Mouth ulcers are painful and bothersome lesions that can make chewing and speaking difficult. Although they are benign, their frequent or prolonged occurrence can be a sign of an underlying health problem. What causes mouth ulcers? How can you relieve them quickly? And most importantly, how can you prevent them from recurring? Discover all the answers and advice in this article.
What is a mouth ulcer? A mouth ulcer is a small, ulcerated lesion that forms on the oral mucosa, particularly on the gums, tongue, inside of the cheeks, or palate. It appears as a whitish or yellowish spot surrounded by a red, inflamed area.Mouth ulcers are generally benign but can be very painful, especially when located on the gums, a sensitive area constantly used for chewing and brushing teeth. What is the difference between a canker sore and a dental abscess?
It is essential not to confuse a canker sore with a dental abscess. While a canker sore is a superficial and harmless ulcer, an abscess is a deeper bacterial infection that may be accompanied by fever and require medical attention. Who is affected by canker sores? Canker sores can affect anyone, but some people are more prone to them:Children and teenagers, especially during growth spurts.
People who are stressed or tired.
Individuals suffering from inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Those with a diet low in certain essential nutrients.Causes of canker sores on the gumsCanker sores on the gums can appear for many reasons. They are often linked to internal factors such as stress or nutritional deficiencies, but also to local irritations of the oral mucosa. Internal factors Stress and fatigue:
High stress levels or lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and promote the development of mouth ulcers.
Nutritional deficiencies: A diet low in iron, zinc, or B vitamins can contribute to mouth ulcers.
- Systemic diseases:
- Certain inflammatory or autoimmune diseases (such as Crohn’s disease or lupus) increase the frequency of mouth ulcers.
External factors:
Oral trauma: Accidental biting, overly aggressive brushing, or using a hard toothbrush can cause lesions on the gums, thus promoting the development of mouth ulcers. Irritant foods: Certain foods, such as nuts, cheese, acidic fruits (citrus fruits, tomatoes), or spices, can trigger mouth ulcers in sensitive individuals. Medications: Some medications (anti-inflammatories, beta-blockers) can damage the oral mucosa and promote ulcerations.
- Poor oral hygiene: The accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can weaken the mucosa and promote the formation of lesions.
- Symptoms and progression of canker sores on the gums: Canker sores on the gums manifest with characteristic symptoms that progress through several stages before complete healing.
- The first signs: Tingling or burning:
A sensation of discomfort or tingling often precedes the appearance of the canker sore.
- Local redness: An inflamed and painful area forms on the oral mucosa. The main symptoms: Appearance of an ulcer:The canker sore appears as a small, round or oval, whitish or yellowish lesion surrounded by a red, inflamed halo. Intense pain:
- Depending on its size and location on the gum, a canker sore can be very painful, especially when chewing, brushing teeth, or when in contact with certain foods. Absence of fever: Unlike an oral infection such as an abscess, a canker sore is not accompanied by fever.
- Progression and Duration A canker sore generally progresses through the following stages: A painful lesion appears and intensifies over 2 to 3 days. The pain begins to gradually decrease after 4 to 7 days.Complete healing usually occurs in 1 to 2 weeks, without leaving a scar.
- In some cases, canker sores can recur frequently, particularly in cases of stress or a weakened immune system. How to relieve a canker sore on the gum? [Photo of a woman preparing mouthwash]Canker sores usually disappear on their own, but their painful nature can make daily life difficult. Fortunately, there are several solutions to speed up healing and alleviate the pain. Medical and pharmacy treatments
Antiseptic mouthwashes:
These help limit bacterial growth and promote healing. Gels and ointments: Specific products, often recommended by healthcare professionals and available in pharmacies, form a protective film over the canker sore. Pain relievers: In case of
severe pain,
- medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used. Natural remedies and practical advice
- Salt water rinse: A mouthwash made with warm water and salt helps disinfect the oral mucosa.
Baking soda:
- Applied as a paste (mixed with a little water), it reduces inflammation. Honey:
- It has natural healing and antiseptic properties. Essential oils: Tea tree or lavender essential oil can be applied carefully to the canker sore to soothe the pain and promote healing. Avoid irritating foods: Cutting down spicy, acidic, or very hot foods will reduce irritation.Prevention: How to prevent canker sores? Althoughcanker sores
- are benign, their recurrence can be bothersome. Adopting good habits helps reduce their frequency and improve oral health. Practice good oral hygieneUse a soft toothbrush:
Brushing too aggressively can irritate the gums
and promote the development of mouth ulcers.
- Choose a suitable toothpaste: Some toothpastes containing lauryl sulfate can be irritating. It is best to opt for gentle products.
- Use a mouthwash:
- An antiseptic mouthwash helps limit the proliferation of bacteria. Eat a balanced diet Avoid deficiencies: A lack of iron, vitamin B12, or zinc can promote oral lesions.A varied diet is essential. Limit irritating foods:
Acidic, spicy, or very hot foods can irritate the oral mucosa. Reduce stress
Manage your stress:
Ensure good sleep: A lack of rest can weaken the immune system and promote the appearance of mouth ulcers. When to see a doctor or dentist? In most cases, mouth ulcers disappear spontaneously within one to two weeks. However, some situations require medical advice. Cases requiring a consultationRecurrent mouth ulcers:
If the mouth ulcers appear frequently (several times a month), a doctor or dentist can investigate an underlying cause.
- Severe pain: If the pain prevents you from eating or speaking normally despite treatment. Prolonged duration:
- A canker sore that persists beyond three weeks may require a medical examination. Associated symptoms:
- The presence of fever, swollen gums, or unusual lesions may be a sign of a more serious condition. Distinguishing a canker sore from a more serious problem In some cases, mouth ulcers can be confused with other oral conditions: A dental abscess:
Intense pain, swelling, and fever.
- An oral infection: Presence of several mouth ulcers accompanied by significant redness. An underlying disease:Certain disorders (autoimmune diseases, severe deficiencies) can manifest as persistent mouth ulcers.
- If you have any doubt, it is always best to consult a general practitioner or dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
