Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Prevention, and Remedies

Oral ulcers – Insights into causes, prevention, and treatment
Oral ulcers are painful sores that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, including the palate, gums, cheeks, tongue, and floor of the mouth. They can stem from a variety of health issues such as stress, digestive conditions, or tissue injuries.

These sores often cause a burning or tingling sensation within the mouth and, in severe cases, may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever, aches, and fatigue.

Common triggers include biting your lips, consuming very hot or spicy foods, and emotional stress. Dental appliances like braces or dentures can also cause tissue trauma, leading to ulcers that require care.

Oral ulcers can interfere with eating and drinking comfort. Mild cases often respond well to home remedies like salt water rinses or baking soda applications.

What types of mouth ulcers need medical attention?
There are primarily two types:

Minor ulcers, which recur up to four times annually and last about a week. These typically appear as greyish centers with red borders, mostly affecting teenagers and young adults.

These minor ulcers are not contagious.

Cold sores or major ulcers are contagious and require targeted treatment. They are often linked to stress or immune system weakness. People with a history of ulcers tend to develop them more frequently.

What causes minor oral ulcers?

Medications during viral infections can trigger these sores.

Tissue injury from dental devices like braces or dentures.

Sensitivity to acidic foods may result in ulcers.

Lack of Vitamin B12 in the diet increases susceptibility.

Presence of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in toothpaste or mouthwash can promote ulcers.

Factors Behind Cold Sores and Their Treatment

Stress is a key contributor to cold sore outbreaks.

A weakened immune system raises the risk.

Deficiencies in zinc or Vitamin B12 can make you more vulnerable.

Digestive diseases such as Celiac or Crohn's disease also increase likelihood.

Effective approaches to treating mouth ulcers

Mild ulcers often heal within a few days.

Rinsing with salt water and using baking soda can ease pain.

Laser treatments provide quick relief in clinical settings.

Avoiding hot, spicy, or acidic foods helps prevent aggravation.

Seek medical advice if ulcers are large or persist beyond three weeks, or if swallowing becomes difficult.

Preventative tips for mouth ulcers

No definitive prevention exists, but avoiding known irritants can reduce frequency.

Steer clear of spicy, acidic, or extremely hot foods that can trigger sores.

Chewing gum might cause accidental tissue injury; reducing gum chewing can help.

Maintaining good oral hygiene with a soft brush and regular flossing can lower ulcer risk.