Mouth Ulcers – What you need to know

1. Mouth Ulcers – What you need to Know www.royaldentalcare.com.au

2. Key Takeaways – Mouth ulcers are painful sores inside the mouth that last about 1 – 2 weeks. They aren’t caused by herpes and aren’t contagious. – Common causes of these ulcers include minor injuries, stress, hormonal changes, and eating acidic foods. Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush can help avoid them. – Good oral hygiene and avoiding spicy or acidic foods can prevent mouth ulcers. Stress management also helps.

3. Understanding Mouth Ulcers Mouth ulcers are painful sores that can occur on the inside of the mouth, lips, or tongue. They can make eating and speaking uncomfortable, and usually last for about a week to 10 days. Definition of Mouth Ulcers Canker sores, also called mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers, are small lesions that can appear on the inside of your cheeks, lips, tongue or gums. They often start as a red spot or bump then turn into an open ulcer.

4. Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers – Mouth ulcers are not just spots in your mouth. They can signal something bigger about your oral health. Here are some symptoms you might notice: – You see sores inside your mouth. These sores have red edges and might be white, yellow, or gray in the centre. – Your mouth feels sore. Eating, drinking, and talking might hurt because of these spots.

5. Causes of Mouth Ulcers – Mouth ulcers can be caused by various factors, including trauma or injury to the mouth, viral infections like herpes simplex, and autoimmune diseases such as Behçet’s disease. Other less common causes may include gastrointestinal issues, hormonal changes, and emotional stress. – Minor injuries inside your mouth can lead to ulcers. This might happen from biting your cheek, sharp tooth edges, or dental work like braces.

6. Diagnosing Mouth Ulcers When to See a Healthcare Provider: If you have persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal within 2 weeks, it is important to see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider: You may want to ask about the possible causes of your mouth ulcers, how to alleviate discomfort and ways to prevent future outbreaks.

7. Treatment Options for Mouth Ulcers For mouth ulcers, a healthcare provider may recommend special gels that numb the pain. These include Orajel™ or Anbesol® which help soothe the sore area. Sometimes doctors suggest steroid ointments like triamcinolone to reduce swelling and speed up healing. If mouth ulcers are very bad, a doctor might prescribe medicines that calm down the immune system.

8. Preventing Mouth Ulcers After understanding the potential risks associated with mouth ulcers and oral cancer, it’s important to take preventive measures to avoid developing them. Here are some key ways to prevent mouth ulcers: 1. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly. 2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce the risk of irritation or injury to the mouth.

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