Understanding Mouth Ulcers: Causes and Concerns
Mouth ulcers are one of the most common issues in the oral cavity. While they can be irritating, uncomfortable, and not exactly pleasant to look at, they’re usually harmless and tend to heal on their own within a few days. However, if a mouth sore doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, keeps coming back, or if new symptoms show up, it’s important to seek a more thorough evaluation from a dentist or healthcare provider.
Mouth ulcers can result from something as simple as accidentally biting your cheek or irritation from a sharp orthodontic wire. However, they can also be caused by certain medications, chemical sensitivities, underlying health conditions, or even as a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy. Stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes can also trigger canker sores, which are a type of mouth ulcer known as aphthous ulcers.
Common Causes of Recurrent Mouth Ulcers
It’s estimated that about 1 in 5 people experience recurrent mouth ulcers. Various underlying health issues can contribute to their development, including:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, or iron.
- Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.
- Immune System Disorders: Diseases such as HIV or Lupus can impair the immune system.
- Reactive Arthritis: A condition that can cause inflammation and ulcers.
- Viral Infections: Viruses like the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot, and mouth disease in children.
It’s also important to note that, on rare occasions, a persistent mouth sore might be an early sign of oral cancer. If there’s a suspicious lesion in the mouth, your dentist might recommend a biopsy to ensure it’s nothing serious. Early detection is key to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Managing and Treating Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers can make everyday activities like eating, drinking, and even talking uncomfortable. To manage these sores and encourage healing, it’s crucial to treat any underlying causes and manage the symptoms. Reducing or eliminating any sources of irritation, avoiding hot and spicy foods, staying hydrated, and using any prescribed rinses or medications can all help. It’s also important to brush and floss gently to keep the mouth clean while the ulcer heals.
