Mouth ulcers also referred to as canker sores are small lesions that are either developed on the soft tissues in the mouth or present at the base of the gums. Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious, but can be painful and can make eating and talking very difficult.
Most mouth ulcers go away on their own in 7-14 days. But if these canker sores are not going, because they are large or painful, then you need to consult your healthcare provider or dentist immediately.
Symptoms
Canker sores are usually round or oval in shape with a white or yellow centre and a red border. Mouth ulcers usually form inside the mouth i.e., inside the lips or cheeks, under the tongue, on the soft palate, or at the base of the gums. But before a sore appears, you will start noticing a burning sensation or tingling pain.
There are several types of canker sores, such as:
- Minor
- Major and
- Herpetiform sores
Minor Canker Sores
- Are usually small in size.
- Are oval in shape with a red edge.
- Heals without scarring in 7-14 days.
Major Canker Sores
- Are larger in size, deeper than minor mouth ulcers and are less common in occurrence.
- Round in shape with defined borders. But, if they are large in number then they may have irregular edges as well.
- Can be extremely painful.
- Will take 6 weeks to heal and can leave behind extensive scarring.
Herpetiform Canker Sores
- Are pinpoint in size and are very uncommon in occurrence.
- Occurs in clusters of 10 to 100 sores with irregular edges. But merges to form a large ulcer.
- Heals without scarring in 7-14 days.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Consult your healthcare provider or dentist if you are experiencing:
- Large or painful canker sores.
- Recurring sores. New ones develop before the old ones could heal or outbreak.
- Persistent sores, which are lasting more than two weeks.
- Sores that extend till the lips or up to the vermilion border.
- Pain that you are unable to control through self-care measures.
- Facing extreme difficulty while eating or drinking.
- Getting high fever due to canker sores.
What are the Different Causes of Canker Sores?
The accurate reason behind the cause of canker sores remains unclear, though there is a combination of factors involved in the cause of canker sores. Some of the possible triggers include:
- Mouth rinses or toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate.
- Minor injury to your mouth that is caused due to any dental work, accidental cheek bite, aggressive brushing, or sports mishap.
- Diets lacking essential nutrients such as Vitamin B-12, Zinc, Iron, and Folate.
- Hormonal shifts during menstruation.
- Any allergic response due to certain bacteria that is present in your mouth.
- Due to emotional stress.
Canker sores can also occur due to certain diseases or conditions, such as:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- Celiac disease, which is an intestinal disorder caused due to sensitivity towards gluten, a protein that is found in many grains.
- HIV/AIDS, which involves suppressing the immune system.
- Behcet’s disease, which is a rare disease and caused due to the inflammation that takes place throughout the body, including the mouth.
What are the Other Risk Factors Involved?
Mouth ulcers occur more often in teens and young adults, and under them, females are the most targeted victims of mouth ulcers.
Mouth ulcers can be recurrent, if you are having a family history of the disorder or caused due to hereditary or due to a shared factor in the environment, such as allergens or certain foods.
Prevention
- Watch what you are eating – It is best advised to stay away from foods that can irritate your mouth. Foods such as nuts, certain spices, salty foods, acidic fruits, pretzels, etc. are to be avoided.
- Follow certain oral hygiene habits – It is advised to regularly brush after having your meals and floss at least once a day, as it helps to keep your mouth clean and free from certain foods which can trigger canker sores. Hence, using a soft brush can help prevent irritation and save you from any delicate mouth tissues. Also, avoid toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Opt for only healthy foods – To prevent nutritional deficiencies, it is recommended to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, and whole grains.
- Cover sharp edges – If you are wearing braces or any other dental appliances, then consult your dentist to cover up the sharp edges with orthodontic waxes.
- Reduce your stress levels – If your mouth ulcers are caused due to stress, then try some stress-reduction techniques such as meditation and guided imagery.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to discuss with your dentist if your ulcers are causing pain. They can help you fix your oral health issues!
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