Do you suffer from mouth ulcers (Canker Sores)? Let's find out exactly what's going on!

Have you ever had a small sore inside your mouth that makes you uncomfortable while eating or talking? Many of us have experienced this. These are what we call 'mouth ulcers' or medically known as aphthous ulcers or canker sores . Although they can be very painful, they are nothing to worry about. Let's talk about them all today.

Simply put, what are these mouth ulcers?

These are small sores (ulcers) that appear inside your mouth, such as at the base of your gums, on or under your tongue, inside your lips, or inside your cheeks. Typically, when you look at a canker sore, you will see a white or yellow sore with a red border around it.

These are not contagious. But they can make eating and talking a little uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are things we can do to reduce this discomfort.

Are there types of mouth ulcers?

Yes, there are three main types. Let's see what they are.

What are the symptoms of these ulcers?

You may experience some symptoms even before an ulcer appears.

• A burning or tingling sensation somewhere inside the mouth (this is the first sign that an ulcer is about to form).
• One or more painful sores on the tongue, inside the lips, inside the cheeks, or on the roof of the mouth.
• Small, round lesions with a red border, white, gray, or yellow in color, are visible.

Why do we get these mouth ulcers?

In fact, doctors still haven't figured out the exact cause of this. But one thing is clear: They're not contagious . Some people confuse them with cold sores. But the two are completely different. Cold sores are caused by a contagious virus, while canker sores are not.

But there are several factors that are thought to influence these developments.

Possible root causes

• Weakened immune system: If you have a weakness or disorder in your body's disease-fighting system (e.g., celiac disease, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease).
• Certain medications: If you are taking painkillers such as beta-blockers, immunosuppressants, or NSAIDs.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Especially if the body lacks nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, iron, or zinc.
• Genes: If someone in your family has frequent mouth ulcers, you are more likely to develop them too.

Factors that cause ulcers to appear (Triggers)

These are the things that give a little "push" to an ulcer.

• Certain foods and drinks: Acidic fruits (oranges, lemons), spicy foods, coffee, cheese, peanuts, etc.
• Changing hormone levels: These can occur with hormonal changes associated with the monthly menstrual cycle in women.
• Injuries inside the mouth: Accidental cheek biting, abrasions from an ill-fitting denture, injuries while brushing teeth.
• Some toothpastes: Toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate can cause this condition in some people.
• Stress: This is a common cause of many illnesses.

Is there no way to prevent these?

While there is no way to 100% prevent mouth ulcers, there are a few things we can try to reduce their occurrence. If you are getting them regularly, be aware of when they occur and what foods they occur after.

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush . This will reduce the risk of injury inside the mouth.
• Avoid foods that are bad for you: If you've noticed that eating spicy, sour, or salty foods causes ulcers, stay away from them as much as possible.
• Take care of your nutrition: If you suspect you have nutritional deficiencies, talk to your doctor and get the necessary tests done.
• Try switching toothpaste: Check if the toothpaste you are using contains `sodium lauryl sulfate`. If so, try switching to a toothpaste that does not contain it.
• Reduce stress: Maintain mental well-being through things like meditation and exercise.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Most of the time, these ulcers heal on their own within a few days to two weeks without any treatment. Therefore, there is no need to go to a doctor every time.

• Ulcers that have not healed for more than two weeks .
• Mouth ulcers accompanied by fever-like symptoms .
• The ulcer is larger than one centimeter .
• Frequent, meaning if these ulcers occur more than two or three times a year .
• If these ulcers are causing you so much discomfort that you cannot perform daily activities such as eating or drinking.

In this case, the doctor can check to see if there is another medical condition causing these ulcers.

What treatments are available to help you recover quickly?

Your doctor can recommend several treatments that can reduce pain and help you heal faster.

• Topical anesthetics: Gels containing substances such as benzocaine that are applied to the skin.
• Mouth rinses: Alcohol-free, medicated mouth rinses such as chlorhexidine or dexamethasone.
• Corticosteroid ointments: Ointments containing steroids, such as fluocinonide, that are applied to the skin.
• Oral steroid medications: Pills such as prednisone for severe conditions that do not respond to topical medications.
• Vitamins and nutritional supplements: If ulcers are caused by a nutritional deficiency, they need vitamins.

In severe cases, treatments such as laser therapy or electrocauterization can reduce pain and speed up the healing process.

Are there any treatments that can be done at home?

Yes, there are some simple things you can do at home to relieve the pain.

• Gargle with salt water: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with that water several times a day.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, apply it to a cotton ball, and gently dab it on the affected area. Do not swallow the mixture for any reason. Then, apply some milk of magnesia on it. You can do this about four times a day.