Mouth ulcers, one type of which are canker sores, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They can be painful and make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable.
While most mouth ulcers are harmless and heal on their own within a week or two, understanding their causes and available treatments can help you manage discomfort and speed up the healing process.
What are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are typically round or oval sores with a white or yellow centre and a red border. They can appear on the:
- Inside of your cheeks
- Tongue
- Gums
- Roof of your mouth (palate)
- Inner lips
While they can be quite painful, mouth ulcers are usually not contagious. However, they can be recurrent, with some people experiencing them more frequently than others.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
The exact cause of most mouth ulcers remains unknown, but several factors can trigger their development:
- Minor injury: Accidental biting of the cheek, injury from sharp tooth or dentures, burns from hot food or drinks.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can create an environment favourable for ulcer development.
- Food sensitivities: Certain foods, such as acidic fruits, spicy foods, and chocolate, may trigger mouth ulcers in some individuals.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, iron, folate, or zinc can increase the risk of mouth ulcers.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can lower your immune response and make you more susceptible to mouth ulcers.
- Hormonal changes: Some women experience mouth ulcers during menstruation or pregnancy.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and Behçet's disease, can be associated with mouth ulcers.
Mouth Ulcers vs. Cold Sores
Mouth ulcers are often confused with cold sores, but they are distinct conditions with different causes:
- Mouth ulcers: Occur inside the mouth, are not contagious, and are caused by various factors as mentioned above.
- Cold sores: Caused by the herpes simplex virus, are highly contagious, and usually appear on the lips or around the mouth. They often begin with a tingling, itching, or burning sensation before the sore appears.
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
The primary symptom of a mouth ulcer is pain, which can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms may include:
- Redness and swelling around the sore
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Burning sensation in the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever (in rare cases)
Treatment Options
Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks without the need for treatment. However, various treatments can help manage pain and promote healing:
- Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. Topical fast relief mouth ulcer gels can numb the area and provide temporary relief.
- Rinses and mouthwashes: Rinsing your mouth with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash can help cleanse the area and reduce irritation.
- Dietary changes: Avoid acidic, spicy, or crunchy foods that can irritate the ulcer. Opt for soft, bland foods that are easy to swallow.
- Supplements: If you have nutritional deficiencies, taking supplements like vitamin B12, iron, or folate may help prevent recurrence.
Prevention Tips
While it's not always possible to prevent mouth ulcers, the following tips can help reduce their frequency and severity:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.
- Avoid irritating foods: Limit your intake of acidic, spicy, and crunchy foods.
- Manage stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Protect your mouth: Be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue, and ensure dentures fit properly.
- Eat a balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet to ensure adequate nutrition.
In Conclusion
Mouth ulcers are a common and often painful nuisance. While they usually heal on their own, understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you manage discomfort and promote healing. By practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding triggers, and managing stress, you can reduce the frequency and severity of mouth ulcers.
FAQs
Can I use a gel for mouth ulcer?
Yes, you may use a mouth ulcer gel available over-the-counter to treat your condition.
Which is the best mouth ulcer gel?
It is best to consult your doctor to know the best mouth ulcer gel that can benefit you. However, herbal mouth ulcer gels available over the counter are also effective in relieving pain.
How to cure mouth ulcer in one day?
It is not possible to cure a mouth ulcer in one day. However, you can get relief by using home remedies like saltwater rinses, honey, and aloe vera gel.
Can you put salt directly on a mouth ulcer?
Never put salt directly on a mouth ulcer. It will cause extreme pain and discomfort.
Which deficiency causes mouth ulcers?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to cause mouth ulcers.
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