MOUTH ULCERS

What Are They?

Mouth ulcers are painful sores that are found inside the mouth. They look red or yellow in appearance and are not the same as cold sores.

Cold sores are caused by a virus infection, and they show up on the outer lips.

Common Causes Of Mouth Ulcers

An ulcer may arise from a bite on the tongue or cheek, brushing or ill-fitting dentures, or sharp teeth.These type of ulcers are known as traumatic ulcers. Several ulcers that keep reappearing are known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Contact our dentists at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London on 020 71830755 if you need more details about mouth ulcers.

How To Identify If You Have A Traumatic Ulcer?

If your mouth ulcers are always on their own, close to the cause of the damage, and disappear once the source of damage is taken out, then you have a traumatic ulcer.

Signs Of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

This is seen when mouth ulcers reappear now and then in healthy people. It is a common dental issue whose cause is unknown. However, it cannot be passed on from an infected person to another, and it's not hereditary.

Different Types Of Recurrent Mouth Ulcers

There are different types of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. They include:

• Minor ulcers - These are the most common type. They can be found on the lips, tongue and gums, inside the cheeks, and very rarely on the roof of the mouth. Many of these ulcers are pencil-top sized and may appear in clusters, for instance, 4 to 6 at a time.

• Large ulcers - These are severe and take more time to heal. If your ulcer doesn't heal in 3 weeks, visit your dentist for proper diagnosis. You may have large ulcers near your tonsils, and they hurt so much especially when you swallow saliva or food. Unlike minor ulcers, they do not come in clusters but are rather seen one at a time

You can have about a hundred tiny, painful ulcers that can stay up to 1 or 2 weeks. Ulcers can also appear in other parts of the body like the genital area or eyes.

Inform your dentist if you notice this. For more help and information, see our dentist at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London.

Less Common Causes Of Mouth Ulcers

Ulcers can be brought about by infections. Mouth ulcers in children and some adults are often caused by herpes simplex. Other uncommon bacterial and viral infections may rarely cause mouth cancer.

Anaemia can cause mouth ulcers, and occasionally other blood deficiencies. Skin or gastrointestinal diseases can also cause ulcer. In some cases, mouth ulcers are the only symptom of an undisclosed disease.

Is Cancer The Cause Of Mouth Ulcer?

Mouth cancer can initially be seen as a mouth ulcer. Ulcers that arise out of mouth cancer are mostly single and can survive for long without any clear cause, for instance, a sharp tooth.

If your ulcer lasts for more than 3 weeks, see our dentist London for a checkup. Ulcers that are caused by cancer are commonly found on or under the tongue, but could sometimes be seen in other places in the mouth.

Excessive smoking and drinking can cause mouth cancer. If you drink and smoke heavily, you will increase the risk of having mouth ulcer.

Is Mouth Cancer Infectious?

No. You cannot get mouth ulcer through kissing, sharing foods, utensils and drinks.

Treatment Of Mouth Ulcers

The kind of treatment you get will depend on the cause of your ulcers. If your mouth ulcer is caused by a sharp tooth, the treatment would be to smoothen it down or adjust the denture. However, some people may have to use tablets or mouthwashes.

If I Suspect I Have A Mouth Ulcer, What Should I Do?

Should your ulcer survive more than 3 weeks, visit our dentist London for a diagnosis. They may be able to diagnose the cause of your ulcer and give you treatment. In other cases if necessary, they may recommend you go for further testing

How Can Mouth Ulcers Be Prevented?

The risk of getting mouth ulcer can be lowered by:

• Brushing your teeth with good quality toothbrushes
• Practising good oral hygiene
• Going for routine dental checkups
• Taking foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E including fresh fruits and vegetables (to reduce the risk of mouth cancer)

Do I Have To Worry About My Ulcers?

Many ulcers are self-healing. But if they don't heal in 3 weeks, it is advisable to see our dentist London for diagnosis. They will thoroughly diagnose the symptoms to ensure that the problem is not mouth cancer or nothing else than ulcer. Should your ulcer be the recurrent type, visit your dentist to be sure that there is no hidden medical issue.

Do well to consult your dentist or doctor when:

• You are not feeling well
• The ulcers are recurrent
• You have ulcers that stay for more than 3 weeks

Need More Advice?

If you have mouth ulcers, see our dentist at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London. You can also call us on 020 71830755.

We have modern dental care facilities and a team of dentists that are friendly and experienced. Do well to book an appointment with us soon.