Mouth ulcers are sore areas in the mouth and are also called canker sores. In some cases, they are very painful whereas others experience little discomfort. They can occur for several reasons, one of which is mental stress. Students with stress of their studies, persons with office workload and females due to hormonal changes during pregnancy are the prime victims. Deficiency of Vitamin B12, ill- fitting dentures and use of some medicines may also be the cause.
Viral infections like chicken pox may also produce ulcerations in the mouth. Many ulcers heal without treatment while some require professional health service to eliminate the cause of the ulcer. Best home remedy is hot saltwater mouth rinses. For pain control, use of antibacterial mouth washes, pain killing gels, sprays and analgesics are recommended. Corticosteroids in the form of lozenges and gels are available on the market and found useful for ulcer treatment.
To treat mouth ulcers:
- Use over-the-counter gels or ointments to reduce pain and promote healing.
- Rinse with saltwater or an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection.
- Avoid irritating foods and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Apply ice to ease discomfort.
For recurrent or large ulcers, consult a dentist or doctor. Prescription treatments like corticosteroids or addressing underlying conditions may be necessary. Boosting your diet with vitamins and managing stress can help prevent future occurrences.
An ulcers staying more than three weeks in one’s mouth should warn the sufferer to have a professional opinion promptly from a dentist or an oral surgeon.
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