I am diagnosed with aphthous mouth ulcers?
Aphthous mouth ulcers are painful sores that can occur anywhere inside the mouth. They are the most common type of mouth ulcer. At least 1 in 5 people can develop aphthous mouth ulcers at some stage in their life. Women are affected more often than men.There are three types:1. Minor aphthous ulcers are the most […]
Aphthous mouth ulcers are painful sores that can occur anywhere inside the mouth. They are the most common type of mouth ulcer. At least 1 in 5 people can develop aphthous mouth ulcers at some stage in their life. Women are affected more often than men.
There are three types:
1. Minor aphthous ulcers are the most common (8 in 10 cases). They are small, round, or oval, and are less than 10 mm across. They look pale yellow, but the area around them may look swollen and red.
2. Major aphthous ulcers occur in about 1 in 10 cases. They tend to be 10 mm or larger across. Usually only one or two appear at a time. Each ulcer lasts from two weeks to several months, but will heal leaving a scar. They can be very painful and eating may become difficult.
3. Herpetiform ulcers occur in about 1 in 10 cases. These are tiny pinhead-sized ulcers, about 1-2 mm across. Multiple ulcers occur at the same time, but some may join together and form irregular shapes.
What causes aphthous mouth ulcers?
In some cases the ulcers are related to other factors or diseases. These include:
1. Injury – such as bad fitting dentures, a graze from a harsh toothbrush, etc.
2. Changes in hormone levels. Some women find that mouth ulcers occur just before their period. In some women, the ulcers only develop after the menopause.
3. Some ex-smokers find they develop ulcers only after stopping smoking.
4. A lack of iron, or a lack of certain vitamins (such as vitamin B12 and folic acid) may be a factor in some cases.
5. Rarely, a food allergy may be the cause.
6. Mouth ulcers run in some families. So, a genetic factor may play a part in some cases.
7. Stress or anxiety is said to trigger aphthous mouth ulcers in some people.
8. Some medications can cause mouth ulcers. Examples of medicines that can cause mouth ulcers are: anti-inflammatory medicines (eg, ibuprofen) and oral nicotine replacement therapy.
9. Mouth ulcers are more common in people with Crohn’s disease or HIV infection. However, these ulcers are not the aphthous type.
What are the treatments for aphthous ulcers?
Treatment aims to ease the pain when ulcers occur, and to help them to heal as quickly as possible. There is no treatment that prevents aphthous mouth ulcers from recurring.
General measures include
1. Avoid spicy foods, acidic fruit drinks, and very salty foods (such as crisps) which can make the pain and sting worse.
2. Use a straw to drink, to avoid the liquids touching ulcers in the front of the mouth. (Note: do not drink hot drinks with a straw, as you may burn your throat.)
3. Use a very soft toothbrush. See a dentist if you have badly fitting dentures.
4. If you suspect a medication is causing the ulcers, then a change it. For example, if you are using oral nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine gum or lozenges), it may help to use a different type instead such as patches or nasal spray.
Some medicines may ease symptoms from mouth ulcers
1. Chlorhexidine mouthwash may reduce the pain. It may also help ulcers to heal more quickly. It also helps to prevent ulcers from becoming infected. Unfortunately, it does not reduce the number of new ulcers.
2. Steroid lozenges may also reduce the pain, and may help ulcers to heal more quickly. By using your tongue you can keep a lozenge in contact with an ulcer until the lozenge dissolves.
3. A painkilling oral rinse, gel, or mouth spray may help to ease pain.