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3.5 Minute

30-07-2024 Team Medicover ent

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Prerit Rao, ENT

Understanding the Reason for Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth. They may appear on the inner cheeks, tongue, lips, gums, or the roof of the mouth. While most ulcers are harmless and heal on their own, they can be quite uncomfortable, especially when eating, drinking, or talking.

Understanding the reasons behind mouth ulcers can help in managing and preventing them effectively. Let’s take a closer look at the common causes.

What are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth, often on the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, or roof of the mouth. They usually have a white or yellow center with a red border and can make eating, drinking, or talking uncomfortable.

Although not contagious, they can be caused by minor injuries, stress, certain foods, or vitamin deficiencies. Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within one to two weeks, but if they occur frequently or don't heal, it's best to consult a doctor.

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Common Reasons for Mouth Ulcers

1. Accidental Injury

Everyday habits can lead to small injuries inside the mouth, such as:

Biting your tongue or cheek accidentally
Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
Irritation from dental appliances like braces or dentures
Eating hard or spicy foods

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of key vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and zinc, can cause frequent mouth ulcers. A balanced diet helps maintain healthy mouth tissues.

3. Stress and Fatigue

Emotional stress, anxiety, and poor sleep habits can weaken your immune system. This increases the chances of mouth ulcers forming, especially during mentally or physically exhausting times.

4. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal shifts, especially in women during menstruation or pregnancy, may trigger ulcers. These changes can affect the immune system and tissue sensitivity.

5. Food Sensitivities

Certain foods may irritate the mouth or trigger mild allergic reactions:

Spicy foods
Citrus fruits (like lemons or oranges)
Chocolate
Coffee
Nuts

Avoiding known triggers may help reduce flare-ups.

6. Medical Conditions

Recurring ulcers can be a sign of underlying health problems, such as:

Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Behçet’s disease
HIV/AIDS

Consult a doctor if you have frequent or severe ulcers.

7. Medications

Some medications may cause mouth ulcers as a side effect:

NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
Certain antibiotics
Beta-blockers

Always talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.

8. Infections

Certain viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can cause sores in the mouth, including:

Herpes simplex virus
Oral thrush
Other systemic infections

Seek medical attention if ulcers are accompanied by fever or other symptoms.

How to Prevent Mouth Ulcers?

Taking a few simple steps can help reduce the chances of developing mouth ulcers:

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals (especially B12, iron, and folate).
Avoid foods that trigger ulcers, like spicy, salty, or acidic items.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid injury.
Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Stay hydrated to keep the mouth moist and healthy.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol, which can irritate the mouth lining.

Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers?

While most ulcers heal on their own, these remedies can relieve pain and speed up healing:

Saltwater rinse: Mix 1 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse 2–3 times daily.
Honey: Apply a small amount to the ulcer for natural healing and soothing.
Coconut oil: Dab directly to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Aloe vera gel: Apply to the sore to soothe pain and promote healing.
Ice chips: Sucking on ice can help numb the area and ease discomfort.

When to See a Doctor?

See a healthcare provider if you experience:

Ulcers lasting more than 3 weeks
Severe pain or very large sores
Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking
Fever or swollen lymph nodes
Frequent recurrence of ulcers

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Conclusion

Mouth ulcers are usually harmless, but they can be painful and annoying. Understanding the cause whether it’s an injury, stress, diet, or a medical condition can help you treat and prevent them. If you have ongoing or severe mouth ulcers, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always, but frequent ulcers can be linked to low immunity, stress, vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, or certain health conditions that affect immune response.

No, most common mouth ulcers like canker sores are not contagious. However, ulcers caused by viral infections such as herpes simplex can be spread through contact.

Treat with topical gels, saltwater rinses, and avoid spicy or acidic foods. Pain relief and proper oral hygiene can help. See a doctor if it doesn’t heal in 1–2 weeks.

Use honey, coconut oil, or aloe vera on the sore. Rinse with salt water or baking soda solution. Avoid spicy, acidic foods and reduce stress for faster healing.

Most minor mouth ulcers heal on their own within 7 to 14 days. Larger or more severe ulcers may take up to three weeks. See a doctor if an ulcer lasts longer than three weeks.

Usually no. Most ulcers are harmless. However, an ulcer that doesn’t heal in 3+ weeks, bleeds, or is painful should be checked, as it might signal oral cancer.

Maintain oral hygiene, avoid food allergies, reduce stress, and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins. Stay hydrated and avoid biting the inside of your cheek or lip.

Use medicated gels or mouth rinses, eat soft foods, and keep your mouth clean. Natural remedies like honey or aloe vera can help. Seek medical help if they recur often.