Sometimes, we may find it painful to chew food in our mouth, especially spicy food. This happens due to mouth ulcers. Small sores that may form inside our mouth on our lips, tongue, gums, roof of our mouth, or inner cheeks are characterized as mouth ulcers.
Many factors can cause them, including minor injuries, hormonal changes, and emotional stress. They can be extremely painful, making it difficult to eat and drink.
Besides causing discomfort and pain, mouth ulcers are usually harmless and subside on their own in a week or two, but sometimes they may require treatment.
Dr. Sonal Mhatre, BHMS, with 17 years of Clinical experience, shares useful information on types of mouth ulcers and tips to treat them.
Certain mouth sores may indicate underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases, viruses, or gastrointestinal issues.
Different types of mouth ulcers, sores, and lesions, including:
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Aphthous ulcers are the most common type of mouth ulcers and are generally caused by trauma like biting the cheek, acidic foods, and even stress.
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Oral lichen planus is an immune system response to infection and can cause itchy rashes and lace-like, white sores inside our mouth.
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Leukoplakia develops due to excess cell growth in the mouth. This causes white or grey patches inside the mouth and may lead to chronic irritation from chewing tobacco or smoking.
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Erythroplakia is generally caused by excessive smoking or chewing tobacco. People suffering from erythroplakia have red patches that commonly appear under their tongue or behind their lower front teeth. These patches may be cancerous sometimes.
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Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of yeast called Candida albicans. It happens after antibiotic treatment or when our immune system is not strong. It causes red, creamy, and white mouth sores.
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Mouth cancer lesions can appear as red or white mouth sores or ulcers. These sores won’t heal on their own.
When should a doctor be consulted?
Generally, when the mouth ulcer doesn’t go away after three weeks, if it reoccurs, grows bigger in size than usual, if it is at the back of the throat, or if it bleeds and becomes more painful and red, then one must consult a doctor at the earliest.
Do’s and Dont’s to be followed while having mouth ulcers.
Do’s
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Do use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Do eat softer foods.
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Do get regular dental check-ups.
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Do eat a healthy and balanced diet.
DON’Ts
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Do not eat spicy or salty food.
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Do not eat rough or crunchy food like toast or crisps; do not drink hot beverages.
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Do not have chewing gum;
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Do not use a toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
Six tips to fix Mouth Ulcers Quickly
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Good Oral Hygiene: Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to reduce mouth ulcers. Some ways may include:
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Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water a few times during the day.
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Avoiding hot and spicy foods until the ulcer heals.
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Apply coconut oil or honey directly onto the ulcer.
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Using an over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetic.
Several natural supplements can help reduce the severity of a mouth ulcer:
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Vitamin B12: A deficiency of this vitamin can cause mouth ulcers, so taking a supplement by doctor’s advice can help alleviate mouth ulcers. Foods rich in vitamin B12 may include fish, meat, and dairy.
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Zinc: It can help speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers. Foods rich in zinc may include oysters and pumpkin seeds.
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Vitamin C: This nutrient can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Foods rich in vitamin C may include citrus fruits, capsicum, or broccoli.
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Lysine is an amino acid that can help reduce the severity of mouth ulcers. Foods rich in lysine include meat, fish, and dairy products.
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Probiotics: These can help balance the bacteria in your mouth, which can help prevent mouth ulcers. Foods rich in probiotics include yogurt.
Mouth ulcers are usually discomforting and painful; they may not allow an individual to eat normally. However, adopting the above ways can help one heal sooner.
