Mouth ulcers, including canker sores, are small and painful lesions that develop inside the mouth or at the base of the gums.
While the exact causes remain unclear, factors such as injuries, allergies, or sensitivities may trigger their appearance.
These sores can make eating, drinking, and speaking uncomfortable.
Types of Mouth Ulcers
Common types of mouth ulcers include canker sores and those linked to hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Typically, they are not contagious and heal on their own within one to two weeks.
However, if an ulcer is particularly large, very painful, or lasts longer than expected, it’s recommended to consult a doctor or dentist.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Although the exact cause is unknown, several risk factors and triggers have been identified:
- Demographics: Higher risk is seen in individuals assigned female at birth, children, adolescents, and those with a family history of ulcers.
- Physical Triggers: Minor injuries from dental work, hard brushing, sports, accidental bites, and braces.
- Chemical Sensitivities: Toothpaste or mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and allergic reactions to oral bacteria.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, such as those from hand, foot, and mouth disease.
- Dietary Factors: Sensitivity to acidic foods like citrus fruits and chocolate, as well as deficiencies in B vitamins (B9, B12), zinc, or iron.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy.
- Lifestyle Factors: Emotional stress and inadequate sleep.
Mouth ulcers can also be a sign of more serious health conditions, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, HIV, and autoimmune disorders like lupus, oral lichen planus, or Behçet’s disease.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of mouth ulcers include:
- Painful sores, often appearing yellow, white, or red.
- Lesions inside the mouth, such as on the tongue or inner cheeks.
- Surrounding redness and increased pain when eating, drinking, or speaking.
It’s possible to have multiple ulcers at once. They are typically not contagious unless caused by an infection.
Treatment
Most mouth ulcers don’t require specific treatment, but remedies can help ease pain and promote healing for more frequent or severe cases:
- Home Remedies: Applying a paste of baking soda, milk of magnesia, or ice; using saltwater or baking soda mouth rinses; placing damp tea bags on the sores.
- Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter products with benzocaine or prescribed steroid mouth rinses.
- Nutritional Supplements: To address deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, and iron.
- Natural Remedies: Echinacea, myrrh, and licorice root in various forms.
Prevention
To prevent mouth ulcers:
- Avoid irritating foods and opt for non-acidic fruits, as well as a balanced diet. A daily multivitamin may also help.
- Chew food carefully to avoid accidental bites.
- Manage stress and practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid products with SLS or alcohol.
- Consult your dentist about using protective wax for sharp dental devices.
- Ensure you get adequate sleep to support overall health.
