Mouth ulcer- Types, Causes and Home Remedies
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Mouth ulcers appear on the gums, inside the cheeks, lips, floor of the mouth and tongue. They are small lesions which appear oval or round in shape and white, yellow in color with reddish border cause intense pain and discomfort levels with eating & speaking. It is not contagious or spreadable and will heal itself within 7 – 14 days.
Types of Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers otherwise known as canker sores can be mainly classified as 3 types:
- Minor canker sores – It is more common and appears in the lines of the lips, gums, cheek.
- Herpetiform – The sores are small in size as minor canker sores but it appears as a cluster which stimulates more pain. It will take 2 weeks to heal.
- Major canker sores – Unlike others, appears quite larger in size as this kind of canker sores injures the membranes deeper. It requires around 6 weeks to heal.
Similarly, mouth ulcers are classified as denture ulcers, stress ulcers, etc per the external factors triggering canker sores in the mouth.
What are the factors that cause mouth ulcers?
There are many reasons behind the canker sores but it is quite difficult to find the exact reason. Here we have described the common factors which trigger canker sores:
1. Consumption of acidic fruits
Fruits like tomato, lemon are highly acidic in nature. If you feed your mouth with such acidic fruits, they will create an acidic environment in the mouth and cause canker sores. Similarly, if you consume acidic and salty foods excessively, it will also lead to mouth ulcer.
2. Stress
Stress stimulated by various reasons is also a factor inducing sores and severe pain as a result. Is it surprising?
When you feel stress or pressure in your mind, it causes certain hormonal changes. Such hormone changes lead to change in the mental activity which drives certain modifications in your body without your knowledge. Canker sores are one of such modifications occurring in the body.
3. Poor fitting of Dentures
If a denture wearer does not maintain the prosthodontic appliance properly, it will begin to irritate the surrounding tissues. Such aggravation also occurs if he/she does not wear the denture correctly. This kind of constant irritation leads to mouth ulcers.
4. Smoking
Consuming tobacco by smoking cigarettes make the oral health regions highly prone to mouth ulcers. Hence it is clear that smokers have higher chances of getting infected with recurrent mouth ulcer.
5. Herpes Simplex Infection
This is a kind of infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. When a person is affected with this, he/she will experience the sores in the mouth. It is worse to spread upto neck. It causes reddish gums, gum bleeding and severe pain.
When you experience gum bleeding followed by mouth ulcer, it is mandatory to visit a Dental Health Specialist.
Treatment Options
Mouth ulcer is a common dental issue. Everyone gets infected with this. It will heal within a duration of 2 weeks as we mentioned earlier. If it is prolonged for a while, then you should consider your Dentist.
Here we suggest some home remedies along with medications to get rid of canker sores:
- Apply ice cubes on the infected area
- Apply Aloe Vera Gel on the infected region
- Gargle your mouth with salt water
- Take a drop of honey and apply it on the canker sores
- Consume Tulasi leaves
- Eat banana. It will help you to lower the ulcer.
- Chew Manathakkali leaves (Solanum Nigrum)
- Prefer food items that are rich in folic acid and Vitamin B12
If you require medications, then get ointments like Smilodon, Hexigen, benzocaine. It is not sure that these will cure canker sores but they will provide relief from the pain.
Conclusion
Canker Sores are not easily spreadable as other dental ailments. Hence you need not worry about it. Get a dental consultation if it persists for a long time because it may be a symptom of other serious dental diseases.
Remember that vitamin deficiency and improper cleaning of teeth are also a reason for canker sores. Hence maintain a balanced diet consists of nutrient rood foods and follow an effective oral hygiene to prevent mouth ulcers.
