Coping With Painful Mouth Ulcers: Tips and Remedies

If you have ever experienced small and shallow sores inside your mouth, you may be dealing with mouth ulcers or canker sores. These ulcers can be extremely painful and can make it difficult to eat, drink, and even speak. While mouth ulcers are generally harmless and heal on their own within a week or two, they can still be quite uncomfortable.

Understanding Mouth Ulcers

What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are small, shallow sores that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth. These sores can be quite painful and may appear on their own or in clusters. Generally, they are circular or oval in shape with a white or yellowish color and a red border. The size of these sores can vary, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

What Triggers Mouth Ulcers?

The exact cause of mouth ulcers is unknown, but they can be triggered by various factors, including:

.Minor injuries from rough foods, aggressive tooth brushing, dental procedures

.Stress, fatigue, hormonal fluctuations

.Food allergies or sensitivities

.Acidic or spicy foods that irritate the mouth

.Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc, and folate

For some people, mouth ulcers occur frequently without any identifiable cause. The good news is, while uncomfortable, they are not contagious or dangerous.

Symptoms of mouth ulcers

Common symptoms of mouth ulcers include:

.Pain or discomfort

.Tenderness

.Swelling

.Difficulty eating or drinking

.Difficulty speaking

Types of Mouth Ulcers

Minor canker sore

Minor canker sores are the most common type of mouth ulcer. These are small, round lesions less than 1cm across that heal within 1-2 weeks. 

Major canker sore

Major canker sores are larger and deeper than minor canker sores. They can take several weeks to heal and may leave scars. Often linked to systemic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Herpetiform canker sore

Herpetiform canker sores are small, numerous ulcers appear in clusters of 10-100 pinpoint sores about 1-2mm in size that often merge together to form a larger sore. The distribution resembles a herpes infection, but they are not viral. 

Herpetiform ulcers cause a burning sensation and tend to recur every few months, likely due to immune system issues. Avoiding trigger foods and managing stress can help. 

Aphthous ulcers

Aphthous ulcers, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis, are a type of mouth ulcer that recur frequently and cause significant pain and discomfort.

Similar to canker sores, these shallow or deep round ulcers have a yellow-gray center surrounded by a red halo. They occur in the mouth, throat, or genitals. In addition to minor injuries, aphthous ulcers can stem from viral infections, immune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and gastrointestinal conditions. Mild cases can be managed at home, while severe cases may require medication.

Mouth ulcer vs. cold sore

Mouth ulcers are often confused with cold sores, but they are two different conditions.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are fluid-filled blisters around the lips or mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. After the blisters pop and ooze, they crust over and scab. Cold sores are highly contagious. Antiviral medications can reduce duration and severity if applied at first onset. 

Mouth ulcers, on the other hand, are not contagious and are not caused by the herpes virus.

Accurately identifying the type of mouth ulcer is important for finding the appropriate treatments and remedies to manage discomfort. Seek medical advice if ulcers are severe, persistent, or recurring.

How to treat mouth ulcers?

While mouth ulcers usually heal on their own, there are several self-care measures that can help alleviate the pain and promote healing:

.Use over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation.

.Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or an Antimicrobial mouthwash can help prevent infection and speed healing. 

.Avoid hot, spicy, and acidic foods that can further irritate the ulcers.

.Take supplements like vitamin B12, zinc, and folic acid.

.Switch to an SLS-free toothpaste, as an SLS foaming agent can cause irritation.

.Use our Ulceloocin oral ulcer patch which adheres directly over the ulcer and provides pain relief and healing

When to get professional advice?

While most mouth ulcers heal on their own within a week or two, it is important to seek professional advice if:

.The ulcers do not improve within two weeks

.The ulcers are very large or painful

.You have unusual or frequent mouth ulcers

.You experience other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty swallowing

Professional treatment options

If your mouth ulcers are severe, causing significant pain or interfering with your daily activities, your dentist or doctor may recommend professional treatment options, such as:

.Prescription-strength medications, such as corticosteroids or antimicrobial mouth rinses

.Cauterization or laser therapy to promote healing and reduce pain

.Addressing any underlying health conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune disorders, that may be contributing to the ulcers

Signs that require medical attention

If you experience any of the following signs, it is important to seek medical help:

.Persistent, severe, or recurrent ulcers

.Difficulty swallowing or talking

.Unexplained weight loss

.Swelling in the face or neck

.Ulcers that do not heal within three weeks

Is it mouth cancer?

While most mouth ulcers are harmless and heal on their own, persistent ulcers that do not improve within three weeks may be a sign of mouth cancer. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions.

How to prevent mouth ulcers?

To prevent mouth ulcers, consider the following tips:

.Avoid foods that trigger your mouth ulcers, such as acidic or spicy foods.

.Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

.Avoid tobacco products, as they can irritate the mouth and increase the risk of developing ulcers.

.Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and getting enough sleep.

.Avoid biting your lips or the inside of your cheeks, as this can lead to injury and increase the risk of developing ulcers.

Tips and Home Remedies

Self-care measures for pain relief

In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers （such as Ulceloocin oral ulcer patch），

there are several self-care measures that can help alleviate the pain caused by mouth ulcers:

.Avoid hot or spicy foods that can further irritate the ulcers.

.Drink cool or lukewarm fluids to soothe the ulcers.

.Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area for temporary relief.

.Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can irritate the ulcers.

Alternative home remedies

While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of alternative home remedies in treating mouth ulcers, some people find relief with the following remedies:

.Apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the ulcers.

.Gargling with a mixture of chamomile tea and honey.

.Using aloe vera gel topically on the ulcers.

.Apply a mixture of turmeric powder and honey to the ulcers.

Final thoughts 

Mouth ulcers can be painful and uncomfortable, but with proper care and treatment, they can be managed effectively. By following these tips and remedies, you can alleviate the pain, promote healing, and reduce the risk of developing future ulcers. Remember to seek professional advice if needed and take steps to maintain good oral health to prevent mouth ulcers from occurring in the first place.