Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that develop inside the mouth. They commonly appear on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums and are typically round or oval with a white, yellow, or grey center and a red border. While generally harmless, they can cause discomfort, especially during eating, drinking, or speaking.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Several factors can contribute to the development of mouth ulcers:
- Accidental Injury: Biting the inside of the cheek, poorly fitting dentures, braces, rough fillings, or a sharp tooth can cause ulcers.
- Dietary Triggers: Consuming very spicy, salty, or acidic foods can irritate the mouth lining, leading to ulcers.
- Oral Hygiene Products: Toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulphate may contribute to mouth ulcers in some individuals.
- Stress and Hormonal Changes: Emotional stress and hormonal fluctuations have been linked to the occurrence of mouth ulcers.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain conditions, such as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, are thought to cause mouth ulcers.
Types of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are categorized based on their size, number, and healing time:
- Minor Ulcers: Small (usually less than 5mm in diameter), these are the most common type and typically heal within 1 to 2 weeks without scarring.
- Major Ulcers: Larger and deeper, these ulcers can be more painful, may take longer to heal (up to several weeks), and might leave scars.
- Herpetiform Ulcers: Appearing as clusters of tiny sores, these ulcers can merge into larger lesions and are less common.
NHS Information on Mouth Ulcers
Follow link for further NHS Information on Mouth Ulcers.
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
Common symptoms include:
- One or more painful sores on the mucous membrane lining the mouth.
- Swollen and red mucous membrane around the sores.
- Discomfort during activities like chewing, tooth brushing, or speaking.
Help at the Pharmacy, Treatment and Management
Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. However, certain measures can alleviate discomfort and promote healing:
- Self-Care Practices:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the ulcer.
- Drink cool drinks through a straw to minimize contact with the ulcer.
- Eat softer foods to reduce irritation.
- Maintain regular dental check-ups and a healthy, balanced diet.
- Avoidance Strategies:
- Refrain from eating very spicy, salty, or acidic foods.
- Avoid rough, crunchy foods like toast or crisps.
- Steer clear of very hot or acidic drinks, such as fruit juice.
- Choose toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulphate.
- Pharmacological Treatments:
- Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, preventing infection and promoting healing.
- Pain-Relief Medications: Over-the-counter painkilling tablets, gels, or sprays can alleviate discomfort.
- Corticosteroid Lozenges: These may reduce inflammation and pain, aiding in faster healing.
- Saltwater Rinse: Dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinsing the mouth can soothe the ulcer.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most mouth ulcers are harmless, consult a dentist or GP if:
- The ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks.
- The ulcer is unusually large, persistent, or located near the back of the throat.
- The ulcer bleeds, becomes more painful, or shows signs of infection, such as increased redness.
- There are additional symptoms, such as ulcers elsewhere on the body or swollen joints.
Summary
Persistent or recurrent mouth ulcers can occasionally indicate underlying health conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal diseases