Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers are small but painful red lesions that often appear on the soft tissues inside of your mouth including gums and inner cheeks, tongue & under-surface parts. Learning about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of mouth ulcers through a family dentist in Chula Vista, CA may help in managing them or preventing these sores for people living in Chula Vista CA.
What are Mouth Ulcers?
Round or oval lesions with a red border that might be white, yellow, or gray in appearance are known as mouth ulcers. Although its diameter is usually less than a centimeter, it can occasionally be greater. Even while mouth ulcers are not communicable and typically go away on their own, they may be extremely uncomfortable and make it difficult to speak, eat, and drink.
Common Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Injury or Trauma:
Ulcers may be caused due to minor injuries inside the mouth whose characters are the presence of accidental bites, dental work, and breaks, or because we munch jagged foods.
Stress and Hormonal Changes:
The mouth ulcers can also happen due to hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation or stress.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Ulcers can be caused by deficiencies in certain vitamins (eg: iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid).
Medical Conditions:
Chronic illnesses – Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and autoimmune disorders can cause recurring mouth ulcers.
Medications:
Some medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs and beta-blockers can cause mouth ulcers.
Oral Hygiene Products:
Sodium lauryl sulfate, which is commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwash, can irritate the inside of your mouth and create little ulcers.
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
These painful sores are usually small and appear round or oval in the oral linings that are sensitive.
- Ulcer inflammation: Ulcers can cause some irritation and pain in the form of swelling around it
- Trouble Eating and Drinking: Pain as well as sensitivity can make it impossible to eat or drink things we love.
- Fever: in severe cases, the mouth sores can be accompanied by fever and swelling of lymph nodes.
Prevention and Management
Prevent mouth ulcers by practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle modifications to avoid them:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Use a soft toothbrush and an SLS-free decontaminant in brushing your teeth
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Refrain from foods that cause mouth ulcers. If you get hives frequently then, sharp-edged acidic and spicy food items must avoided in the regular diet
- Manage Stress: Use stress-relief methods like mindfulness, meditation, and exercising regularly.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Make sure you have the proper amount of nutrients in your diet, especially Iron, Vitamin B12, and Folic acid.
- Use Mouth Protectors: Remember to protect your mouth from injuries with wax if you wear braces or other dental appliances.
Treatment Options
Although most mouth ulcers will heal without intervention within 1-2 weeks, some methods can help to both reduce pain and accelerate the healing process.
- Topical Treatments: Mouth rinses, gels, or ointments with benzocaine provide immediate pain relief and promote healing.
- Oral Rinses: They are also useful in managing inflammation and infection, which is why you should try a mouth rinse.
- Pain Relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are painkillers available over the counter that can also help with inflammation.
- Prescription Medications: For deep or stubborn ulcers, your dentist or doctor may prescribe a more powerful topical treatment to be applied directly on the ulcer round-the-clock.
- Nutritional Supplements: If a nutrient deficiency then supplements of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid could be prescribed.
A severely painful and irritating condition, mouth ulcers can take the pleasure out of eating or drinking. Chula Vista, CA residents have treatment options and expert advice when it comes to treating mouth ulcers. If you investigate what causes them to show up and try these preventive measures, then congratulations because now your oral health just got so much better which will let you enjoy life without gumboils or cold sores anywhere near the inside of your mouth. If you are suffering a lot from regular or heavy-duty mouth sores, make an appointment to speak with your dentist or doctor.