Posted on February 27, 2010.
Mouth ulcers - Causes and treatment of mouth ulcer A mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth (mucosa). Some of the causes include certain drugs, chemicals and infectious diseases such as herpes or thrush. The most common cause is mechanical damage, as luck would bite the cheek. In most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves within a few days without needing medical treatment. The ulcers are recurring ulcers with no known cause that affect around 20 per cent of the population.
Mouth ulcers generally start with a burning sensation to a specific location in the mouth. A blister appears finally to the same place and turn into a reddish or a slight accumulation with its top broken. He then slowly turns into an open ulcer, which looks like a white oval with a red border (ie inflammation). The white or yellow is within the sequence of layers of fibrin that form around the ulcer. Sometimes a white circle can also be seen around the lesion (halo called by some people).
Mouth ulcers are very common. Mouth ulcers are painful, annoying and sometimes embarrassing. They are red breaks in the lining of your mouth. The pain is caused by the nerves just below the surface of the lining of the mouth of greatest risk. Luckily most mouth ulcers are easy to treat.
Causes of mouth ulcers
There are many processes that can lead to ulceration of oral tissues. In some cases, they are caused by an overreaction by the body's own immune system.
The tongue, gums or mouth lining can be affected. The cultures of these small off-white ulcers tend to sprout during times of emotional stress or the menstrual period.
The most common adolescent stress ulceration of the mouth heal in a few weeks. Prevention is the solution of problems related to stress or using stress busting relaxation strategies.
Changes in hormone levels. Some women find that mouth ulcers occur just before the period. In some women, the ulcers develop after menopause.
It is not yet well understood what causes mouth ulcers. They do not seem to be caused by bacteria or viruses and are not contagious. Genetic studies have shown that the susceptibility to them may be inherited, so family members sometimes share the condition.
Treatment of mouth ulcers
The goal of treatment is relief of symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some symptoms. Topical (rubbed on) antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended for use on top of the ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increases the pain of mouth ulcers.
Some people benefit from using the more-the-counter topical gel Bonjela, which contains choline salicylate - choline salicylate is a local anesthetic helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with oral ulcers.
Steroid tablets can also reduce pain and may help heal ulcers more quickly. Using your language, you can keep a lozenge in contact with an ulcer until the lozenge dissolves. A steroid lozenge works best the sooner it is started once an ulcer erupts. If used early, it can "nip in the bud" and prevent an ulcer from fully erupting.
Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash or warm salt water can relieve the pain. As well, taking care not to eat anything with sharp edges, such as crisps, as they may scratch against ulcers cause pain and discomfort.