Mouth Ulcers – Treatments & Remedies
What are mouth ulcers?
Itching, pain, bumps, and sores on the inside of the cheeks and in other areas within the oral cavity may all be categorized as mouth ulcers until a more specific diagnosis can be established. The most common types of mouth ulcers are as follows:
- Aphthous ulcers are painful, greyish bumps with bright red borders.
- Herpangina is a crop of painful red sores in the mouth and throat caused by a virus.
- Leukoplakia forms yellowish-white patches that precede the development of oral cancer.
- Lichen planus is a skin disorder which often produces bluish-white patches in the mouth.
What causes mouth ulcers?
Simple injuries such as minor burns, or even scratches made by careless toothbrushing, can cause sores to erupt in the mouth. A wide variety of allergic and infectious disorders are another common cause.
Often, however, mouth ulcers cannot be attributed to any clearly identified cause. They may be localized responses to minor infections or irritations inside the mouth.
Alternatively, mouth ulcers may be symptoms of a systemic illness such as influenza.
How are mouth ulcers diagnosed and treated?
Different types of mouth ulcers are recognizable to doctors. Tests, including a biopsy, are sometimes needed to help clarify the diagnosis.
The treatment depends on the diagnosis. Some forms of mouth sores can be relieved with local remedies, but topical medications are often difficult to apply inside the mouth since they are quickly washed away and swallowed in the saliva. Consequently, systemic treatment with pills may be required.
What can I do to relief mouth ulcers?
If pain, itching, bumps, or rough areas develop inside your mouth, you may be able to relieve the discomfort effectively with home remedies, such as sucking on an ice cube or rinsing the mouth with warm salt-water.
Non-prescription drugs may also help. For relief of pain, soluble aspirin in the form of a mouth rinse or gargle may be helpful. Your pharmacist may also be able to recommend a soothing mouth-wash, spray or lozenge containing a local anaesthetic, or a demulcent such as gelatin, glycerin or pectin which covers and protects irritated inner mouth surfaces, and speeds healing.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have a very itchy, painful, or bloody sore, or if the sore has an odd texture or taste, you should see your doctor or dentist.
What will the doctor do?
He or she will start by examining your mouth, using a light and a tongue depressor. The doctor may take a biopsy specimen in order to study the cells. This is an aid to differentiating lichen planus from leukoplakia and other stubborn oral sores, including cancers.
The doctor may prescribe mouth rinses with the anaesthetic lignocaine or another pain reliever, to be used just before eating, to help ease discomfort. Corticosteriod pills are often prescribed to relieve pain, itching, and inflammation. Other drugs, such as retinoids which are derived from vitamin A, may also be used.
What is the course of mouth ulcers?
The body seems to cure the majority of mouth ulcers over time. Those that persist may have a serious underlying cause.
When lichen planus appears in the mouth, it is likely to spread to different sites on the skin. It may eventually disappear without treatment, although it tends to recur. Herpangina, on the other hand, usually occurs once only.
Are mouth ulcers dangerous?
Most are not. A few are, however, and medical evalution is necessary to tell the dangerous ones from the harmless ones.
SYMPTOMS
- Itching or pain.
- Bumps, rough areas, or ulcers in the mouth.
- Visible discolouration of the oral membranes.
- Bleeding from the mouth.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Practitioners of alternative medicine offer the following treatments for mouth ulcers:
- Herbal medicine
Herbalists generally view mouth ulcers as a symptom of being run down, so their treatment will concentrate just as much on the overall health of the patient as curing the ulcer. Swilling with a mouth-wash of tincture of myrrh- available at chemists and health food shops- every two hours, may be advised. This should clear up the condition within two days.Chewing licorice root, is sometimes suggested as it has been found to be effective in soothing and curing mouth ulcers.
- Homoeopathy
For severe mouth ulcers, which are extemely painful, and produce a sharp pin-point pain, nitric acid 6 may often be prescribed by a homoeopath.
What can I do to avoid mouth ulcers?
- Practice good oral hygiene dy brushing and flossing teeth regularly.
- Since tobacco use contributes to mouth ulcers, give up smoking, taking snuff and chewing tobacco.
- Drink alcohol in moderation as excessive consumption increases the likelihood of mouth ulcers.
Warning / Precaution
If an ulcer, sore or lump persists in your mouth for longer than one month, see your doctor or dentist- it could be a sign of cancer.
Mouth ulcers are common and usually clear up within seven to 10 days. However, some ulcer-like growths in the mouth or on the tongue can be malignant. Early detection of a malignant growth is essential, so any lump or growth in the mouth area which persists for more than one month should be investigated by your doctor.
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