Oral health is not limited to your teeth alone; sores or irritation can occur in and around the mouth. In this article, learn about possible causes and mouth sores treatment options.
Mouth ulcers come in different types and can have various causes.
What are mouth sores?
Mouth sores are small lesions that appear as painful erosions in the soft tissues of the mouth. They may appear on the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, or the base or roof of the mouth.
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Although mouth sores are usually not serious, they can be very bothersome and make it difficult for some people to eat, drink, and brush their teeth.
Who gets mouth sores?
Anyone can get aphthous ulcers, but certain types are more likely to occur during specific periods of life. For example, thrush and gingivostomatitis are more common in children, while leukoplakia and lichen planus are more common in older adults.
What are the symptoms of mouth sores?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of mouth sore you have. In most cases, the lesions cause redness, pain, and inflammation. You may also experience:
- tingling or burning in the mouth
- difficulty eating, especially spicy or salty foods
- stinging
- bleeding
- ulcers
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Mouth sores causes
There are many possible causes of aphthous sore. In many cases, mild irritation leads to a mouth sore, while in others, sores form due to underlying health conditions.
Most sores result from irritation of the mucous membrane in the mouth. Common causes include:
- ill-fitting dentures
- a sharp or broken tooth
- braces or other dental devices like retainers, which are a very common cause according to some statistics
- burning the mouth, tongue, or gums when consuming hot food or drinks
- smoking and tobacco products
Other causes of mouth ulcers:
- certain medications, including beta-blockers
- highly acidic foods
- tobacco cessation
- hormonal changes during pregnancy
- stress
- vitamin and folic acid deficiencies
Conditions and diseases that cause mouth sores:
Candidiasis:
A fungal infection that often results in white and red patches in the mouth.
Herpes simplex:
A virus that causes sores in the mouth and can also lead to genital ulcers.
Oral lichen planus:
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A chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the inner cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips, often appearing as raised patches of tissue. In some cases, it manifests as red, swollen ulcers in the mouth.
Chronic ulcerative lesion:
Ulcers with flat red edges and white or gray patches surrounding them.
Common gingivostomatitis:
A widespread infection, especially in children, that resembles canker sores but occurs alongside cold or flu symptoms.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease:
Causes small, painful red spots on these parts of the body, which are more common in children.
Leukoplakia:
A grayish-white ulcer that can appear almost anywhere in the mouth.
Autoimmune diseases:
It can lead to mouth ulcers.
Erythroplakia:
A red ulcer on the floor of the mouth, which can be cancerous or precancerous.
Oral cancer:
It can cause ulcers and lesions in the mouth.
How to diagnose mouth sores
Before treating mouth sores, they must first be diagnosed. In most cases, individuals can independently identify the cause of their mouth sores. Someone who has had an ulcer before will recognize it if it reappears.
Someone who bites their cheek will know that this incident caused the ulcer. Those with medical conditions like oral herpes on the lips may also recognize their symptoms and have a treatment plan in place.
Someone with recurrent oral aphthae should see a doctor for a clinical examination to determine the cause. Doctors may also perform tests like swabs and blood tests.
If a doctor suspects a severe illness causes the ulcer, they may take a sample from the area to check for cancer or other health issues. Aphthous and traumatic ulcers are generally the most common types of mouth sores.
Mouth sores treatment
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In many cases, treatment is unnecessary, as mouth ulcers, tongue sores, and lip ulcers heal independently. Ulcers from minor injuries usually heal within one to two weeks. Avoiding irritants helps prevent future mouth sores.
During healing, patients can take steps at home to help treat mouth sores:
- rinse the mouth with a solution of warm water and a teaspoon of salt for one minute
- avoid spicy or hot foods
- refrain from using tobacco products
- avoid alcohol
- rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to treat mouth ulcers
- over-the-counter pain relievers can help
- cover mouth ulcers with baking soda paste
If home treatments for mouth sores are ineffective or the sore does not heal after a while, a person should consult their doctor for additional treatment options.
If an underlying condition is causing the sores, the doctor will create a treatment plan. Doctors may also prescribe stronger medications to treat severe, chronic, or recurring mouth sores. Treatment may involve prescribing:
- a steroid mouth spray or dissolvable steroid lozenges
- pain relievers in the form of gels, ointments, sprays, or tablets
- antimicrobial mouth rinses
Instructions and tips to prevent mouth sores
There are simple steps anyone can take to help prevent sores inside the mouth, such as:
- avoiding hot foods and drinks
- avoiding acidic fruits as they may irritate the mucous membranes and cause pain
- chewing carefully and slowly
- maintaining regular oral hygiene
- using a soft toothbrush
- managing stress levels
- avoiding smoking or using other tobacco products
- reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption
- staying well-hydrated
- speaking with a dentist if dental devices cause irritation
- Use lip balm with sun protection to reduce sun exposure damage
When should you see your dentist?
A person should visit a specialist when:
- ulcers get worse or do not improve over time
- signs of infection are present
- there are white spots on the ulcers
You can contact us to book appointments with our skilled specialists.
Summary
Mouth sores can be painful and bothersome. Many causes exist, with irritation and trauma being the most common.
In many cases, treatment is not needed, as sores heal on their own. However, medications may be needed to treat the underlying cause in other cases. If someone has recurring or long-term ulcers or severe pain, it’s best to consult a doctor.
References:
- Recurrent Mouth Ulcers, Cork University Dental School & Hospital
- CANKER SORES (RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS), UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
- Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, University Dental Hospital of Manchester
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