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Introduction:

Mouth ulcers(mouth sores) are painful, round ulcers that develop on the linings of the cheeks and lips, the tongue or the gums. Ulcers also can be associated with other diseases, which cause symptoms on the eyes and genitals as well as the mouth. Multiple ulcers are scattered across the lining of the mouth. There can be one or many ulcers at a time. Most people get one to three of these lesions in each episode, but few get more than a dozen ulcers at a time.

The cause of mouth ulcers is not known, but studies indicate an abnormality in the immune system. Blood diseases, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, allergies, trauma cause similar ulcers.

Ulcers are Classified into Three Categories:

  • Minor ulcers are less than 1 centimeter (slightly less than ½inch) in diameter and do not leave scars. The sores usually heal within two weeks.
  • Major ulcers are almost ½ inch or more in diameter, take longer than minor ulcers to heal and may leave scars.

Symptoms:

  • Ulcers can be painful, and the pain becomes worse by some food, drink, and poor oral hygiene.
  • Appear as extremely painful ulcers in the mouth.
  • Recur very quickly, so infections are continuous.
  • An increase in size, coming together to form a larger ulcer.
  • Take 10 or more days to heal.
  • Appears anywhere in the mouth.
  • They tend to be more in females than males and are more common in older adults.

Causes:

The exact reason of mouth ulcers is still not known and varies from person-to-person. Still, there are some common causes that may increase mouth ulcers, including the following.

  • Citrus fruits and other foods high in acidity or spice
  • Braces, poor-fitting dentures, and other apparatus that may rub against the mouth and gums
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
  • Genetic factors
  • Some people may develop ulcers due to the medical condition or a nutritional deficiency.
  • Conditions such as vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, or a weakened immune system may cause ulcers to form.

The Difference Between Mouth Cancer and Mouth Ulcer:

Mouth cancer and mouth ulcers are different in their symptoms. However, as mentioned earlier, new or persistent ulcers require checking. These are few differences between mouth ulcers and mouth cancer.

  • Mouth ulcers are painful whereas mouth cancer is not.
  • Mouth ulcers will heal in 2 weeks, whereas mouth cancer will not go away and will often spread.
  • Mouth cancer patches may be rough, hard, and not easy to scrape off.
  • Mouth cancer is often a mix of red and white patch or large white patch that appears on the tongue, the back of the mouth, the gums, or the cheeks.
  • Mouth cancer is often linked to heavy drinking or tobacco use.

When to See a Doctor:

People who frequently get mouth ulcers(canker sores) may find it difficult to know when to see a doctor. There are some situations, however, where a person should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some of these situations include.

  • The appearance of a non-painful ulcer in one or more areas of the mouth.
  • Unusual ulcers that appear new in the mouth.
  • Ulcers that are spreading.
  • Ulcers lasting longer than 3 weeks.
  • Others may want to seek medical attention or treatment for their ulcers if they are particularly painful or big a fever occurs they develop after starting a new medication.

Is it Curable?

There is no cure for mouth ulcers and they often reoccur, you may be able to reduce their frequency with good dental hygiene and by.

  • Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth, including acidic or spicy foods.
  • Avoiding irritation from gum chewing.
  • Brushing with a soft-bristled brush after meals and flossing daily.

By

Ankura Dental – Best Dental Clinic in Hyderabad

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