MOUTH ULCER: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT

Mouth ulcer

 

 

Mouth ulcers are tiny lesions or sores that form in the mouth. These ulcerative lesions are uncomfortable and disappear on their own in one to two weeks; however, if ulcers enlarge, they do not go away on their own and require medical attention. Mouth ulcers can form on the palate, inner cheeks, lips, or mouth. The most prevalent kind of mouth ulcer is canker sores.

Mouth ulcers typically present as round or oval lesions inside the mouth on the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. They might be bloated and colored white, red, yellow, or grey. There may be multiple mouth ulcers present at once, and they may spread or worsen.

Cold sores, which are tiny blisters that form on the lips or the mouth, should not be mistaken for mouth ulcers. A tingling, stinging, or burning sensation around your mouth is a common sign that you have a cold sore.


TYPES OF MOUTH ULCERS:

The various kinds of mouth sores include;

There are three types of canker sores: 

  1. herpetiform, 
  2. major
  3. minor (similar to herpes)

illnesses that lead to mouth, hand, or foot ulcers


CAUSES OF MOUTH ULCER:

Mouth ulcers have an unclear specific etiology; however, several variables can contribute to the growth of these sores.

  • Accidentally biting one’s lips or face
  • Mineral or vitamin deficit (iron and vitamin B12 deficiency)
  • Stress
  • Dental thrush
  • Mouth cancer
  • Bacterial infections, fungal infections, or viral (oral herpes) infections
  • Mouth wounds
  • Food-induced allergic responses
  • The use of antibiotics
  • Variations in hormone levels during menstruation or pregnancy
  • Underlying conditions include diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, HIV, and AIDS
  • tooth braces
  • sleep deprivation

 

mouth ulcer causes

 


MOUTH ULCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Depending on the origin of the ulcers, different mouth ulcer symptoms exist. Major ulcer indicators include the following symptoms and signs:

  • Yellow, white, or red sores
  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Pain that gets worse when you consume, especially spicy food, or drink
  • Rosy ring around the sores                                                                                               
  • Fever (if the etiology of the ulcer is infection) 
  • Mouth discomforts


DIAGNOSIS:

Visual inspection is frequently used to diagnose mouth ulcers. If ulcers do not go away within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment, the doctor may prescribe certain diagnostic procedures to find the ulcers’ underlying cause.

A blood test may be advised to identify viral infections or mineral deficiencies in cases with severe outbreaks. To diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease, diagnostic tests are also prescribed.


MOUTH ULCER RISK FACTORS:

Anybody can have mouth ulcers from infections or underlying disorders, but certain things make them more likely to happen. They consist of;

  • Diabetes Immune system issues
  • IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) 
  • Human immunodeficiency virus
  • Continue to smoke
  • consuming hot food
  • using antibiotics or NSAIDs

 

PREVENTION OF MOUTH ULCER:

Certain precautions can be taken to avoid mouth ulcers. Among the general elements that help in disease prevention are;

  • twice-daily tooth brushing
  • For thorough teeth cleaning, use a brush.
  • Avoid eating things that make you sick.
  • Eat less food that is especially spicy and fiery.
  • Good nutrition
  • Maintain a healthy mouth
  • Steer clear of toothpaste with salt sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)


TREATMENT OF MOUTH ULCER:

 

In Pakistan, the primary focus of treating mouth ulcers is identifying the underlying cause of the condition. The following are some of the main mouth ulcer treatments:
  • Pain relief with steroid-based creams, sprays, and tablets
  • Mouthwash with medicine
  • Immunosuppressants may also be administered in extreme situations.
  • Antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections that result in sores
  • Sometimes a doctor will advise applying cold compresses to relieve pain.Mouth ulcer treatment