How to Relieve Mouth Ulcers Quickly: Causes and Prevention

Raise your hand if you've ever had a mouth ulcer. Having a sore in your mouth can be extremely painful, especially when eating spicy or sour foods. Most people, regardless of gender or age, have probably experienced mouth ulcers. Some even get them frequently. The worst part is that mouth ulcers can sometimes spread to the tongue, causing more pain. So, here’s a quick guide to dealing with mouth ulcers. But first, let's understand what causes them, the symptoms, and whether they are dangerous.

1. What are mouth ulcers?

2. Causes of mouth ulcers

3. Are mouth ulcers dangerous?

4. Symptoms of mouth ulcers

5. Quick remedies for mouth ulcers

6. Tips for preventing mouth ulcers

1. What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are sores that can appear on the inside of the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, gums, or any part of the mouth. They can be as small as 1 millimeter or as large as 0.5 - 1 inch. Ulcers can occur as a single sore or multiple sores and can recur frequently. They usually start as a red spot or a small bump, then develop into an open sore with an oval shape, white in color, and surrounded by a red, swollen border. Most ulcers are not caused by infections, though bacteria can sometimes complicate the condition.

2. Causes of Mouth Ulcers

For those who currently have or had mouth ulcers, you can agree that they are painful, especially when eating spicy foods. So let's look at some possible causes to avoid them.

• Family history of mouth ulcers
• Frequent consumption of oily and fried foods
• Deficiency in certain vitamins like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12
• Anxiety and stress, which can weaken the body
• Pressure sores or irritation from loose dentures or ill-fitting braces
• Lack of sufficient sleep or frequent sleep deprivation
• Allergies to certain toothpaste ingredients
• Accidentally biting the cheek or lip while chewing
• Compromised immune system
• Other factors like hormonal changes, menstruation, or food allergies
• Not drinking enough water
  

3. Are Mouth Ulcers Dangerous?

Don't underestimate mouth ulcers just because they seem small and usually heal in a few weeks. There is a risk that they could be an early sign of oral cancer. Watch for these symptoms and consult a doctor if they occur:

• Ulcers occur frequently or don't heal while new ones appear
• Ulcers are unusually large or spread to other areas
• Ulcers persist for more than 2 weeks without improvement
  

4. Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

Not all sores in the mouth are mouth ulcers. Here’s how to identify mouth ulcers:

• Small, shallow sores
• Typically appear on the inside of the cheeks, tongue, or gums
• Sores have a round or oval shape, white or yellow in color
• Red, swollen, and painful when eating, talking, or lying down
• Severe cases may cause larger ulcers
• Sometimes accompanied by a high fever and lasting more than 2 weeks
• The sore’s center is yellow or white with a red ring around it
• Severe cases might cause swelling or radiating pain
  

If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:

• Ulcers that are larger than usual
• Multiple ulcers at once
• Ulcers lasting 2 weeks or more
• Ulcers that spread to other areas
• High fever or inability to eat
  

5. Quick Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

If you have a mouth ulcer, here are some quick remedies to alleviate the pain, especially if the ulcer isn't too severe:

• Eat soft, easy-to-chew, and digest foods
• Avoid fried, spicy, sour, or extremely hot or cold foods
• Avoid foods and habits that irritate the mouth, such as alcohol or smoking
• Get enough sleep, at least 6 hours a day
• If the ulcer is large and painful, you can temporarily clean your teeth and gums using a clean cloth wrapped around your finger instead of a toothbrush
• Rinse your mouth with salt water at least 2-3 times a day or after every meal
• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol as they can irritate and dry out the ulcer
  
• Drink plenty of room temperature water, using a straw to avoid direct contact with the ulcer
  
• Use a child's toothpaste since adult toothpaste often contains mint, which can sting
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and mouth
  

6. Tips for Preventing Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be very painful and if not properly treated, they could lead to oral cancer. So, it's better to prevent them with these tips:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Avoid overly spicy, fried, or oily foods
  
• Eat vegetables and fruits regularly
  
• Drink enough water, at least 6-8 glasses per day
  
• Manage stress effectively
  
• Exercise regularly
  
• Maintain good oral hygiene, like brushing your teeth before bed and after meals
  
• Get enough rest
  

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Sources: data retrieved on 29/03/2024

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