Mouth ulcers can be a real pain—literally! They can make eating, drinking, and even talking uncomfortable. If you’ve ever had one, you know how frustrating it can be.
Whether they show up because of stress, biting your cheek, or something more serious, mouth ulcers can affect anyone. If you’re tired of dealing with the pain or just want to know more about why they happen, keep reading! We’ve got tips and info to help you manage and understand these pesky sores.
What Are Mouth Ulcers and What Causes Them?
Mouth ulcers are small sores that appear inside your mouth. They often have a white or yellow center and a red border. They can pop up on your lips, gums, the inside of your cheeks, or even your tongue. There are a few different types:
Canker Sores
These are the most common type of mouth ulcers. They’re not contagious, which means you can’t spread them to others. They usually appear inside the lips or cheeks, at the base of the gums, on the tongue, or even on the soft palate.
The exact cause behind canker sores is unknown. However, they can be triggered by stress, certain foods, or a minor injury like biting your cheek. A B12 deficiency may also play a role.
Cold Sores
Unlike canker sores, cold sores are contagious. They usually appear around the lips or outside the mouth, although they can also appear on the gums or the roof of the mouth.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. If you’ve ever felt a tingling or burning before a cold sore appears, you know that it’s about to show up!
Angular Cheilitis
These are sores that form at the corners of the mouth. They may be red, swollen, and cracked, and may even bleed or develop a crust. It can frequently cause itchiness, pain, and burning sensations.
Angular cheilitis can be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, or an ill-fitting denture.
Traumatic Ulcers
These ulcers happen because of an injury or irritation. Maybe you brushed your teeth too hard, or you have a sharp edge on a dental filling.
Even accidentally biting your cheek can cause a traumatic ulcer. Denture wearers frequently develop ulcers if their prosthesis is loose and rubs or shifts when they speak or chew.
Other Health Issues
Other issues, such as leukoplakia, a precancerous condition, oral thrush, which is a type of fungal infection, or even untreated gum disease, can develop into ulcers in some cases.
If you notice any unusual areas in your mouth, including white patches, changes to the texture of your cheeks, lips, or tongue, or sores of any kind, talk to your dentist or physician.
Importance of Good Oral Health with Mouth Ulcers
If you’re someone who often gets mouth ulcers, maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important. Proper care can help lower your risk of infection or complications when you have active ulcers.
How can you help mouth ulcers heal quickly? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Brush and Floss Gently: Avoid using a stiff toothbrush, abrasive toothpaste, or mouthwashes that contain alcohol. These can irritate your sores and make them feel worse.
- Keep Up with Regular Dental Cleanings: Getting your teeth cleaned regularly can help keep bacteria under control, which can also reduce the risk of sores getting infected. Plus, it gives you a chance to let us know about your ulcers so we can try to help!
- Saltwater Rinses: A simple saltwater rinse can help soothe the area and keep it clean. Just dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Be Careful with Certain Foods: While you have a sore, avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, or crunchy, as they can irritate the area. Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies can be more comfortable to eat.
- Consider Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: If you often get mouth sores, you might want to ask your dentist or physician about supplementing with vitamins like B12, zinc, or iron.
How to Tips for Manageing Mouth Ulcers at Home
While mouth ulcers can be annoying, there are some things you can do at home to make them feel better:
- Topical Gels: Over-the-counter gels and creams can help numb the sore and reduce pain. Apply them directly to the ulcer for relief.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Meds: Medications like ibuprofen can help with the pain and swelling. Just be sure to follow the recommended dose!
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist, which can be soothing when you have a sore. It’s also a great way to stay healthy overall! If you have chronic dry mouth, consider adding an over-the-counter rinse, gum, or lozenge for dry mouth relief.
- Balanced Diet: Eating a diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals can help your body heal. Foods high in B12, like eggs and fish, can be especially helpful.
When Should You See a Dentist for Mouth Ulcers? When to See a Dentist
Most mouth ulcers will heal on their own within a week or two, but sometimes they need a little extra attention. Here’s when you should consider visiting a dentist:
- If the Ulcer Lasts More Than 2 Weeks: Most sores heal within 7-14 days. If yours hasn’t improved, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.
- If the Ulcer Is Large or Very Painful: An unusually large sore or one that causes a lot of pain might need professional treatment.
- If You Feel a Sore Coming On: Dentists can offer treatments like laser therapy for canker sores, which can significantly shorten their lifespan. They can also prescribe antiviral medications like acyclovir for cold sores, which may prevent the sore from fully erupting.
- If You Keep Getting Them: Frequent mouth ulcers could be a sign of an underlying health issue. A dentist can help you figure out if there’s a deeper cause and suggest a plan to manage them.
Worried About Mouth Sores? Imagine Dental Can Help!
If mouth ulcers are making your life uncomfortable, Imagine Dental is here for you. Our team can help you find the right treatment for mouth sores in Phoenix and Ahwatukee to ease your pain and speed up healing.
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn canker sore, need advice on your oral care routine, or want to know if there’s a bigger issue at play, we’re just a call away. Don’t let mouth ulcers keep you from smiling—reach out to us today, and let’s get you feeling better!
