Mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers are small swellings, usually white with a red inflammatory area, that appear unexpectedly in the mouth. This is a very common phenomenon that virtually everyone will experience at some point in their lives.
They are usually generated in the soft tissues of the mouth, i.e.: gums, tongue, lips and the inside of the cheeks. Although they are not usually serious, it is important to control these canker sores or mouth ulcers and their origin, as they can be very annoying, and in some people they are recurrent.
Main symptoms of canker sores or mouth ulcers
The symptoms of these mouth ulcers will vary depending on their size, but will generally cause burning of the lip, pain and stinging, which is accentuated by contact with food or acidic substances.
Differences between mouth ulcer and oral herpes
Canker sore lesions often resemble those caused by cold sores, but unlike herpes lesions, canker sores are not contagious and are usually more bothersome.
Types of mouth ulcers
According to their characteristics, aphthae or ulcers can be classified into three types:
● Minor mouth ulcers: these are the most frequent, and consist of lesions of less than 10 millimeters. They appear most commonly in young people and usually disappear on their own within a few days.
● Larger mouth ulcers: lesions are larger than 10 millimeters and are more painful. They can occur on the tongue, lips, pharynx or palate, and usually take longer to disappear, even more than 15 days.
● Herpetiform cold sores: lesions resemble those caused by the cold sore virus, generating many small ulcers. These will usually disappear after 7 to 10 days.
Causes of mouth ulcers
The origin of mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers is very difficult to determine, since there is no known direct cause, but many factors are involved. Thus, the appearance of mouth ulcers can be related to such common phenomena as these:
- Stressful seasons
- Lack of vitamins or nutrients
- Hormonal changes
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Effect of certain medications
- Use of orthodontics or dentures that irritate oral tissues
- Some diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease also tend to develop these oral lesions.
When should you be concerned about mouth ulcers?
In general, mouth ulcers are very common and should not be a cause for concern, as they will subside on their own in about two weeks. However, we recommend visiting the best dental clinic when the lesions last more than 3 weeks or when the symptoms are so uncomfortable that they prevent you from leading a normal life.
Once in consultation, the specialist will make the necessary explorations and x-rays to know the origin of the problem and will prescribe ointments specially indicated to solve the problem. For example, lidocaine treatments reduce pain, corticosteroids reduce swelling and antiseptic treatments will prevent the ulcer from becoming infected.
Can mouth ulcers be prevented?
In order to avoid situations that cause mouth ulcers, you can prevent them by following these steps:
- Healthy and varied diet to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Do not miss fruits, vegetables and cereals.
- Daily brushing and flossing are also essential.
We recommend that you use a soft bristle brush to prevent irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth.
- Reduce stress as much as possible.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.
