A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

MOUTH ULCERS

What are Mouth Ulcers ?

Mouth ulcers are shallow breaks in the lining of the mouth. There are many causes including trauma, infection, other diseases which affect the mouth as well as other areas of the body, and the most common cause which is an ‘apthous’ ulcer. An aphthous ulcer can cause considerable misery. The ulcer normally starts as an inflamed area up to 10 mm across. The centre becomes yellow-white in colour. Pain is the main problem. If severe, it may making eating difficult and the wearing of dentures impossible. An apthous ulcer typically occurs on the inside of the cheek.

How do Mouth Ulcers occur ?

Some people seem to be prone to develop repeated aphthous ulcers, while others may have similar damage to the cheek but without having an ulcer developing from it.

Why do Mouth Ulcers occur ?

The cause is usually unknown. In a few people there may be an underlying vitamin deficiency. Some foods may precipitate apthous ulcers in a smaller group of patients. The foods usually found to be involved include cheese, chocolate, nuts, tomatoes and citrus fruits. Occasionally they occur when a patient has recently stopped smoking. Changes in hormones sometimes precipitate ulcers and some women notice that they occur before their periods.

Treatment Involved for Mouth Ulcers

The ulcers heal after a few days although it can occasionally take longer. If subject to repeated ulcers, it is worth discussing the problem with a dentist or oral hygienist. These ulcers usually occur in healthy people but sometimes a blood test is appropriate. Identifying food allergies can be difficult but the type of food known to bring about an ulcer may become obvious to you after some time. The aim of treatment is to reduce the pain and inflammation. Local anaesthetic lozenges or gel can be used as often as necessary to reduce discomfort, and can be purchased from your pharmacy. Some people benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of hydrocortisone. This can be administered in the form of pellets which are sucked. Tetracycline is sometimes very effective. A capsule containing 250 mg of this antibiotic is prized open. Half the yellow powder content is put into a tumbler which is approximately one-third filled with warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution, on each occasion keeping the liquid in contact with the ulcer for 5 minutes at a time. This method often reduces the period of pain to 1 or 2 days.

During Treatment for Mouth Ulcers

Most aphthous ulcers improve after 6 or 7 days and have disappeared within 2 weeks. Providing the pain or discomfort from the ulcer is controlled then there are no restrictions.

After Treatment for Mouth Ulcers

Once the ulcer has healed there is no scarring or evidence of the ulcer and the mouth returns to normal.

If Mouth Ulcers are Left Untreated

All ulcers eventually heal, although the period of pain is often longer if nothing is done to reduce the inflammation.