Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions which develop on the soft tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. They do not occur on the surface of the lips and are not contagious. They can be painful and make eating & talking difficult.
There are several types of mouth ulcers, including minor, major and herpetiform ulcers.
Minor Mouth Ulcers: Minor mouth ulcers are the most common. They are usually small and are oval shaped with a red edge. These heal without scarring in one to two weeks.
Major Mouth Ulcers: Major mouth ulcers are less common. They are larger and deeper than minor mouth ulcers, and are usually round with defined borders, but may have irregular edges when they are very large. They can be extremely painful and can take up to six weeks to heal and leave extensive scarring.
Herpetiform Mouth Ulcers: Herpetiform mouth ulcers are rare and usually develop later in life. These mouth ulcers are pinpoint in size and often occur in clusters of 10 to 100 sore, but can merge into one large ulcer. They have irregular edges and heal without scarring in one to two weeks.
While the precise cause of mouth ulcers remains unclear, a combination of factors contributes to outbreaks, even in the same person. Possible factors that cause mouth ulcers include:
Mouth ulcers can also occur due to certain conditions and diseases, such as:
Some common symptoms and signs of mouth ulcers are:
Ulcers in the mouth become painful when consuming spicy, salty or sour foods as the ulcers break through the lining of the mouth and expose the nerves that are present underneath.
This sensation is more likely to happen during the formation of the mouth ulcers.
The inflammation caused due to the formation of a mouth ulcer can create a swollen bump which can feel rough.
The inflammation that occurs during a mouth ulcer’s formation causes swelling.
Redness also occurs due to the inflammation caused by the formation of a mouth ulcer.
Since the area where a mouth ulcer forms is swollen, the movements associated with brushing teeth or chewing can irritate the ulcer causing pain.
The friction and pressure caused by dentures, orthodontic aligners and/or mouth splints can also cause mouth ulcers, and/or irritate mouth ulcers that are already present.
Anyone can develop mouth ulcers, but they occur more often in teens and young adults, and are more common in females. People with recurrent mouth ulcers have a family history of the disorder. It may be due to heredity or to a shared factor in the environment, such as certain foods or allergens.
While mouth ulcers can happen frequently, a person can reduce their frequency by following some tips:
Watch what you eat: try to avoid foods that irritate your mouth, as well as any foods you are sensitive or allergic to.These many include nuts, chips, pretzels, certain spices, salty foods and acidic fruits (like pineapple, grapefruit and oranges)
Choose healthy foods: to prevent nutritional deficiencies, plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be consumed
Follow good oral hygiene habits: brushing after meals and flossing once a day can help keep your mouth clean and free of foods that might trigger an ulcer. Using a soft brush helps to prevent irritation to the delicate mouth tissues, and toothpastes and mouth rinses which contain sodium lauryl sulfate should be avoided
Reduce your stress: if your mouth ulcers seem to be related to stress, then learn and use stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation and guided imagery
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Mouth Ulcers using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the root cause of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Dietary Adjustments: Following a pitta pacifying diet which includes bitter, sweet and astringent flavours can be greatly beneficial in both managing and treating mouth ulcers. Avoiding foods that can irritate the ulcer is vital. Eating at regular intervals as well as drinking at least two litres of fluids daily are also helpful.
Panchakarma Therapies: Panchakarma therapies such as virechana, gandusha and kavala help in rebalancing pitta dosha as well as clearing out toxins to treat mouth ulcers.
Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining oral hygiene, reducing stress and tension, and getting proper rest can help in both the management as well as prevention of mouth ulcers.
Meditation & Yoga: As stress is a major trigger for mouth ulcers, practising yoga and meditation can help with the management of stress.
Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system of India which includes the usage of herbs for managing and promoting health in a holistic manner. In cases of diseases such as Mouth Ulcers, which can become a recurring issue, specific Ayurvedic medicines are used which concentrate on improving overall oral health. Listed below are a few recommended Ayurvedic herbs which can help in managing Mouth Ulcers:
Triphla - it has antibacterial, antioxidant and wound healing properties, which make it very useful for the management of mouth ulcers
Tulsi - this herb helps in the management of mouth ulcers with its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, and also promotes overall oral health
No, mouth ulcers are not contagious and cannot be spread by kissing or sharing food.
Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 1-2 weeks.
You should see a doctor if your mouth ulcers:
Ayurvedic herbs such as tulsi and triphala are very beneficial for the management and treatment of mouth ulcers.
The most common cause is injury, such as accidentally biting the inside of your cheek. Other causes include certain medications, viral, bacterial and fungal infections, chemicals and some medical conditions.
Mouth ulcers are often painful and clear up within 2 weeks, whereas mouth cancer is not painful, will not go away, and will often spread.
