Why Do Mouth Ulcers Happen? 7 Common Causes and Treatments

Medically reviewed by Dr. Puja Dubey, [BDS / FAM ], Smylo Dental, Greater Noida

 

 

A mouth ulcer can turn eating, drinking and even talking into a painful chore. Most ulcers are harmless and heal on their own, but some need a dentist's attention. If you live in Alpha 1, Gaur City, Noida Extension or anywhere else in Greater Noida and keep getting mouth ulcers, this guide explains why they happen, how to treat them, and when it is time to see a dentist for mouth ulcers.

What Is a Mouth Ulcer?

 

 

 

A mouth ulcer is a small, painful sore that forms on the soft tissues inside your mouth, such as the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, gums or the floor of the mouth. The most common type is the aphthous ulcer (canker sore). It usually looks round or oval, with a white or yellowish centre and a red border.

Most minor ulcers heal within one to two weeks. Larger ones can take longer and may leave a scar.

7 Common Causes of Mouth Ulcers

1. Accidental injury or irritation

 

Biting your cheek, brushing too hard, burning your mouth with hot food, or rubbing against a sharp tooth edge can all trigger an ulcer. People with braces, dentures, broken teeth or poorly fitted fillings often get ulcers repeatedly in the same spot. A dentist can smooth the sharp edge or adjust the appliance so the problem stops coming back.

2. Nutritional deficiencies

 

 

Low levels of vitamin B12, iron, folate (vitamin B9) or zinc are linked with recurring mouth ulcers. If your ulcers keep returning despite good oral hygiene, a blood test can help find out whether your diet is missing something.

3. Stress and lack of sleep

 

 

Many individuals see ulcers surface during periods of exam stress, around work deadlines or time spent with little sleep. Although stress is not a direct cause of an ulcer, it may predispose you to experiencing one.

4. Food triggers

 

 

Very spicy, salty or acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and pickles, can irritate the lining of the mouth. Some people also react to certain foods like nuts, chocolate or coffee. Keeping a simple food diary can help you spot your own triggers.

5. Toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients

 

Some toothpastes and mouthwashes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that can irritate the mouth and make ulcers more likely in sensitive people. Switching to an SLS-free toothpaste is a simple change worth trying.

6. Hormonal changes

 

 

Due to some hormonal fluctuations, few females get ulcers at the time of pregnancy. These lesions resolve when hormone levels become stabilized. 

7. Underlying health condition, diseases or drugs

 

Recurring or very painful ulcers may mean that an individual has a serious health disorder. Coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, weakened immunity or viral infection may be involved in this issue. Some medications can also cause ulcers as a side effect. 

How to Treat a Mouth Ulcer

 

Most ulcers need only simple care while the body heals itself:

•         Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day to keep the area clean.

•         Avoid triggers such as spicy, salty, acidic and very hot foods until it heals.

•         Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently around the sore.

•         Use a topical gel or paste specifically designed for oral ulcers to relieve the pain. Follow the directions provided on the product and consult the pharmacist or dentist before giving it to any child. 

•         Eating soft, cool foods such as curd, banana or porridge will be helpful along with keeping the body adequately hydrated.

•         Do not burst, scratch or pick the ulcer.

If an ulcer is very painful or keeps returning, a dentist can prescribe a stronger treatment, such as a medicated gel or mouthwash, and can treat the cause, for example a sharp tooth or a badly fitting denture.

Warning Signs: When to See a Dentist or Doctor

 

See a dentist or doctor if a mouth ulcer:

•         does not heal within 2-3 weeks

•         keeps coming back (recurs) again and again

•         is not painful at all (painless ulcers need checking)

•         comes with fever, weight loss, swollen glands or difficulty swallowing

•         is unusually large, or you are getting several ulcers at once

•         has a red or white patch next to it, or bleeds without reason

An ulcer that lasts more than three weeks should always be checked, because in rare cases it can be an early sign of a more serious condition. Early examination is simple, quick and gives you peace of mind.

Looking for a Dentist for Mouth Ulcers in Greater Noida?

 

 

The experts of the Smylo Dental & Implant Center identify mouth ulcers through their examination and understanding of its possible origin. They find out whether the ulcer could be caused by a sharp tooth, dental appliance, accidental irritation or other reasons relating to poor dental hygiene. After diagnosing the cause, the specialists offer advice on the most appropriate treatment for the ulcer.

Residents of Greater Noida, including Alpha 1 and Gaur City, prefer seeking professional dental advice from Smylo Dental and Implant Center. The dental service provider is led by Dr. Puja Dubey, who provides medical consultations in diagnosing the root causes of mouth ulcers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a mouth ulcer last?

In most cases, minor mouth ulcers will disappear within 7-14 days. Larger lesions may take as long as six weeks to heal. If your mouth ulcer lingers for longer than two to three weeks, it is advisable to visit a dentist.

Are mouth ulcers contagious? Can they spread by touching?

Aphthous ulcers or canker sores are not contagious, meaning they cannot be spread through touch, kisses, and sharing of utensils. Unlike cancer sores, cold sores usually appear around the lips and are caused by a virus.

Why do I get mouth ulcers again and again?

The occurrence of ulcers can be related to various deficiencies, stress levels, hormones, foods that may trigger the occurrence of ulcers, a broken tooth, or a disease that may be causing the condition.

Which doctor should I see for mouth ulcers?

Seek help from a dentist for mouth ulcers greater noida. The dentist will be able to look at your mouth and administer treatment for the ulcer. If it looks serious, the dentist may send you to a doctor. 

Can stress cause mouth ulcers?

Anxiety and sleep deprivation may increase your vulnerability to mouth sores, but these are only taking place rarely as a single cause. Stress, lack of energy, insufficient vitamins, trivial injuries in the mouth, hormonal changes, and some medicinal drugs can also be responsible for the emergence of mouth sores.

What should I eat when I have a mouth ulcer?

When you have an ulcer in your mouth, it is a good idea to consume light and moderate meals consisting of cold food such as yogurt, khichdi, and porridge. These soft dishes can reduce discomfort caused by the sores. It is advisable to refrain from consuming hot, spicy, sour, salty, and crunchy food which can contribute to further irritation at the site of the ulcer.

Book a Consultation in Greater Noida

Do not suffer in silence from your oral ulcers or leave them untreated. Contact  Smylo Dental in Greater Noida now to make an appointment. Call us at +91-7870411827 or visit Shop No. 15, Royal Nest, near SBI Bank, Tech Zone IV, Amrapali Dream Valley, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

This article provides general information and does not substitute for professional medical or dental advice. Please consult a qualified doctor or dentist for advice regarding your diagnosis and treatment.

Book an appointment here: https://www.smylodental.com/book-appointment