Mouth Sores 101; What You Need To Know

At some point in your life, you have probably had a mouth sore. These sores are common ailments that affect many people over the course of a lifetime. Mouth sores may be present on the roof of your mouth, lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue. It is possible to have ulcers on your esophagus as well. Thankfully, mouth sores are a minor irritation that only last a week or maybe two weeks. Mouth sores are also known as canker sores. A mouth sore is usually small and round. White, yellow, grey, and red are the colors of a mouth sore. Women, adolescents, and people with a family history of mouth sores are the most likely to get mouth sores.

Causes Of Mouth Sores

A mouth sore is typically the product of irritation. There are several reasons the mouth can be irritated, including:

• Ill-fitting dentures
• A broken tooth
• Braces or retainers
• A burnt mouth due to a hot beverage
• Tobacco products
• Medications
• Acidic foods
• Stress
• Vitamin deficiency

There are also numerous medical conditions and diseases that can cause a mouth sore to develop. These conditions include:

• Oral Thrush. A fungal infection that causes white and red patches to appear in the mouth.
• Herpes simplex. It causes cold sores on the mouth.
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease. This disease causes small red patches on certain parts of the body. It is common in children.
• Oral cancer. This cancer causes sores and lesions to appear in the mouth.
• Chronic canker sores. These sores have a red, flat edge with white patches surrounding them.

Symptoms Of Mouth Sores

A mouth sore may present with symptoms that are visible and others that are not visible nor expected. These symptoms may include the following:

• Visible ulceration. Ulcerations of the cheeks, lips, or the gums will present as a white or red lesion on the affected area.
• Pain. Mouth ulcerations are very sensitive and painful, especially when in contact with hot or cold substances.
• Flu-like symptoms. Experiencing flu-like symptoms is possible with mouth sores. Fever or inflamed lymph nodes are also a possibility.

Treatment

There are many ways to treat mouth sores in your own home. Because mouth sores usually heal up quickly and easily, these home-based remedies are effective. A few treatments include:

• Avoid spicy foods while you have an ulcer.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Rinse mouth with warm saltwater regularly.
• Take a non-NSAID pain reliever.
• Put antiseptic gel directly on the mouth sore.
• Rinse mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

If you experience swelling or irritation with a mouth sore, and home remedies do not work, it may be time to pursue the care of a health professional. Possible medical treatment includes antimicrobial mouthwash, painkillers, and corticosteroid lozenges.

Prevention

Although you can still get mouth sores due to factors beyond your control, it is possible to take a few precautions against mouth sores. Try to avoid mouth-irritating foods. Avoid salty chips and nuts and try to eat more whole grains, vegetables, and nonacidic fruits. When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Get adequate rest and do what you can to minimize stress and anxiety. Good luck!