Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

What is a mouth ulcer?

A mouth ulcer is a round or oval-shaped sore with a white or yellowish center and a red, inflamed border. It appears on the mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue, gums, or the inside of the lips and cheeks.

Unlike cold sores, mouth ulcers are not contagious, as they are not caused by viruses. They tend to be recurrent in some people and may be associated with genetic, immunological, or environmental factors.

Causes of mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can develop for various reasons, including:

• Local trauma: Accidental bites, aggressive brushing, or ill-fitting dentures.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional factors can trigger the appearance of ulcers in predisposed individuals.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 can increase the risk of ulcers.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during menstruation, can influence their appearance.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or lupus can be linked to recurrent ulcers.
• Allergic reactions: Sensitivity to certain foods like nuts, citrus fruits, chocolate, or dairy products.
• Use of irritating products: Some toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate can predispose to the appearance of ulcers.

Symptoms of mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can present with the following signs and symptoms:

✅ Pain and burning in the affected area.
✅ Round or oval ulcer with a whitish center.
✅ Sensitivity when eating acidic or spicy foods.
✅ Mild inflammation of the surrounding area.
✅ In severe cases, fever and general malaise (rare).

Types of mouth ulcers

Depending on their size and duration, mouth ulcers can be classified into three types:

• Minor ulcers: These are the most common, small (less than 1 cm), and disappear within 7-10 days without scarring.
• Major ulcers: Larger (greater than 1 cm), they can take up to a month to heal and may leave scars.
• Herpetiform ulcers: Small and multiple, they appear in clusters and can merge, mimicking cold sores.

Treatments for mouth ulcers

In most cases, mouth ulcers disappear on their own. However, there are therapeutic options to relieve pain and accelerate healing:

🔹 Rinses with chlorhexidine or sodium bicarbonate: Help reduce inflammation and prevent secondary infections.
🔹 Topical analgesics: Gels with benzocaine or lidocaine can relieve pain.
🔹 Topical corticosteroids: Such as triamcinolone, indicated in more severe cases.
🔹 Nutritional supplements: In case of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency.
🔹 Avoid irritating foods: Reduce consumption of citrus fruits, spicy foods, and foods with abrasive textures.

Prevention of mouth ulcers

✔️ Maintain good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing.
✔️ Avoid toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate if prone to ulcers.
✔️ Control stress through relaxation techniques.
✔️ Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
✔️ Avoid foods that may trigger ulcers if sensitivity has been identified.

When to see a dentist

If mouth ulcers persist for more than three weeks, are recurrent, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or weight loss, it is advisable to consult a dentist or doctor to rule out other conditions.

Conclusion

Mouth ulcers are painful but benign lesions that can appear due to multiple factors. Although they usually disappear without treatment, there are various options to relieve symptoms and accelerate healing. Maintaining good oral hygiene and controlling risk factors helps prevent their appearance.

Legal Notice and Disclaimer

This article is part of ONAK's Medical Terms Dictionary and is for informational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a dentist or doctor.

ONAK is not responsible for the improper use of the information contained in this article. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Bibliography

1. Ship, J. A., Chavez, E. M., Doerr, P. A. "Recurrent aphthous stomatitis." Quintessence Int. 2000; 31(2): 95-112. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11203930/

2. Scully, C., Porter, S. "Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: current concepts of etiology, pathogenesis and management." J Oral Pathol Med. 2008; 37(10): 575-577. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18834315/

3. Belenguer-Guallar, I., Jiménez-Soriano, Y., Claramunt-Lozano, A. "Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. A literature review." J Clin Exp Dent. 2014; 6(2): e168-e174. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24790725/