Written by Mervat Rashad
Wednesday, 08 March 2023 09:00 AM
mouth ulcers They are painful ulcers on the tongue, the inner surface of the lips, and the inside of the cheeks. Ulcers can occur due to diseases, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and local stimuli, and cause difficulty in eating and speaking. Mouth ulcers often heal on their own; However, persistent, recurring, and large ulcers may need medical attention, and here are their causes, symptoms, and treatment methods, according to what was published by the “” healthnews“.
What causes ulcers in the mouth?
Ulcers in the mouth are often caused by topical triggers that irritate the lining of the mouth. These include:
Accidental bites:
The sharp edges of the teeth can cause you to bite while chewing or talking.
Trauma or injury:
Ill-fitting dentures, an orthodontic wire, or a high point in a dental filling can irritate the mouth and cause ulcers..
Toothbrush and toothpaste ingredients:
Some ingredients (mainly sodium lauryl sulfate) can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth.
food :
Extremely hot, acidic, or spicy foods can be a source of persistent irritation. Mouth ulcers are also linked to nutritional deficiencies, stress, and systemic diseases, such as:
Anemia:
Low levels of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid can cause mouth ulcers.
High stress and anxiety:
A type of recurrent aphthous ulcer, common among females, has been linked to increased levels of stress and anxiety: changes in hormone levels are another factor behind relapse of mouth ulcers..
Systemic diseases:
Oral lichen planus (a condition that develops into a white, striped pattern on the inside of the cheeks), celiac disease and Crohn’s disease (conditions affecting the digestive system), HIV or lupus (characterized by a weak and altered immune response) can present with stomach ulcers..
Genetics:
Mouth ulcers can run in families. Research shows that 40% of people with mouth ulcers have a positive family history.
Viral infections:
Chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease are viral infections that can cause mouth sores. The herpes virus causes cold sores that differ from mouth sores. Cold sores affect the areas around the lips (usually the corners of the lips) and can follow an initial bout of fever, weakness, and tingling around the affected areas..
What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?
Mouth sores are usually harmless, but they can be a source of persistent discomfort and discomfort. These sores appear on the tongue, lips, and cheek mucosa. Mouth ulcers are painful. The pain can vary from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the ulcer. The pain is often exacerbated. During eating, speaking and chewing, mouth ulcers have a typical appearance, white in the center and surrounded by a red, inflamed border, they can vary in size, shape and number.
What are the types of mouth ulcers?
Mouth sores can be minor, large, or herpetic in shape, depending on the size, number, and severity of the condition.، Minor mouth ulcers are small and measure less than 5 mm. These usually heal within 10-14 days and leave no scar behind. Major mouth ulcers are more noticeable and measure regarding 10 mm or more. These may take some time to heal and leave scars. Sores appear Herpes simplex are similar but unrelated to cold sores caused by the herpes virus, occurring as small groups of red bumps on the tongue and self-healing.
How to treat a mouth ulcer
Usually, mouth sores heal within 10-14 days without treatment. If you have mouth sores, here are some self-care tips that may work.:
Avoid triggers, whether that’s spicy food, irritating toothpaste, or a rough brush
Use a topical anesthetic/antiseptic ointment, your dentist can guide you on what works best for you.
If you decide to see a dentist, he or she may prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash (chlorhexidine 0.2% aqueous mouthwash) and pain relievers.
When needed, a corticosteroid may be advised to speed recovery.
