Mouth Sores

Mouth | Odontologie | Mouth Sores (Symptom)


Description

Different types of sores can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the inner cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, or palate. Sores or localized abnormalities inside the mouth can arise from a number of causes. Most commonly, mouth sores represent aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous stomatitis.

Causes

Mouth sores may be caused by irritation from: a sharp or broken tooth or poorly fitting dentures; biting your cheek, tongue, or lip; burning your mouth from hot food or drinks; braces; chewing tobacco.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are very contagious. Usually, tenderness, tingling, or burning appear before the actual sore appears. Cold sores are usually begin as blisters and then crust over. The herpes virus can live in the body for years. It only appears as a mouth sore when something triggers it, such as: another illness, especially if there is a fever; hormone changes (such as menstruation); stress; sun exposure.

Canker sores are not contagious. They can appear as a single pale or yellow ulcer with a red outer ring, or as a cluster of these sores. The cause of canker sores is not clear. Less commonly, mouth sores can be a sign of an illness, tumour, or reaction to a medication, such as: autoimmune disease like lupus; cancer, infections and drugs like aspirin, penicillin can cause sores.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Mouth sores generally last 10 to 14 days, even if nothing is done to cure them. They sometimes last up to 6 weeks. Some easy remedies can be used home, such as: gargling with cool water or eat popsicles (for mouth burn), avoiding hot beverages and spicy and salty foods, and citrus, take pain relievers like acetaminophen.

If mouth sores are more serious a doctor should be consulted. He is likely to perform a physical examination, focusing on the mouth and tongue. Treatment may depend on the underlying cause of the mouth sore and can include: topical anesthetics, antifungal medication, antiviral medication, antibiotics.

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