Mouth Ulcers – What you need to know

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Mouth Ulcers What you need to Know
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Key Takeaways
Mouth ulcers are painful sores inside the mouth
that last about 1 2 weeks. They arent caused
by herpes and arent contagious. Common causes
of these ulcers include minor injuries, stress,
hormonal changes, and eating acidic foods.
Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush can help
avoid them. Good oral hygiene and avoiding
spicy or acidic foods can prevent mouth ulcers.
Stress management also helps.
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Understanding Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are painful sores that can occur on
the inside of the mouth, lips, or tongue. They
can make eating and speaking uncomfortable, and
usually last for about a week to 10
days. Definition of Mouth Ulcers Canker sores,
also called mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers, are
small lesions that can appear on the inside of
your cheeks, lips, tongue or gums. They often
start as a red spot or bump then turn into an
open ulcer.
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Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are not just spots in your mouth.
They can signal something bigger about your oral
health. Here are some symptoms you might
notice You see sores inside your mouth. These
sores have red edges and might be white, yellow,
or gray in the centre. Your mouth feels sore.
Eating, drinking, and talking might hurt because
of these spots.
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Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers can be caused by various factors,
including trauma or injury to the mouth, viral
infections like herpes simplex, and autoimmune
diseases such as Behçets disease. Other less
common causes may include gastrointestinal
issues, hormonal changes, and emotional
stress. Minor injuries inside your mouth can
lead to ulcers. This might happen from biting
your cheek, sharp tooth edges, or dental work
like braces.
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Diagnosing Mouth Ulcers
When to See a Healthcare Provider If you have
persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal within 2
weeks, it is important to see your healthcare
provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment
plan. Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
You may want to ask about the possible causes of
your mouth ulcers, how to alleviate discomfort
and ways to prevent future outbreaks.
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Treatment Options for Mouth Ulcers
For mouth ulcers, a healthcare provider may
recommend special gels that numb the pain. These
include Orajel or Anbesol which help soothe the
sore area. Sometimes doctors suggest steroid
ointments like triamcinolone to reduce swelling
and speed up healing. If mouth ulcers are very
bad, a doctor might prescribe medicines that calm
down the immune system.
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Preventing Mouth Ulcers
After understanding the potential risks
associated with mouth ulcers and oral cancer,
its important to take preventive measures to
avoid developing them. Here are some key ways to
prevent mouth ulcers 1. Maintain good oral
hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily and
flossing regularly. 2. Use a soft-bristled
toothbrush to reduce the risk of irritation or
injury to the mouth.
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Thank You
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