Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores inside the mouth. They are often found on the inside of the lip or cheek, on the gums, or under the tongue. They often start as blisters that later burst, turning into painful sores. You can recognise a mouth ulcer by its greyish-white or yellow colour and red, inflamed edge. Eating acidic or very hot food can make a mouth ulcer sting.
Do you often suffer from mouth ulcers? Book an appointment with our dental hygienist online to find out what is causing them.
A dentist in Rotterdam who you can rely on
At Tandzorg Kralingen, all our dentists are registered with the Quality Register for Dentists (KRT). This demonstrates that our dentists are qualified and competent. In order to maintain this registration, our dentists must meet a number of standards. This means that our dentists:
- Are certified and have a valid BIG registration.
- Take refresher courses to keep up to date with developments in their profession.
- Work according to practical guidelines.
- Are open and accountable to colleagues and patients.
- Speak Dutch fluently.
Today, I visited the extremely friendly and patient dentist, Gerritsma (and his assistant).
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The highest standards of quality and professionalism are adhered to by the dentists treating you at Tandzorg Kralingen.
What causes mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are one of the most common mucosal abnormalities of the mouth. It is estimated that 20 to 30% of people will suffer from mouth ulcers at some point in their lives. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of these ulcers is still unknown. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to their development. We will highlight the most commonly cited factors below.
Infection with a virus or bacteria
Mouth ulcers are caused by viruses or bacteria. You are particularly susceptible to this type of infection if your immune system is weakened. Mouth ulcers can also be a side effect of taking medication that suppresses the immune system.
Poor oral hygiene
Mouth ulcers can be caused by dental problems or poor oral hygiene. A small wound in the mouth can develop into a mouth ulcer. Such wounds can be caused by brushing too hard, wearing braces, accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or eating hot food.
Chronic conditions
Another cause of mouth ulcers is chronic health conditions that make the mouth more susceptible to infection. Examples of such conditions include intestinal disorders such as coeliac disease and Crohn’s disease.
Chemotherapie
Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer. However, the medication used in chemotherapy can affect the oral mucosa, increasing the risk of mouth ulcers and sores.
Recognising mouth ulcers
A mouth ulcer is a small, painful ulcer in the mouth, often recognisable as a greyish-white or yellowish spot surrounded by red, inflamed tissue. They usually occur on the inside of the cheeks or lips, under the tongue, on the gums or on the roof of the mouth. Initially, they may resemble a blister, but this quickly turns into an open sore. A canker sore can be extra sensitive when eating or drinking acidic or hot foods, for example, causing a stinging pain.
Treatment of mouth ulcers
Although there is no treatment for mouth ulcers, they usually disappear on their own within 14 days. To prevent further irritation, it is important to be careful when brushing your teeth and eating. Are you experiencing a lot of pain? Pain-relieving gels are available from pharmacies and drugstores to help reduce discomfort.
What should be done about an mouth ulcers?
1.Avoid spicy foods
Spicy foods such as curries and seasoned dishes can exacerbate mouth ulcer pain. They sting and irritate the sensitive area. Until the ulcer has healed, it is preferable to choose soft, mild meals.
2. Avoid eating hard or sharp foods.
Hard foods such as crackers and toast can irritate ulcers and slow down the healing process. Therefore, choose soft foods such as yoghurt or soup to prevent irritation.
3. Eat carefully
Try to put as little strain on your gums as possible while eating. Chew slowly and avoid letting food come into direct contact with the sensitive area.
4. Avoid acidic drinks
If you have an aphthous ulcer, soft drinks, fruit juices (such as orange juice) and other acidic drinks can sting quite badly. To prevent irritation, it is better to choose water or mild drinks.
5. Brush gently
It can be difficult to avoid discomfort while brushing, but you can minimise it by using a soft toothbrush. Brush gently and avoid pressing too hard.
6. Do not touch the mouth ulcers
Although it may be tempting, try not to touch the dressing with your tongue or fingers, as this will slow down the healing process. Try to keep your hands off it as much as possible.
7. Take paracetamol if necessary
If the pain from the mouth ulce is causing you significant discomfort, consider taking paracetamol to help alleviate the symptoms.
8. Oral gel containing lidocaine.
If you are experiencing severe pain, a mouth gel containing lidocaine can offer some relief. This gel temporarily relieves pain and is best applied just before eating. You can purchase this gel from a pharmacy.
Recurring mouth ulcers
Do you often get mouth ulcers? Contact Tandartspraktijk Kralingen to find out what is causing them. Be careful with prolonged use of alcohol-based mouthwashes. Using alcohol regularly can damage the oral mucosa, increasing the risk of small wounds and mouth ulcers.
Mouth ulcers in children
Canker sores are common in children. Does your child have them? Make an appointment to find out what is causing them. You should also contact your family doctor if:
- The mouth ulcers last for more than two weeks.
- The child also has a fever and is unwell.
- The child is under two years old and is not drinking enough water.
- The child has stomach or intestinal problems.
Here is our advice for dealing with mouth ulcers:
You can often prevent the development and spread of mouth ulcers by maintaining a strong immune system. Eat a healthy and varied diet, exercise for at least 1.5 hours a day, and ensure you get enough sleep. In addition, good oral hygiene is essential to prevent wounds, inflammation, and mouth ulcers. Our dentists and dental hygienists will be happy to provide you with more information. Register as a new patient at Tandzorg Kralingen or make an appointment right away.
Frequently asked questions about mouth ulcers
What causes mouth ulcers?
The exact cause of mouth ulcers is unknown, but they often develop as a result of minor mouth injuries, such as biting your cheek or brushing your teeth too vigorously. Other factors that can play a role include stress, reduced immunity, certain foods, and poorly fitting dentures.
What vitamin are you not getting enough of if you have mouth ulcers?
A deficiency in vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid can contribute to the development of mouth ulcers in some cases. However, this is not always the cause, as mouth ulcers can also be caused by other factors, such as stress or small wounds in the mouth. Are you unsure whether a vitamin deficiency is playing a role in your case? Discuss this with your dentist or doctor.
Are mouth ulcers a health hazard?
Mouth ulcers are not dangerous to your health. However, if you have canker sores and a high fever, you should contact your doctor and/or dentist, as this could indicate an infectious disease.
When should I consult a dentist about a mouth ulcer?
We recommend that you contact your dentist if the ulcer has not disappeared within two weeks. You should also contact your dentist or dental hygienist if you suffer from frequent mouth ulcers. The specialists at Kralingen Dental Practice will be able to determine the cause of your ulcers and remedy the problem if possible.
Are there any medicines available to treat mouth ulcers?
There are no medicines that can cure mouth ulcers. However, products such as GUM and Lactona can provide pain relief.
