Do you suffer from mouth ulcers?
Did you know that your dentist is your ideal first point of treatment for this condition?
Dentists are known for being the doctor for your teeth. What many people don’t appreciate is that the dentist is also professionally trained in general oral care – which means that your dentist should be your go-to doctor for other conditions impacting the mouth including the gums, tongue, and soft tissues. They are there to identify, diagnose, and either treat or specialist-refer for a myriad of medical issues from oral injury to gum disease, infections, and mouth cancers. This includes the treatment of mouth ulcers where it is required.
What is a Mouth Ulcer?
An ulcer is a sore that either heals very slowly or keeps recurring. There are different kinds of ulcers, and they can arise on both the inside and outside of the body, almost anywhere from the eye to the digestive tract to the foot.
Oral or mouth ulcers arise when the soft, moist mucous membrane that lines the inside of the mouth is injured or becomes eroded. These tissues are very delicate and, for some people, it can happen very easily.
Mouth Ulcer Symptoms & Causes
- A painful sore (or multiple sores) on the soft tissue inside the lips, cheeks, gum, palate, or beside or under the tongue.
- The ulcer looks pale compared with the normal tissues.
- The surrounding skin may be inflamed and swollen. Chewing and brushing are uncomfortable or painful. You may experience a loss of appetite.
- The ulcer is particularly irritated when it comes in contact with salty, spicy, or acidic foods/drinks.
Most mouth ulcers arise in response to an injury. This could be as simple as a toothbrush injury; using a too-strong mouthwash; rubbing from orthodontic appliances, dentures, or a broken tooth; burning the mouth on hot food or drink; or accidentally biting the inside of the cheek.
Other possible causes include:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Low immune system
- Viruses – e.g. Herpes Simplex Virus aka “cold sores”
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Some medicines
- Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases
- Smoking/vaping may contribute
Most mouth ulcers are harmless but they can be very painful. Usually smaller than 5mm in diameter, they can arise anywhere inside the mouth and more than one may be present at the same time.
See your dentist or doctor as soon as possible if:
- You get mouth ulcers often
- An ulcer interferes with eating
- An ulcer is bleeding
- An ulcer is over 1cm in diameter
- Pain from an ulcer is severe
- Any mouth sore or lesion (even without pain) gets bigger or does not completely disappear within 2 weeks.
- You suddenly develop several mouth ulcers (especially if you are feeling otherwise unwell)
Some ulcers are known as “aphthous” ulcers; these recurring and very difficult-to-treat ulcers don’t have a clear cause. They have been associated with stress, vitamin deficiency (Vitamin B, iron, or folate), and compromised immune function. These are troublesome but generally benign.
Be Aware: Very rarely, mouth ulcers can signify a serious medical condition like leukaemia or oral cancer. You need to check with your dentist or GP ASAP for severe ulcers or any sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal completely within a week or two.
In the past, most oral cancers were linked to alcohol and tobacco/cannabis consumption, poor oral hygiene, and poor diet. These still contribute, but today a majority of oral cancers are directly linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus also causes other cancers including cervix cancer in women. Adolescents in Australia are now offered immunization against this infection (usually at high school) and rates of oral cancer are expected to decline significantly in the future thanks to this added protection. Other common contributors to oral cancer are smoking, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, poor dietary nutrition, and poor oral hygiene.
Treating & Managing Mouth Ulcers
Most mouth ulcers resolve on their own within 10-14 days without any special treatment. You can support the healing process and make your mouth more comfortable by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids (avoid soft drinks)
- Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid fried, fatty, salty, and sugar-laden foods
- Avoid alcohol
- Don’t smoke or vape
- Keep your mouth clean and brush your teeth twice daily
- Use a medicated mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate (ask your pharmacist)
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes
- Rinse with warm, slightly salted water several times per day
- Use an antiseptic oral gel on the ulcer as directed by your dentist or pharmacist
- See your dentist if the ulcer is severe or not getting better – they will be able to prescribe antibiotics, steroid treatment, or topical ointment if necessary.
Maintain Regular Dentist Visits!
Oral hygiene is imperative and seeing your dentist every 6 months is part of maintaining this. Your dentist has the experience, expertise, and professional equipment from the right dental equipment supplier to help you maintain optimal dental and oral health and well-being and minimize the risk of issues like mouth ulcers. You should also choose a balanced and nutritious diet, clean and floss your teeth daily, and do your best to stay well and manage stress.
