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Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small lesions that form on the soft tissues in your mouth. It is usually white or yellow in color and may have a red border. Mouth ulcers are common and can be painful. They typically last for about a week and heal without any treatment. However, some mouth ulcers can recur or become chronic. Chronic mouth ulcers can last for several weeks or even months. Treatment for mouth ulcers typically involves home care and over-the-counter medications.
Types of mouth ulcers
There are three main types of mouth ulcers. These include:
Herpetiform ulceration (HU):
Herpetiform ulceration, also known as aphthous stomatitis is the most common type of mouth ulcer. HU is characterized by numerous small (1-3 mm) ulcers that appear in clusters. The ulcers have a shallow crater and a yellow-grayish base with an inflamed halo. They can occur on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, or on the floor of the mouth. HU is not contagious and can occur at any age, but it is most common in adolescents and young adults.
Minor ulcers:
Minor ulcers are the second most common type of mouth ulcer. They are larger than HU (3-8 mm) but have a similar appearance with a shallow crater and inflamed halo. Minor ulcers can occur on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, or on the floor of the mouth. They are not contagious and can occur at any age.
Major ulcers:
Major ulcers are the least common type of mouth ulcer. They are larger than minor ulcers (8 mm or greater) and have a deep crater with an inflamed halo. They can occur on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, or on the floor of the mouth.
Causes of mouth ulcers
There are many different causes of mouth ulcers, but the most common cause is damage to the lining of the mouth. This can occur due to:
- Chewing or biting on hard objects
- Accidentally biting your cheek or lip
- Braces or other dental devices that rub against the inside of your mouth
- Viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus or the Epstein-Barr virus
- Bacterial infections, such as strep throat
- Fungal infections, such as candidiasis
- Certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Food allergies
- Stress or other psychological factors.
Symptoms of mouth ulcers
The most common symptom of a mouth ulcer is a small, painful sore.
Other symptoms can include:
- Redness or swelling around the sore
- A white or yellow center with a red border
- Cracks in the corners of your mouth
- Burning or tingling sensations in your mouth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or spicy foods
- Bad breath
Treatment of mouth ulcer
There are a number of ways to treat mouth ulcers, depending on the severity and cause of the ulcer. Mouth ulcers are usually treated with topical treatments. These include creams, gels, or ointments that are applied directly to the mouth ulcer. These medications can help to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a mouthwash or oral rinse may also be recommended.
If mouth ulcers are frequent or severe, other treatments may be necessary. These include:
- Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Antihistamines: These medications can help to reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants: These drugs can be used to treat autoimmune disorders that may be causing mouth ulcers.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove mouth ulcers that are large or do not respond to other treatments.
Home remedies for mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are a common problem that can be very painful and disruptive. There are a number of home remedies that can help to soothe the pain and discomfort associated with mouth ulcers.
One simple home remedy is to mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water to form a paste. This paste can then be applied to the mouth ulcer. The baking soda will help to neutralize the acids in the mouth and will also help to reduce inflammation.
Another home remedy is to mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of water. This mixture can then be gargled for about 30 seconds. The apple cider vinegar will help to kill bacteria and will also help to reduce inflammation.
Another effective home remedy is to mix one teaspoon of honey with one tablespoon of coconut oil. This mixture can then be applied to the mouth ulcer. The honey will help to soothe the pain and the coconut oil will help to moisturize the area.
Finally, one of the best home remedies for mouth ulcers is to mix one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water. This mixture can then be gargled for about 30 seconds. The salt will help to kill bacteria and will also help to reduce inflammation.
Prevention of mouth ulcers
There are several things you can do to help prevent mouth ulcers:
Avoid foods that are acidic or spicy. These can irritate the lining of your mouth and make you more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers.
Quit smoking. Smoking can cause a decrease in blood flow to the tissues in your mouth, making you more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers.
Brush your teeth gently. Aggressive brushing can irritate the tissues in your mouth and make you more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers.
Use a soft toothbrush. Hard toothbrushes can also irritate the tissues in your mouth and make you more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers.
Avoid stress. Stress can lead to a decrease in immunity, making you more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers.
Conclusion
Mouth ulcers are a common problem that can be very painful and disruptive. There are a number of home remedies that can help to soothe the pain and discomfort associated with mouth ulcers. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from mouth ulcers, there are a number of home remedies that can help to provide relief. Try one of these home remedies and see which one works best for you. There are also a number of things you can do to help prevent mouth ulcers. Quit smoking, brush your teeth gently, use a soft toothbrush, and avoid stress. Following these tips can help you to avoid mouth ulcers and keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.