Mouth 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:

1. The roof of the mouth.
2. Gums.
3. The inner surface of the cheeks.
4. The inner surface of the lips.
5. 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:

1. A minor injury such as accidentally biting your cheek while eating.
2. Consumption of excessive amounts of acidic foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapples, etc.
3. Excessive consumption of coffee or chocolate.
4. Stress.
5. Wearing orthodontic devices.
6. Allergic reactions to some dental hygiene products like toothpaste or mouthwash.
7. 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:

1. Inner lips
2. Inner cheeks
3. The roof of the mouth
4. The tongue
5. 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:

1. Using baking soda or other paste for topical application.
2. Applying milk of magnesia on the ulcer.
3. Regular rinsing of the mouth with salt water.
4. Applying ice to the ulcer.
5. Using prescription mouthwash to reduce the pain and swelling.
6. Applying over-the-counter gels on the ulcers.
7. Taking vitamin and/or nutrient supplements.
8. 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:

1. 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.
2. Not talking when there is food in the mouth to avoid accidental biting of the inner cheeks or tongue.
3. Maintaining good oral hygiene.
4. Avoiding products that may cause mouth irritation like hard bristle toothbrushes, certain toothpastes and mouthwashes.
5. Reducing your stress levels.
6. 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.

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