcer’s formation.
    

• Myth: All mouth ulcers are dangerous or cancerous.
  • Fact: The vast majority of mouth ulcers are benign and heal on their own within one to two weeks. However, if an ulcer is unusually large, persists for more than three weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms like a fever or rash, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out an underlying issue.

When to See a Doctor or Dentist

While most mouth ulcers are benign and resolve spontaneously, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation if you experience any of the following:

• Prolonged duration: An ulcer that persists for more than two to three weeks.

• Recurrence: Ulcers that occur very frequently.

• Unusual characteristics: Sores that are larger than typical, bleed, or have an abnormal appearance.

A clinical assessment may involve diagnostic blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies, management of any underlying conditions, or, in rare instances, a biopsy of a persistent ulcer to exclude more serious pathology.

The Conclusion

Mouth ulcers are a common and typically benign oral condition that usually resolves within one to two weeks. 

While basic at-home care is often sufficient for managing symptoms, specific products designed to ease discomfort and protect the ulcerated area are also available. 

If an ulcer persists for more than two to three weeks, recurs frequently, or has an unusual appearance, it is important to seek a professional medical opinion. 

Maintaining proper oral hygiene, balanced nutrition, and managing stress are key to long-term oral health. For product recommendations, such as those that provide a protective barrier and promote healing, consult a Doctor like Cem Baysal to get right to it.

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