Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are tiny lesions that form inside the mouth. Mouth ulcers have no clear etiology, however, they might be triggered by trauma, allergies, or sensitivities. 

Mouth ulcers are painful, tiny sores that form in the mouth or at the bottom of the gums. They can make eating, sipping, and conversing difficult. Canker sores and sores produced by hand, foot, and mouth disease are examples of mouth ulcers.

Mouth ulcers are seldom communicable and normally heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks, even if left untreated. Seek the assistance of a doctor or dentist if you develop a huge, painful mouth ulcer that does not heal after a lengthy period.

Mouth Ulcers: What Causes Them?

Mouth ulcers have no known origin, however, several risk factors and catalysts have been discovered.

People born female, children, teenagers, and those with a lineage of mouth ulcers are more likely to develop them.

Among the triggers are:

• Mild mouth injury caused by dental work, vigorous brushing, sports injury, or an unintentional bite
• Braces for teeth
• Toothpaste or mouthwash with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Allergic reaction to oral bacteria
• Infections of the mouth caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Acidic foods and drinks such as strawberries, citrus fruits, pineapple, chocolate, and coffee
• Shortages in some nutrients, including vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12, zinc, and iron
• Changes in hormones, such as those seen during menstruation or pregnancy
• Mental anguish
• Sleep deprivation

Mouth ulcer symptoms change based on the etiology, however, they commonly include:

• Sores that are painful and may be yellow, white, or red
• Sores on the inside of the mouth, such as the tongue, the insides of your cheeks, or your lips
• Redness in the region around the sores
• Aches that intensify with eating, drinking, or talking
• You might have many mouth ulcers at the same time.

Unless caused by an infection, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, mouth ulcers are typically not communicable.

Canker sores are the most prevalent kind of oral ulcer, affecting 20% of the population at some point.

How to Avoid Mouth Ulcers

You can help minimize the occurrence of mouth ulcers by doing the following steps:

• Foods that irritate your mouth should be avoided. Acidic fruits, nuts, chips, and anything spicy is all examples. Choose whole grains and nonacidic fruits and veggies instead. Consume a well-balanced diet and consider taking a multivitamin every day.
• To eliminate unintentional bites, try to avoid chatting while chewing your meal.
• Reduce your anxiety.
• Maintain proper dental hygiene by flossing every day and brushing after each meal.
• Hard-bristled toothbrushes and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or alcohol should be avoided.
• Request that your dentist provides you with wax to conceal any sharp edges on dental or orthodontic mouth equipment.
• Get enough sleep and rest.

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