What Are Mouth Ulcers?

They are painful lesions that appear inside the mouth, typically on the cheeks, gums, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. These small, shallow sores can cause discomfort, especially when eating, drinking, or speaking.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

  1. Injury to the Mouth: Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a rough dental procedure can trigger the formation of an ulcer.
  2. Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety.
  3. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation.
  4. Lack of some vitamins: Lack of nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid.
  5. Foods: Spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods, such as citrus fruits or nuts, can irritate the mouth and cause ulcers.
  6. Medical Conditions: Conditions like Crohn’s, celiac, and other immune system disorders may increase the likelihood of developing mouth ulcers.
  7. Medications: Some medications, such as those used for chemotherapy or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can lead to the development of mouth ulcers.

Types of Mouth Ulcers

  1. Minor Ulcers: They are of small size, typically less than 1 cm. They usually heal within 6-7 days. They may have white or yellow centres with red boundaries.
  2. Major Ulcers: They are more significant than minor ulcers with pain. They may take several weeks to heal and heal with scars.
  3. Herpetiform Ulcers: They appear in clusters and are present in small clusters. These are less painful and may heal within a few weeks.  

Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

  • Pain or burning sensation.
  • Small, round or oval sores with a white or yellowish centre and a red border
  • Discomfort while eating, drinking, or speaking
  • Swelling or redness in the surrounding tissue

Treatment

  1. Topical Medications: Over-the-counter gels or ointments can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some products contain corticosteroids to reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
  2. Avoid Irritating Foods: Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
  3. Oral Rinses: Antiseptic mouthwashes or those containing local anaesthetics can help numb the pain.
  4. Pain Relievers: Painkillers prescribed by a dentist can be taken.

When to See a Dentist or Doctor

  • If the ulcers persist for more than 2 weeks
  • If the ulcers are unusually large or painful
  • If you experience frequent recurrences of mouth ulcers
  • If other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes accompany the ulcers