Introduction:
A mouth ulcer, also known as a canker sore, is a small, shallow lesion that develops on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Unlike cold sores, mouth ulcers don't occur on the surface of your lips and aren't contagious. They can be quite painful, however, and can make it uncomfortable to eat, drink, and talk.
Most mouth ulcers go away on their own within a week or two. But if you have a large, painful ulcer or mouth ulcers that keep coming back, it's important to see your doctor or dentist.
This blog post will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of mouth ulcers, so you can get relief and prevent them in the future.
What are the symptoms of a mouth ulcer?
Mouth ulcers usually appear as round or oval sores inside your mouth — on your tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or the soft palate (the roof of your mouth). They can be white, yellow, or gray in color, with a red border. You may experience one ulcer at a time or a cluster of several.
While they are small, mouth ulcers can be quite painful, especially when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Other symptoms of mouth ulcers include: * A tingling or burning sensation before the ulcer appears * Pain that worsens when eating spicy, salty, acidic, or crunchy foods * Tenderness around the ulcer * Swollen lymph nodes in your neck * Fever (in rare cases)
What causes mouth ulcers?
The exact cause of mouth ulcers is unknown, but several factors can trigger their development, including:
- Minor tissue injury: Accidental cheek bites, burns from hot food, irritation from braces or dentures, and aggressive brushing can all cause mouth ulcers.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of iron, vitamin B12, zinc, or folate can increase your risk of developing mouth ulcers.
- Food sensitivities: Certain foods, such as chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, and cheese, may trigger mouth ulcers in some people.
- Hormonal changes: Women may experience mouth ulcers more frequently during their menstrual cycle.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress may also trigger mouth ulcers in some people.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and HIV/AIDS, can also cause mouth ulcers.
How are mouth ulcers treated?
Most mouth ulcers clear up on their own within a week or two, but there are some things you can do to ease pain and speed up healing:
- Rinse with saltwater or baking soda: Mix a teaspoon of salt or baking soda into a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for a minute or two.
- Apply a topical anesthetic: Over-the-counter gels and liquids containing benzocaine or lidocaine can help numb the pain.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from spicy, salty, acidic, or crunchy foods that can irritate the ulcer.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily.
If you have a large or painful mouth ulcer that doesn't heal within two weeks, or if you have recurring mouth ulcers, see your doctor or dentist. They may prescribe a stronger medication, such as a corticosteroid ointment, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
