Going through a rough patch in life? Is an assignment deadline approaching, or is an exam next week? One of the most common signs of anxiety and stress is the development of ulcers in the mouth. Unfortunately, oral ulcers are pretty common and can occur due to a variety of reasons. Fortunately, common oral ulcers do not last long and are preventable. This blog discusses different types of oral ulcers and their treatment options. So, continue reading to find out why you keep getting ulcers in your mouth!
What’s The Reason I Have A Mouth Ulcer?
Mouth ulcers can occur due to various reasons. For example, mental stress and anxiety are common reasons for getting ulcers. According to the National Health Service (NHS), other reasons for oral ulcers are:
- Viral diseases such as chicken pox and cold sores
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin deficiency
- Chrone’s disease – a chronic infection that causes the inflammation of the lining of the digestive system
- Trauma
- Exposure to very hot food items
- Cheek biting
How To Cure Frequently Occurring Mouth Ulcers?
The management of oral ulcers depends on their type and the underlying cause. The condition where one frequently gets oral ulcers is called recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Although the exact cause of these recurring ulcers is not known yet, they can be triggered due to various factors, including immune response abnormalities, misaligned teeth, stress, and diet.
If you are suffering from frequent oral ulcers, your dentist may take the following measures to treat them:
- Oral Hygiene Instructions – maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing has proven helpful in decreasing the incidence of oral ulcers.
- Antimicrobial Mouthwashes – medicated mouthwashes also help reduce the incidence of dental ulcers.
- Steroids – steroid lozenges help speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort.
- Painkillers – these medicines help reduce pain and discomfort. However, this is only a temporary solution.
- Dental Lasers – low-level light laser therapy used to promote tissue repair, reduce any inflammation after treatment and also help with pain relief.
What Food And Drinks Cause Mouth Ulcers?
Certain food items can increase your risk of getting mouth ulcers. For example, eating spicy and acidic foods makes one vulnerable to getting ulcers. Similarly, foods such as chocolates, acidic fruits, peanuts, almonds, and strawberries are everyday items that can cause mouth Ulcers in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, scorching foods, such as pizzas, can burn the oral tissues and cause ulcers.
How Do I Treat A Mouth Sore For It To Heal Quickly?
The treatment of mouth ulcers typically involves managing the underlying symptoms. However, to ensure quick healing, one must take good care of oral hygiene and eat a simple diet free of spices. Furthermore, one can take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce discomfort. In cases where an ulcer does not heal for a long time or when ulcers are repeatedly developing, one must visit their dentist immediately for a checkup, as it may indicate something serious.
What Is The Best Way To Treat A Painful Mouth Ulcer?
There are several ways to manage pain with mouth ulcers. First, one can take over-the-counter or medicated mouth rinses. Most of these products contain ingredients that reduce pain and inflammation. Alternatively, your dentist may prescribe pain medication or topical gels that are also helpful in reducing pain and discomfort. In the case of long-standing or recurring ulcers, lasers have been shown to be highly beneficial.
What Foods Can I Eat To Help Heal My Mouth Ulcers?
As discussed earlier, spicy and acidic foods and drinks must be avoided to allow the healing of mouth ulcers. Besides, one must eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fibrous items and green vegetables, as they do not cause other ulcers. Finally, smoking and alcohol intake must be avoided to allow for the quick healing of oral ulcers.
How Do You Prevent Getting Mouth Ulcers?
There are various things one can undertake to prevent oral ulcers:
- Oral hygiene maintenance through brushing, flossing, and mouth rinse
- Avoiding spicy foods
- Avoiding acidic foods
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Avoiding scorching foods as they may cause soft tissue burns and ulceration
- Ensuring good quality sleep
- Avoiding stressful situations
- Improving the quality of life and general well-being through regular exercise
- Avoiding smoking and cutting down on alcohol intake
- Visiting one’s dentist regularly to detect any underlying issues that may cause oral ulcers
My Mouth Ulcer Won’t Heal. What Should I Do?
Mouth ulcers are typically self-healing. In most cases, mouth ulcers should go away within 1-2 weeks. However, if a mouth ulcer does not go away even after 1-2 weeks, it is a cause for concern and indicates an underlying issue. A non-healing ulcer in the mouth should never be taken lightly, and expert dental help should be sought as soon as possible. When you visit your dentist, they will perform a detailed clinical examination to assess the cause of the ulcers. They may also take a biopsy of the ulcer to confirm their diagnosis. Nevertheless, the sooner one sees their dentist for treatment in the case of non-healing ulcers, the higher the chances of complete healing and recovery.
The long-term management of recurring dental ulcers requires treatment by an experienced and qualified dentist. If you are looking for a dentist in Bedford to treat mouth ulcers, Munroe Hall Clinic is your best choice. We offer all dental services under one roof and at affordable rates. So, what are you waiting for? Contact our team to find out more about the non-invasive management of oral ulcers.
Last Updated: January 8, 2023
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