What are the Causes of Oral Ulcers | Get to Know its Treatment and Types
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A Quick Guide to Oral Ulcers and its Treatment

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oral ulcers

Oral ulcers are uncommon as many out there would think. If you develop a painful white-colored sore with red borders in the mouth, it’s time to make a visit to a dental clinic near you. The lesions are also known as aphthous ulcers or canker sores. Over the years, researchers have tried to find out why it occurs in individuals but we have no definitive answers. Typically, oral ulcers can be caused by stress, improperly fitted dentures, and injury to the soft mouth tissues. Not just that, braces and consumption of acidic foods are also attributed to be the causes of oral ulcers in some individuals. Keep on reading more about oral ulcers and how to treat them. 

Types of Ulcers in Oral Cavity

Minor

  1. These are small oval or round ulcers with a recovery timeline of 2 weeks. 
  2. No scarring 

Major

  1. They are larger and deeper in comparison to the minor ones. The recovery could stretch to 6-8 weeks Long-term scarring

Herpetiform

  1. Herpetiform canker sores are pinpoint-sized and occur in clusters of 10 to 100 lesions
  2. It is diagnosed in adults
  3. No scarring
  4. Can heal in 1-2 weeks

Oral Ulcers Symptoms

Symptoms would vary from case to case and depend on the underlying oral ulcers causes. 

  1. Presence of one or many painful sores on the inner skin lining of the mouth.
  2. Swelling of the area around the sores
  3. One faces difficulty in chewing or brushing
  4. Tenderness in the sores
  5. Loss of appetite  

Causes of Oral Ulcers

As mentioned above, we haven’t been able to explain why oral ulcers occur. Causes can be-

  1. Stress, fatigue, or illness
  2. Ill-fitted dentures or braces brushing against the soft tissues in the mouth
  3. Allergic reactions to medications
  4. Autoimmune diseases
  5. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
  6. Injuries caused by bad brushing routine
  7. Consumption of highly acidic food like oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes

Oral Ulcer Treatment

Usually, mouth ulcers are harmless and would disappear within a period of 10-14 days. In the case of oral ulcers like aphthous or those caused by herpes simplex infection, one needs to contact a dentist near you. One can’t accelerate the recovery but manage the symptoms and lessen the complications. 

Types of Oral Ulcer Treatments –

  • Drink a lot of fluids
  • Follow the oral hygiene prescribed by the dentist
  • Apply the antiseptic gel to the affected area
  • Cease spicy and sour foods in the diet
  • Regular rinsing of the mouth with warm and slightly salted water

Note: In severe cases, immunosuppressant medication could be suggested by the dental clinic near you.

Preventing Oral Ulcers

One can practise basic preventive steps like-

  • Gentle brushing of the mouth with a soft toothbrush
  • Follow a right nutritious and balanced diet plan
  • Immediately consult a dentist if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above