Have you ever experienced that painful, annoying spot in your mouth that makes eating and talking uncomfortable? You’re not alone. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, affect about 20% of the population regularly. Think of mouth ulcers as tiny but troublesome breaks in your mouth’s lining. They typically appear as round or oval sores with a white or yellow center and a red border. Unlike cold sores, they appear inside the mouth and aren’t contagious.
What causes ulcers in the mouth?
The frustrating thing about mouth ulcers is that they can be triggered by various factors. Psychical trauma triggers that lead to mouth ulcers are biting cheeks, sharp foods that cut the lining of your inner cheek while chewing or even dental work and braces. However, it does not stop here if you have a Vitamin B12, Iron deficiency, excessive stress and anxiety can also lead to triggering your immune system causing ulcers.
Other potential factors are outside your control medically. Hormones have an effect on oral health, especially for women, and oral health problems may be connected to the monthly menstrual cycle. Some women develop canker sores due to these hormonal changes. Other oral health problems, like swollen gums, bleeding gums, or swollen salivary glands can also be affected by changing hormones.
Regular ulcers shouldn’t cause major health concerns, but persistent or severe cases could indicate underlying conditions like vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or in rare cases, oral cancer. When in doubt, it’s better to have them professionally evaluated by your trusted dentist.
Special considerations
For Braces Wearers: Orthodontic wax is your best friend! Apply it to brackets or wires that might be causing irritation.
For Contact Sport Athletes: Consider using a mouth guard to prevent trauma-induced ulcers.
For Stress-Related Ulcers: Incorporate stress-management techniques like meditation or yoga into your daily routine.
The Three Stages of a Mouth Ulcer
Stage 1: The Warning Phase (Days 1-2)
You might notice a tingling or burning sensation before the ulcer appears. The area feels slightly raised and tender, often appearing redder than surrounding tissue. Some people experience mild swelling. This pre-ulcer stage typically lasts 24-48 hours. Early intervention with over-the-counter treatments like salt water rinses or topical medications can help minimize severity.
Stage 2: The Active Phase (Days 3-7)
The ulcer becomes fully formed and intensely painful. It appears as a round or oval-shaped white or yellow spot (2-8mm in diameter) surrounded by an angry red “halo” of inflamed tissue. Eating, drinking, and speaking may become uncomfortable. The base of the ulcer contains dead tissue called a fibrin membrane. Pain typically peaks around days 3-4 and gradually begins improving.
Stage 3: The Healing Phase (Days 7-14)
The white/yellow center begins to shrink as new tissue forms. Pain noticeably decreases. The red border becomes less pronounced. Most ulcers heal completely within 2 weeks without leaving a scar. The healing time varies based on the size of the ulcer and overall health status.
When to See a Dentist or Doctor:
- If an ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks
- If ulcers are unusually large (larger than 1cm)
- If you get more than 3-4 ulcers at once
- If ulcers keep recurring in the same spot
- If accompanied by persistent fever
- If you have difficulty eating or drinking for several days
- If you experience severe pain that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter treatments
- If ulcers appear on your lips or outside of your mouth
- If you notice other symptoms like joint pain, stomach problems, or skin rashes
- If you have a weakened immune system
While mouth ulcers can be incredibly annoying, understanding their causes and having a treatment plan makes them much more manageable. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, but when ulcers do appear, quick action can significantly reduce their impact on your daily life. If the symptoms associated with your canker sores are severe, consult your doctor. Some worrying symptoms could include a high fever or pain that can’t be managed at home. If the discomfort from your canker sores is making it very hard for you to eat or drink, you should also see your doctor.
Your doctor will be able to diagnose mouth ulcers through a visual exam. You might be tested for other medical conditions if you have frequent, severe mouth ulcers. Contact us at GP dental dental studio today for a dental consultation. We do our best to see you on the same day and provide you with the assistance you need while waiting for your appointment. Receive expert advice and guidance straight from oral healthcare professionals on what and what not to do.