Mouth sores, also called mouth ulcers, are very painful sores located in the inner lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, or throat, as the case may be. They also interfere with eating or drinking, such as canker sores.
Mouth sores are very common ailments that affect many people at some point in their lives. Mouth ulcers are not always due to underlying disease; they are usually a minor irritation and last up to a week or two.
For instance, canker sores, burns, biting the tongue or cheeks, or eating acidic foods such as sour sweets and pineapple.
Canker is usually small, shallow lesions that are formed on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Canker sores don’t occur on the surface of your lips and they aren’t contagious. However, they can be painful and can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult.
7 Possible Causes:
There are various reasons for having mouth sores, ranging from minor everyday causes to serious illnesses. Usually, you could get a mouth sore if you:
- bite your tongue, cheek, or lip
- burn your mouth
- experience irritation from a sharp object, such braces, retainer, or dentures
- brush your teeth too hard, or use a very firm toothbrush
- chew tobacco
- have the herpes simplex virus
- Drinking of hot liquids
However, many healthcare officers do not know the actual cause of canker sores. But, these sores aren’t contagious. You may be more susceptible to them due to:
- a weakened immune system because of illness or stress
- hormone changes
- a vitamin deficiency, especially of folate and B-12
- intestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
In some cases, mouth sores are as a result of :
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Oral thrush
- Celiac disease
- cancer
- autoimmune disorder
- a weakened immune system
- hand, foot, and mouth disease
- bleeding disorders
- bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
Signs of Mouth Sores
Early signs of mouth sores are some redness and aches, especially when you are eating and drinking. They can also cause a burning or tingling sensation around the gums.
Based on the size, gravity, and location of the sores in your mouth, they make it difficult to eat, drink, swallow, talk, or breathe. The sores may also develop blisters. They could also cause bad breathe
Seek your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- sores that are larger than half an inch in diameter
- frequent outbreaks of mouth sores
- rash
- joint pain
- fever
- diarrhea
How to know if you have a Mouth Ulcer
Basically, you can tell when you have a mouth sore without seeking the help of a healthcare provider. Although, you should see your healthcare provider if you:
- have white patches on your sores
- have, or suspect herpes simplex or another infection
- have sores that don’t go away or get worse after a couple of weeks
- started taking a new medication
- started cancer treatment
- recently had transplant surgery
While you visit your healthcare provider, he or she will examine your mouth, tongue, and lips. If they suspect you have cancer or any other chronic infections, a biopsy and run some tests may be needed.
Preventions of Mouth Sores
Honestly, there is no absolute way to prevent all mouth sores. However, there are certain steps to avoid getting them. You could try to:
- avoid very hot foods and drinks
- avoid stress,
- drink plenty of water, always have a water bottle with you
- chew slowly and carefully to avoid bitting your lips or tongue; this could lead to mouth infection
- use a soft toothbrush and practice regular dental hygiene
- see your dentist if any dental hardware or teeth may be irritating your mouth
- eat a balanced diet and fibrous food
- reduce or eliminate food irritants, such as hot, spicy foods
- take vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins
- avoid smoking or use tobacco for a while
- avoid or reduce your alcohol consumption or intake
- always protect your lips when you go out during the day, or use SPF 15 lip balm while you are in the sun
In summary, Mouth sore are not usually contagious until they are exposed or you have some underlying diseases. Mouth sore last for about few days to week and could go on it own without a health care intervention.
Check the next post for treatments and types of Mouth sore.
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