Mouth Ulcers

One  of the most commonly occurring lesions in the oral cavity is a mouth  ulcer. While mouth sores can be annoying, uncomfortable and unsightly,  they are often harmless, and will resolve within a few days without  requiring any medical treatment. However, when these lesions do not get  better after a couple of weeks, frequently recur, or if new symptoms  begin to appear, it is important to get a more comprehensive evaluation  by a dentist or other qualified healthcare provider.

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While often the result of an actual injury like biting the cheek or the irritation of a sharp orthodontic wire,  a mouth ulcer can also be caused by certain drugs, chemical  sensitivity, diseases, or as a side effect of medical treatment like  chemotherapy. A mouth ulcer such as a canker sore, which is also known  as an aphthous ulcer, may even be triggered by stress and anxiety or  hormonal changes.

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According  to statistics, up to 1 in 5 people get recurrent mouth ulcers. There  are several underlying health conditions that can lead to the  development of mouth ulcers including the following:

• Nutritional problems like vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid or iron deficiency

• Gastrointestinal tract diseases such as Crohn’s disease & coeliac disease

• An impaired immune system due to diseases such as HIV or Lupus

• Reactive arthritis

• Certain viral infections such as cold sore virus, chickenpox, as well as hand, foot, and mouth disease in young children

It is important to be aware that occasionally, a long-lasting mouth sore may be a sign of oral cancer. A biopsy or tissue sample may be recommended when suspicious lesions in the oral cavity are present. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to ensure the most favorable outcome of care.

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How are mouth sores and ulcerations managed?

Since a  mouth ulcer involves the loss or erosion of a section of the delicate  tissue lining the oral cavity, it can make the simple acts of eating,  drinking or even talking quite uncomfortable. Treating the underlying  cause (if there is one) and managing the symptoms is the best way to  reduce the risk of complications until healing can take place. To ease  the discomfort of mouth ulcers and promote healing, it is helpful to  reduce or eliminate any sources of continuing irritation and avoid hot  and spicy foods, drink plenty of fluids, use rinses or medication as  recommended by a dentist or physician as well as brush and floss the teeth as gently as possible to keep the mouth clean.