Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Mouth ulcers, or canker sores or oral ulcers, are small, painful sores that occur within the mouth. They may occur on the inner lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, or the top of the mouth. They are generally harmless and heal by themselves but cause pain and make eating, drinking, or speaking difficult. Knowing their causes, symptoms, and treatments can help control and avoid them effectively.

What Are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are open sores that develop on the mucous membranes within the mouth. They tend to be oval or round in shape, having a white, yellow, or gray center and a red, inflamed border. Unlike cold sores, which are a result of the herpes virus and occur outside of the mouth, mouth ulcers are not infectious. They may be of varying sizes and intensity, from small ulcers that are easily healed to large ulcers which are painful and deeper in size.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers have several causes, and the identification of the cause is important in prevention and treatment. Some of the common causes are:

1 Minor Injuries: Spontaneous biting of the cheek, rough brushing of the teeth, or dental procedures can hurt the soft tissues within the mouth, resulting in ulcers.

2 Dietary Triggers: Some foods, particularly acidic or spicy foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, or chili, can irritate the mouth and cause ulcers. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in vitamin B12, iron, or folate, may also play a role.

3 Stress and Hormonal Changes: Emotional stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes (e.g., during menstruation) can lower the immune system and make the development of ulcers more likely.

4 Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or an impaired immune system may lead to recurring mouth ulcers. Rare Behcet's disease is also linked to frequent ulcers.

5 Medications and Treatments: Certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or chemotherapy, can be a side effect of causing mouth ulcers.

6 Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections may occasionally cause ulcers, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

7 Allergies: An allergy or sensitivity to some food or ingredient, like sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpaste, can cause ulcers in individuals.

Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

Pain or discomfort is the main symptom of a mouth ulcer, which may become greater while eating, drinking, or brushing. Other signs are:

1 Tiny, round sore with white or yellowish spot in the middle and red edge.

2 Numbness or burning sensation prior to the ulcer.

3 Inflammation or swelling around the ulcer.

4 Painful swallowing or eating.

5 On occasion, high fever, lethargy, or swollen lymph nodes can accompany ulcers if they are a symptom of a related condition.

Types of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers have three general forms depending on the size and intensity of the ulcer:

1 Minor Ulcers: These are little (2–8 mm diameter), shallow ulcers, which heal unscathed in 7–14 days.

2 Major Ulcers: Deeper and larger, these ulcers will take weeks to heal and can result in scarring.

3 Herpetiform Ulcers: They are groups of small ulcers that come together to create a big sore. Not associated with the herpes virus, as their name suggests.

Treatment Options

A majority of mouth ulcers will heal naturally in one to two weeks. That said, there are some treatment options and remedies that will make the pain decrease and healing happen faster:

1 Over-the-Counter Medications: Benzocaine or hydrocortisone-containing topical gels, creams, or mouthwashes may numb pain and decrease inflammation.

2 Oral Rinses: Baking soda or saltwater rinses can calm ulcers and heal them. Combine one teaspoon of baking soda or salt in a glass of warm water and rinse several times daily.

3 Avoiding Triggers: Stay away from hot, sour, or rough foods that irritate the ulcer. Use soft, bland foods such as yogurt or mashed potatoes.

4 Pain Relief: Painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are available over the counter to ease discomfort.

5 Supplements: Supplements for vitamin B12, iron, or folate may be prevented if deficiencies are suspected to recur ulcers.

6 Medical Care: For recurring or recurring ulcers, a physician can prescribe corticosteroid ointments, antimicrobial mouth rinses, or other drugs to minimize inflammation and infection.

Home Remedies

There are home remedies that help alleviate mouth ulcers:

1 Use honey on the ulcer for its antibacterial qualities.

2 Use a weakened hydrogen peroxide solution as a mouthwash to clean the area.

3 Put a damp tea bag on the ulcer, since tea has tannins that can soften and potentially lessen pain and inflammation.

4 Coconut oil, being antimicrobial in nature, can be used on the sore to help heal it.

Prevention Tips

In order to lower the chances of getting mouth ulcers, take the following:

1 Ensure good oral care through gentle brushing and a soft toothbrush.

2 Have a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system healthy.

3 Relieve stress by practicing relaxation methods such as meditation or yoga.

4 Avoid known food irritants and drink plenty of fluids.

5 Regularly visit a dentist to treat sharp teeth or dental devices that can cause irritation.

When to See a Doctor

Most mouth ulcers are harmless, but see a healthcare provider if:

1 Ulcers last longer than three weeks.

2 They are unusually large, painful, or recurrent.

3 You have fever, diarrhea, or other systemic symptoms.

4 Ulcers spread or worsen despite treatment.

Persistent ulcers may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Conclusion

Mouth ulcers are a benign condition that can lead to short-term pain but are otherwise easily treatable with home remedies and over-the-counter medication. Knowing the causes and triggers allows you to prevent them and obtain proper treatment when necessary. In the case of frequent or severe ulcers, seeing a doctor or dentist will determine whether there is an underlying condition and get proper treatment for it.