What is a mouth ulcer and how does one treat it?
What is a mouth ulcer?
A mouth ulcer is a sore or lesion that develops on the inside of the mouth. Also called canker sores or aphthous ulcers, mouth ulcers are usually small, round, and white or yellow in color. They can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums.
Mouth ulcers are not usually serious and will usually heal on their own within a few weeks. However, they can be painful and make eating, drinking, and talking difficult.
What causes mouth ulcers?
The exact cause of mouth ulcers is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
* Trauma: Mouth ulcers can be caused by injury to the mouth, such as biting the inside of your cheek or brushing your teeth too hard.
* Stress: Stress can trigger mouth ulcers in some people.
* Hormonal changes: Mouth ulcers are more common in women than men, and they often occur around the time of menstruation.
* Nutritional deficiencies: A deficiency of certain nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, can also lead to mouth ulcers.
* Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause mouth ulcers as a side effect.
* Underlying medical conditions: Mouth ulcers can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or Behcet's syndrome.
How are mouth ulcers treated?
There is no cure for mouth ulcers, but there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve pain and speed up healing:
* Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain from mouth ulcers.
* Topical treatments: Topical treatments, such as gels or ointments that contain benzocaine or lidocaine, can be applied directly to mouth ulcers to help numb pain.
* Prescription medications: In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to treat mouth ulcers. These medications may include corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antifungals.
* Home remedies: There are a number of home remedies that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort of mouth ulcers, including:
* Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
* Applying a cold compress to the affected area
* Eating soft, bland foods
* Avoiding spicy, acidic, or hard foods
* Drinking plenty of fluids
When to see a doctor about mouth ulcers
Most mouth ulcers will heal on their own within a few weeks. However, you should see a doctor if:
* You have mouth ulcers that are severe or persistent
* You have mouth ulcers that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, headache, or body aches
* You have mouth ulcers that are not responding to home treatment
* You have an underlying medical condition that may be causing your mouth ulcers
Preventing mouth ulcers
There is no sure way to prevent mouth ulcers, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them, including:
* Avoid biting the inside of your cheek or lips
* Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
* Avoid using toothpaste or mouthwash that contains sodium lauryl sulfate
* Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
* Get regular exercise
* Manage stress
* Avoid smoking
* Limit alcohol intake