Mouth ulcers – also known as mouth sores – are usually relatively small in size but are very painful and interfere with eating, drinking and even speaking. Women, teenagers and people with a family history of mouth ulcers are at higher risk for recurring mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers are not contagious and usually heal naturally within one to two weeks.
However, if the ulcers in your mouth are large or very painful, or if they persist for a long time without healing, it is time to see a medical professional.
What can cause mouth ulcers?
There is no clear cause of mouth ulcers. However there are a number of factors and triggers that have been recognized, mainly including.
1. small injuries in the mouth caused by dental treatment, brushing too hard, sports and accidental knocking and biting.
2, toothpastes and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
3, sensitivity to certain acidic foods, such as strawberries, citrus and pineapple, in addition to chocolate and coffee may also trigger ulcers.
4. deficiency of essential vitamins, especially vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid and iron.
5. allergic reactions to certain bacteria in the mouth.
6. irritation from orthodontic appliances (braces).
7. changes in hormone levels during menstruation.
8, stress or lack of sleep.
9, Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Also mouth ulcers can be a sign of certain serious diseases that require treatment, such as.
1, celiac disease (i.e., wheat gum enteropathy, a condition in which patients are unusually sensitive to wheat flour foods containing wheat gum, commonly known as gluten).
2. inflammatory bowel disease.
3, diabetes mellitus.
4, leukoaraiosis (which is a systemic immune system disease).
5, disorders of the immune system, which cause the organism to attack healthy oral cells.
6, AIDS.
What are the common types of mouth ulcers?
There are three common types of mouth ulcers.
1. mild ulcers
The most common, round or oval, 2 to 4 mm in diameter, usually heals itself in 7 to 14 days without leaving a scar.
2. Heavy ulcers
The ulcers are large and deep, irregular in shape, and have a long duration of up to 6 weeks. There are scars after healing.
3. Herpes-like ulcers
The ulcers are small and numerous, and the number can be as many as a dozen or even dozens, and they often occur in adults. They usually heal spontaneously in 7 to 14 days without leaving scars. Seek medical attention if the following conditions occur.
(1) Unusually large ulcers.
(2) A new ulcer grows back before the old one has healed.
(3) Ulcers that have remained unhealed for more than two weeks.
(4) Painless ulcers.
(5) Mouth ulcers that spread to the lips.
(6) Pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter painkillers or natural medications.
(7) Severe interference with eating and drinking.
(8) High fever or diarrhea whenever an ulcer develops.
How are mouth ulcers diagnosed?
In one case, the doctor can make a diagnosis by looking and touching. However, if the ulcers are frequent and severe, it is important to consider whether there are other disease factors.
How to treat mouth ulcers?
Ulcers usually do not require treatment. However, if an ulcer is painful to you, try the following methods under the guidance of your dentist to reduce pain and speed up healing.
1. rinsing the mouth with salt water or soda.
2, will be magnesium milk (scientific name called magnesium hydroxide suspension) applied to the ulcer.
3, sprinkling baking soda on the ulcer.
4. using benzocaine (over-the-counter local anesthetic) (use with caution in children).
5. applying ice to the ulcer.
6. the use of steroid hormone-containing mouthwashes to reduce pain and swelling
7. use of ulcer patches.
8. applying moistened tea bags to the ulcer.
9. taking nutritional supplements, such as folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc
10. Try some natural medicines such as chamomile tea, echinacea, myrrh, licorice.
How to prevent mouth ulcers?
1. Avoid excessive consumption of stimulating foods, including acidic fruits such as pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and nuts, potato chips or other spicy foods. Instead, choose whole grains and alkaline (non-acidic) fruits and vegetables for good oral health.
2. ensure a healthy, balanced diet, which can include a daily multivitamin.
3, try to avoid talking while eating to reduce accidental bites.
4, reduce stress, maintain good oral hygiene habits, brush and floss every day, and try to brush after every meal if you can.
5, for some people, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding toothpaste and mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can also help.
6. if you are undergoing orthodontics or have dentures in your mouth, etc., have them checked by a dentist who will adjust them or cover their sharp edges with wax.
Finally, make sure you get enough sleep and rest. This will not only prevent mouth ulcers, but also help in the prevention or recovery of any other diseases.