Mouth ulcer

 A mouth ulcer, or oral ulcer, is an inflammatory lesion that occurs on the mucous membrane within the oral cavity. These lesions can be quite uncomfortable, causing pain or discomfort during eating, drinking, and oral hygiene routines.

Aphthous ulcer in the back of the mouth

Classification

Mouth ulcers can be classified into several types:

• Aphthous Ulcers or Canker Sores: These are the most common type of mouth ulcers and occur in three forms: minor, major, and herpetiform ulcers.
• Traumatic Ulcers: Caused by physical damage to the mouth such as biting the cheek or tongue or injury from a toothbrush, dental appliances, or hot food or drink.
• Oral Lichen Planus: This is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause mouth ulcers.
• Oral Cancer: Persistent, non-healing ulcers may be a sign of oral cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Causes

Mouth ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and folic acid), and certain medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and Behcet's disease. In some cases, the exact cause cannot be determined.

Symptoms

Mouth ulcers typically appear as painful sores inside the mouth, on the gums, or on the inside of the cheeks. They are usually round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border.

Diagnosis

Mouth ulcers are generally diagnosed through a visual examination. If an ulcer persists for more than two weeks, or recurrent ulcers occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Additional tests may be needed to rule out other conditions such as oral cancer or systemic diseases.

Treatment

Most mouth ulcers do not require treatment as they tend to heal on their own within one to two weeks. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter topical gels and mouth rinses. If ulcers are severe, persistent, or recurrent, treatment may include prescription-strength topical gels, mouth rinses, or systemic medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Prevention

While not all mouth ulcers can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding known triggers such as certain foods or oral habits can help reduce their frequency.

References

• Ship, Jonathan A. (1996-02-01). "Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. An update". Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology. 81 (2): 141–147.
• Scully, Crispian; Porter, Stephen (2008-07-05). "Oral mucosal disease: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis". British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 46 (3): 198–206.

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