On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding mouth ulcers.

What Are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are sores that occur on the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue. They are usually round or oval in shape and are white, red, or yellow in color.

What Are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers?

The symptoms of mouth ulcers include:

Redness around the affected area

Swelling around the ulcers

Pain, which becomes worse when consuming spicy, sour, or salty foods.

What Are the Causes and Factors Leading to Mouth Ulcers?

In many cases, the cause is unclear, but the factors can be divided into:

Behavioral causes:

Accidentally biting the inner cheeks.

Eating hard-to-chew foods.

Inappropriate dental fillings, dental fixtures, and braces.

Stress and anxiety.

Certain foods such as: chocolate, spicy foods, peanuts, strawberries, almonds, cheese, tomatoes, wheat flour.

Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate.

Smoking

They may also occur due to certain health conditions such as:

Some viral infections can cause mouth sores.

The diet lacks elements containing vitamin B12 and iron

Crohn’s disease – a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract.

Celiac disease – where a person has a negative reaction to gluten.

HIV infection and AIDS.

Behçet's disease: a condition causing swelling of blood vessels.

Hormonal changes in women such as the menstrual cycle.

Other causes:

Certain medications.

Genetic factors.

How Are Mouth Ulcers Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of mouth ulcers is clinical, and laboratory tests are usually unnecessary. Diagnostic tests are for persistent, severe, or recurrent cases.

What Are the Treatments for Mouth Ulcers?

Usually, mouth ulcers do not require treatment as they will heal on their own within one to two weeks, but there are methods to help reduce swelling to allow the person to eat and drink without pain, including:

• Antimicrobial mouthwash that speeds up the healing process, but it should not be used for children under the age of two.

• Pain relievers available in the form of mouthwash, gel, or spray; mouthwash or gel should not be used by children under 12.

What Are Ways to Prevent Mouth Ulcers?

It may be impossible to prevent mouth ulcers due to some uncontrollable factors such as family history or the patient's health conditions.

However, the risk can be reduced by:

Avoiding certain foods such as spicy foods, chocolate, almonds, peanuts, coffee, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes, and wheat flour.

Avoiding chewing gum.

Using a soft toothbrush.

Using mouthwash that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

Trying to reduce stress and pressure.

Quitting or reducing smoking.

What Are the Complications of Mouth Ulcers?

Difficulty speaking.

Difficulty eating certain foods, like spicy food.

Difficulty wearing dental fixtures.

Weight issues in children due to eating difficulties.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor in persistent, severe, or recurrent cases.