What are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers also known as Canker Sores are one or more painful lesions that can appear inside your mouth.
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They develop on soft tissues of cheeks, base of your gums, inner lips, tongue, floor and roof of your mouth.
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Mouth ulcers are harmless and are non contagious. They are usually yellow or red in color. Mouth ulcers are painful area that makes drinking, eating and even talking difficult.
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They usually clear up within a week or two without treatment. If it takes a long time for healing, one should consult a dentist.
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Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Definite cause of mouth ulcer is still not identified, although certain factors are taken into consideration that may aggravate mouth ulcer.
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Heavy intake of citrus fruits and spices.
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Anxiety, emotional stress or lack of sleep.
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Viral, fungal or bacterial infection.
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Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy & menopause.
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Medicines having pain killers and beta-blockers
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Improper filling, poor fitting of dentures, braces that rub against gums and mouth.
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People having deficiency of iron, Vitamin-B12, Zinc, folate & even having weak immunity.
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People with family history are at high risk of mouth ulcers.
Types of Mouth Ulcers
1. Minor
They are small, round or oval. About 2-8mm in size. They go away within a week or two leaving no scars at all.
2. Major
They have irregular edge, are large in shape & penetrate deeper in the tissue. They may take several week to clear up. They leave scars for a long time.
3. Herpetiform Ulceration
HU appear in clusters, are pin point size and resemble the source of harpies'. They have irregular edges. They may heal quickly within a week or two without scarring.
Treatment of Mouth Ulcers
Canker Sores usually get better & go away within few days without treatment, although large and painful sores need any of the following treatments:
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Avoid acidic and spicy food that can aggravate mouth ulcers.
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Use a tooth brush with soft bristles.
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Mouth wash and oral medication can also help to relieve pain.
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Use toothpaste and mouth wash which does not have component called "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate"
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Take proper supplement of vitamins prescribed by doctors in case of vitamin deficiency.
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Rinse your mouth with a mixture of milk of magnesia with Benadryl liquid or using a cotton swab, directly dab milk of magnesia on affected area.