Mouth ulcers are unattractive sores that typically develop on the inner parts of the cheeks. Oral ulcers area also referred to as aphthous ulcers or canker sores.
These ulcers are often painful when someone eats, drinks, and brushes his or her teeth.
Meanwhile, occasional mouth ulcers are generally harmless and eventually clear up on their own.
However, it is advisable to seek medical advice in case mouth ulcers last for over three weeks or if these keep on coming back.
In addition, the good thing about mouth ulcers is that these cannot be contracted from another person unlike cold sores.
According to research, approximately one in five people acquire recurrent mouth ulcers.
Types of Mouth Ulcers:
The primary types of mouth ulcer include:
- Herpetiform ulcers. These types of ulcers appear in the form of a cluster of dozens of sores that comes in the size of pinheads.
- Minor ulcers. This type of mouth ulcer has a two- to eight-millimeter diameter and typically clears up in a period of about 10 days up to two weeks.
- Major ulcers. These are deeper and bigger than the latter types of ulcers. They feature an irregular, raised border. Major ulcers may leave a scar and take weeks to heal.
Symptoms:
- Sores that are gray or white in color, round in shape, and come with a red border or edge
- Painful sores inside the cheeks, tongue, mouth and the back part of the roof the mouth (soft palate)
Meanwhile, with severe mouth ulcers, a person may encounter:
- Physical sluggishness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
Treatment
At times, the pain experienced from mouth ulcers lessens in a few days and typically heals without any treatment.
In case that sores are painful, bigger, and more persistent, the dentist may advise the use of corticosteroid ointment, an antimicrobial oral rinse, or a non-prescription or prescription solution in order to minimize the irritation and pain.
Prevention
Even though there is no complete cure for mouth ulcers and these usually reoccur, one may be able to lessen the frequency with proper oral hygiene. The latter can also help decrease the chances of ulcers from forming:
- Chewing gum to avoid irritation
- Refraining from foods that irritate the mouth such as spicy, salty, and acidic foods
- Using soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing
Seek Medical Help If You Experience:
- Sores that are spreading
- Strangely-large sores
- Difficulty drinking a sufficient amount of fluids
- Sores that last for three weeks or longer
- Unbearable pain despite refraining from spicy and acidic foods and taking pain medication (over-the-counter)
- High fever with the occurrence of mouth ulcers
Fortunately, mouth ulcers are fairly common. Staying calm, maintaining good oral health, and reaching out to a dental professional if your ulcer(s) concern you are the best things you can do during this time.