Mouth Ulcers

If you have a mouth ulcer, you most likely have experienced the pain and discomfort that these open mouth sores bring about. Although a majority of mouth ulcers are nothing to be alarmed about, and heal on their own in a matter of days, it is still best to monitor a mouth ulcer that does not go away as fast as you expect it to be.

Ulcers in mouth can be found in areas of the mouth with loose or soft tissues, which include:

• Inner lip
• Cheek
• Tongue
• Floor of the mouth
• Soft palate
• Throat area

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

A mouth ulcer most commonly results from a trauma, and heals on its own after a few days (with or without medication). However, there are factors that contribute to the development of mouth ulcers, and these are:

• Stress and overall tension experienced by the individual (especially for prolonged periods of time).
• Specific food allergies for the individual with the mouth ulcer.
• Hormonal changes can also affect the onset of a mouth ulcer; there are some women who have ulcers in mouth only when they have their menstrual period.
• Bacteria in the mouth caused by improper oral hygiene can also raise the risks of developing mouth ulcers.
• Mouth ulcers can also be the body’s reaction to a specific type of medication being taken.
• Medical conditions can sometimes be the reason for the development of a mouth ulcer; some of the medical conditions that can cause a mouth ulcer include Ulcerative Colitis, Coeliac Disease, Reiter’s Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease and other disorders that affect a person’s immune system (like HIV).

Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be quite painful and uncomfortable, which is why you need to consult your dentist when you have a mouth ulcer. This is Dentistry gives you a comprehensive list of dentists in your local area, so you can get in touch with a dentistry expert who can help you deal with your mouth ulcer symptoms.

Proper (or improved) oral hygiene can do wonders in treating a mouth ulcer; sometimes gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash will help hasten the healing process of a mouth ulcer. Topical medications may also be prescribed by your dentist to help heal the mouth ulcers in a quicker time. However, when your mouth ulcers do not heal by themselves, or even with the help of medications, it is best to inform your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may perform further tests to determine the reason why your mouth ulcers are not healing in a normal way, so you can get the proper treatment procedures.

Related Pages

Canker Sores
Tongue Problems
Oral Hygiene

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