Mouth Ulcers
If you get mouth ulcers you'll know that they can be a real pain! They might seem like a minor irritation most of the time, but when you eat certain foods we all know they can be really painful.
What is a Mouth Ulcer?
The pinkish-red mucosa which lines the mouth can be damaged by physical or chemical trauma or by infection. For example, acidic foods or the sharp edge of a toothbrush or crispy foods can all cause damage leading to a mouth ulcer.
Some people (approximately 20% of the population) also suffer from Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers (RAUs) which can occur as a response to stress, hormonal changes, allergy, nutritional deficiencies, drug therapy, altered immune response or systemic disease.
Recurrent aphthous ulcers usually start as a prickly sensation on the oral mucosa which soon reddens. Often a greyish white plaque appears or even a small cluster of them. These can be rounded or elongated in shape depending on the location and can vary from pinhead sized to 2cm or more in diameter. They can cause pain when eating or when irritated by movement. Without treatment healing usually starts after 6 days and is completed within 14 days, although there are reports of individual ulcers lasting 6 weeks or more !!!
Top 3 foods to avoid!
- Salt
- Curry
- Hot drinks
Why do Mouth Ulcers Occur?
The most common reason that people think they get mouth ulcers is being stressed or run down. As with many ailments, a mouth ulcer is far more likely to pop up when you are overdoing it and your immune system is low. Other reasons for mouth ulcers are cuts in the mouth caused by nicking the gum or cheek with your toothbrush or food. Ill-fitting or new braces and dentures can sometimes cause sores that are painful when they are rubbed against or certain foods are eaten.
So why do some people get them and others seem to lead just as stressful lives but don't? Well, despite mouth ulcers being quite a common ailment, the actual cause of mouth ulcers is unknown.
Click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions on Mouth Ulcers >
SELF HELP TIPS
- Make sure you have a good diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to supply essential vitamins
- Try to get plenty of rest
- Clean your teeth after meals and then use an antispetic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and to help prevent infection
- If you smoke, try to give up or at least cut down
- Avoid spicy food and food that causes mouth ulcers to sting
- Try to avoid stress
- Consult your doctor if mouth ulcers are still present after 10 days