👄 Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, also called aphthous ulcers or canker sores, are painful sores or lesions that form on the soft tissues inside the mouth — such as the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums.
🧬 Types:
- Minor aphthous ulcers (most common)
- Small (<1 cm), round or oval
- Heal in 7–10 days without scarring
- Major aphthous ulcers
- Larger and deeper, may last 2–6 weeks
- Can scar after healing
- Herpetiform ulcers
- Tiny, clustered ulcers that may merge
- Not caused by the herpes virus
🩺 Common Causes/Triggers:
- Stress or fatigue
- Minor trauma (e.g. biting the cheek, dental work)
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folic acid)
- Hormonal changes
- Food sensitivities (e.g., acidic or spicy foods)
- Toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
- Immune system issues
- Associated with diseases like:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Behçet’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
🔍 Symptoms:
- Painful, round or oval sore with a white/yellow center and red border
- Discomfort with eating, drinking, or talking
- Swelling or tenderness around the sore
💊 Treatment:
Most mouth ulcers are self-limiting, but treatment can relieve pain and speed healing:
🔹 Home Remedies:
- Saltwater or baking soda rinses
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods
- Use soft toothbrushes
🔹 Over-the-Counter:
- Mouth gels (e.g., benzocaine, lidocaine) for numbing
- Antiseptic mouthwashes (e.g., chlorhexidine)
- Anti-inflammatory rinses