Mouth ulcers are common and should clear up on their own within a week or 2. But see a GP or dentist if you have a mouth ulcer that lasts longer than 3 weeks.
How you can treat mouth ulcers yourself
Mouth ulcers are rarely a sign of anything serious, but may be uncomfortable to live with.
They need time to heal and there's no quick fix.
Avoiding things that irritate your mouth ulcer should help:
- speed up the healing process
- reduce pain
- reduce the chance of it returning
Do
use a soft-bristled toothbrush
drink cool drinks through a straw
eat softer foods
get regular dental check-ups
eat a healthy, balanced diet
Don’t
do not eat very spicy, salty or acidic food
do not eat rough, crunchy food, such as toast or crisps
do not drink very hot or acidic drinks, such as fruit juice
do not use chewing gum
do not use toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
A pharmacist can help with mouth ulcers
A pharmacist can recommend a treatment to speed up healing, prevent infection or reduce pain, such as:
- antimicrobial mouthwash
- a painkilling tablet, mouthwash, gel or spray
- corticosteroid lozenges
- a salt (saline) mouthwash
You can buy these without a prescription, but they may not always work.
How to rinse with salt mouthwash- Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water – warm water helps salt dissolve.
- Rinse your mouth with the solution, then spit it out – do not swallow it.
- Repeat as often as you like.
Find a pharmacy
Non-urgent advice: See a dentist or GP if your mouth ulcer:
- lasts longer than 3 weeks
- keeps coming back
- grows bigger than usual or is near the back of your throat
- bleeds or becomes more painful and red – this may be a sign of an infection
Although most mouth ulcers are harmless, a long-lasting mouth ulcer is sometimes a sign of mouth cancer. It's best to get it checked.
Treatment from a dentist or GP
A GP or dentist may prescribe stronger medicine to treat severe, persistent or infected mouth ulcers.
Possible treatments include:
- steroid mouth spray or steroid tablets that dissolve in your mouth
- painkilling gels, ointments, sprays or tablets
- mouthwashes to kill or remove any germs in your mouth
Check if you have a mouth ulcer
Credit:
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY //www.sciencephoto.com/media/832116/view
Credit:
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY //www.sciencephoto.com/media/115960/view
You may have more than 1 ulcer at a time, and they can change in size.
Mouth ulcers are not contagious and should not be confused with cold sores.
Cold sores appear on the lips or around the mouth and often begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation.
Canker sores can be so painful to the point of distracting you from your daily activities! If you’re dealing with canker sores at the moment, here are seven important facts you should learn while you’re on the mend.
1. How common are canker sores?
You may be surprised to learn that 20% of the population actually gets canker sores, according to the International association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. These ulcerated legions or sores are quite painful, and can make it difficult to speak or chew your food.
2. What do canker sores look like?
You’ll most frequently find these sores on the inner surfaces of your cheeks and lips, as well as your tongue, gums, and even the roof of your mouth. There are three different types of canker sores—minor, major, and herpetiform. The most common type of canker sore is the minor type, which is small and round with a white or yellow center and red outline. Major canker sores, on the other hand, are larger and deeper. They also have irregular edges. Finally, the herpetiform canker sores are irregularly shaped and small. They also occur in clusters—sometimes up to 100 of them!
3. What causes a canker sore?
There are a multitude of potential causes for your canker sores. For example, you could have injured the tissue when brushing your teeth, playing sports, or even accidentally biting your cheek. Hormonal changes (like during menstruation) can also cause these painful sores. Sensitivities to certain foods (like spicy or acidic foods) or a lack of nutrients can lead to these sores, as well as a deficiency in your immune system.
4. Are they contagious?
No, canker sores are not contagious. Despite the common misconception, canker sores are not spurred on by the herpes virus—which is at least one less thing to worry about!
5. How long will it take to heal?
Canker sores can be quite painful within the first few days. Thankfully, the pain lessens during the healing process, which can take about two weeks for the minor or herpiteform types. Major canker sores, however, can last several weeks or even several months—often leading to scarring.
6. How can I facilitate the healing process?
To help your canker sore heal, be sure to avoid foods or beverages that can cause irritation, such as spicy or acidic foods and alcohol. You should also make sure to maintain your dental hygiene routine and keep your mouth clean throughout the healing process.
7. When should I visit the dentist?
Has your canker sore lasted longer than two weeks? Do you keep getting new sores before the old ones have healed? Do you have large recurring canker sores? If so, it is important to visit your dentist for a diagnosis. These are not always canker sores and could be indicative of a more serious issue.
If you’ve been dealing with your canker sore for a very long time, it could be time to visit the dentist. Call Caputo Dental in Naperville today to schedule an appointment.