Different Types of Mouth Sores

You might have, at some point in your life, experienced having a mouth ulcer. Mouth ulcers are painful sores developing in the mouth. They are uncomfortable and painful for some, but they are usually harmless and clear up by themselves within a week or two. Mouth ulcers are common but when your ulcer has lasted for longer than three weeks, you should visit Dr. Marvin Lean for further examination. Here are some of the common soft-tissue disturbances you might experience:

 

Canker Sores

These sores often develop inside the mouth as small white or gray sores that have a red border. These are not contagious and they may occur as one sore or several ones at the same time. The cause is unknown in some cases, but trauma to oral soft tissues is a common cause. They usually heal on their own within one to two weeks. Spicy, salty or acidic foods such as citrus juices and fruits can irritate this type of sore and prolong healing.

 

Cold Sores

These are also known as ‘fever blisters’ and they appear in clusters of red, raised blisters outside the mouth – typically around the lips, though they can also develop under the nose or around the chin. Cold sore blisters are filled with fluid and they can break open, allowing the fluid to leak out. Afterwards, they scab over until they heal. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and these sores are highly contagious. These sores usually heal by themselves in about one week.

 

 

Candidiasis

This sore is also called “oral thrush” – it is a yeast infection that occurs on the soft, moist tissues inside your mouth. It appears as a smooth, white patch with a red base – this can be sore or it can also bleed. This is caused by a fungus and typically develops when the immune systems is weakened. People with poor health (very young or very old), and people with systemic diseases such as diabetes are at risk of developing this sore. Treating this sore consists of controlling the conditions that cause the outbreak. Dr. Marvin Lean can help you out if you develop this condition.

 

Leukoplakia

This sore is an overgrowth of cells resulting in a rough patch of whitish tissue which develops anywhere in your mouth. The patches are typically not painful and not contagious. They can be a result of irritations such as the habit of chewing on the inside of the cheek or ill-fitting dentures. Sometimes, leukoplakia is associated with more serious health concerns, so it’s important that you have Dr. Marvin Lean examine your mouth if you notice any of these patches developing.

Mouth Sores and How to Deal With Them

Dental health doesn’t only involve the teeth and gums. Sores and irritations may develop inside and around the mouth.

Mouth sores are common ailments that affect most people at some point in their lives. These sores usually appear on any soft tissues in the mouth including the lips, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of the mouth.

 

Causes

These sores come in different shapes and sizes and might be caused by one of the following:

*Irritation from a loose orthodontic wire, sharp edge from a filling or a broken tooth or, a denture that doesn’t perfectly fit

*Burns from hot food and beverage

*Brushing your teeth too hard with a very firm toothbrush

*Chewing tobacco

*Biting your tongue, cheek or lip

*Infections from various bacteria, fungus or viruses

*The symptom of a disease or disorder

*Over-the-counter or prescription medications

*Weakened immune system

 

Symptoms

Mouth sores commonly cause redness and pain, most especially when drinking and eating. They come in various sizes and severity, and they may be located on the different parts of your mouth.  These sores may also develop blisters, making it difficult for a person to eat, talk, or smile.

 

If a sore does not go away after a couple of weeks, or once they start getting worse, it’s time to consult a doctor for further examinations. The doctor will check your mouth, tongue and lips and may perform other necessary tests.

 

Treatment

Minor mouth sores often heal naturally within 10 to 14 days.  To help ease the pain, you may try the following:

*Gargle with salt water.  

*avoid hot, spicy, salty, citrusy, and sweet foods.

*Avoid tobacco and alcoholic drinks.

*Avoid squeezing or picking at the blisters and sores.

*Eat ice chips, sherbet, or other cold foods.

*Take over-the-counter anti-pain medications.

 

For more severe cases, however, the doctor might prescribe a pain medication, steroid gel, or an anti-inflammatory drug. If results show that the sores are caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus, then the proper medication will be prescribed to treat the infection.

 

Prevention

There is no absolute way on how mouth sores can be prevented. However, these practices might be helpful in reducing the risk for having these painful sores:

*Be careful with very hot foods and drinks.

*Chew with caution.

* Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and practice good and regular dental hygiene.

*Eat a balanced diet.

*Drink plenty of water.

*Do not smoke or use tobacco.

*Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.

*Take vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins.

*Let your dentist know if any dental wire of teeth may be irritating your mouth.

*Avoid excessive stress.