Mouth ulcers result from the erosion of a part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth. This tissue is called the mucous membrane. Mouth ulcers are quite common and affect most of us at some time or the other. If your mouth ulcers do not clear up within 2 weeks or if you get them frequently, do consult with your dentist immediately.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
There are different causes of mouth ulcers. Some of them are:
- Trauma or tissue damage: Mouth ulcers can be caused by damage to the lining of the mouth, which is quite common. This damage may result from vigorous brushing, ill-fitting dentures, orthodontic braces, or biting the inside of the mouth. All of these can result in mouth ulcers.
- Infections: Viral, fungal, or bacterial infections can cause mouth ulcers.
- Stress-related mouth ulcers: Stress-related mouth ulcers are most common in teens and typically heal within a couple of weeks. You can prevent these ulcers by resolving stress-related problems or by using relaxation techniques to deal with stress. Allergic reactions and hormonal changes can also cause mouth ulcers.
- Aphthous ulcers: These are recurring ulcers that affect around 20 percent of the population. In most people, there is no known cause of aphthous ulcers. However, in some people, they may result from an underlying Vitamin B, folate, or iron deficiency.
- Certain Foods and Drinks: Mouth ulcers can also be triggered by the acids in certain foods, such as tomatoes, oranges, pineapple, lemons, strawberries, and others.
- Certain kinds of toothpaste and oral rinses: Mouth ulcers can also be caused by toothpaste and rinses that contain sodium lauryl sulphate.
- Vitamin deficiencies: A deficiency of B-12 vitamin, folate, iron, or zinc can also cause mouth ulcers.
- Quitting smoking: If you quit smoking you can immediately get mouth ulcers. However, these are usually temporary.
- Disease-related mouth ulcers: Mouth ulcers can also be caused by certain diseases, such as sex-related infection, herpes infection, inflammatory bowel disease, leukoplakia, gingivostomatitis, oral cancer, oral thrush, celiac disease, and immune disorders. If your mouth ulcers do not heal within a couple of weeks or occur very frequently, this is a sign that they may be caused by an underlying disease.
Treatment of Mouth Ulcers
There are certain treatments available for mouth ulcers. They are:
- Pain relief creams and ointments
- Rinsing the mouth regularly with baking soda and saltwater
- Mouth rinses with cold water
- Applying ice to the mouth ulcer
- Cool chamomile tea to swish in the mouth and then swallow
If the mouth ulcer is caused by an underlying disease, the latter needs to be treated so that the ulcer heals itself. If you have mouth ulcers regularly, you should certainly consult your dentist.
Prevention of Mouth Ulcers
When it comes to mouth ulcers, prevention is better than cure. You can prevent mouth ulcers in the following ways:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Ensure that you practice good oral hygiene
- Gently and regularly brush your teeth and gums
- Ingest adequate amounts of Vitamins B and C, as well as zinc
- Avoid very hot foods and drinks
- Reduce stress
At Vistadent, the Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, we offer our clients a wide range of dental services, including the treatment of mouth ulcers. We will advise you as to the reason you are suffering from mouth ulcers, how to treat them, and how to prevent them in the future.
We will work with you empathetically and will patiently answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns during that vital first consultation. You will be treated by a highly-skilled dentist who will understand you and your problem. So, if you suffer from mouth ulcers, do visit Vistadent for the right treatment delivered in the best possible way!
For more information about mouth ulcers or any other dental problems, as well as other dental procedures, contact Vistadent, the Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, at 040-23388111 or +91 9866572482 or at info@vistadent.net or visit our website at http://vistadent.net/.