Struggling with Mouth Ulcers?
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Sources:
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fever-blisters-canker-sores
“Mouth Ulcer: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic,
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21766-mouth-ulcer.
Have you ever had a small red or white bump on the inside of your mouth that hurts anytime you move? Those are called aphthous ulcers but they are commonly referred to as canker sores or mouth ulcers. Affecting around 20% of the population, mouth ulcers aren’t contagious, but are inconvenient. They do go away on their own and there are some treatments to ease the pain that come with them.
Since they form on your gums, lips, inner cheeks or palate they are exposed to everything you put in your mouth or eat. This can lead to them becoming inflamed and painful. Let’s talk about why and what to do.
What causes mouth ulcers?
The exact cause of mouth ulcers is currently unknown. There are several factors that can contribute to the formation of these sores, such as:
Infections
Lack of sleep
Stress
Acidic foods
Vitamin deficiencies
Minor mouth injury
How are mouth ulcers treated?
Mouth ulcers go away on their own without any medical intervention, however they can be painful. Topical treatment can be prescribed by your provider to ease the discomfort if it becomes too painful. There are also several over-the-counter products that help provide comfort from mouth ulcers.
Healing process
In most cases, mouth ulcers take around 10-14 days to heal. If you have a mouth ulcer that lasts longer than 3 weeks, contact your healthcare provider. .
Prevention
There is no foolproof way to prevent mouth ulcers, however you can reduce the risk by:
Brushing your teeth twice daily
Using a soft bristle brush to avoid irritation
Eating a healthy diet containing fruits and vegetables
Getting regular checkups
Getting enough sleep
Our Family Clinic in Hulett provides continuing and comprehensive health care for individuals and families. Family Medicine, or Primary Care providers, serve all people of all ages. Our team helps patients establish a medical home to monitor your health and manage chronic illnesses and conditions. In addition to full primary care services, we also provide women’s health services. Dr. Gaddiel Rios has a passion for treating, caring and connecting with the community. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rios, call 307-688-2235.
