What is Mouth Ulcer? Causes, symptoms, and home remedies

What is a mouth ulcer? Mouth ulcers can be also termed as canker sore and it can be quite disturbing. This is caused by a tiny ulcer in your mouth that is painful and can make eating or talking very uncomfortable.

Adults, women, and those who are having mouth ulcers in genes are at high risk. It can grow with times and can be very painful if left untreated.

Causes of mouth ulcer

So, what are the causes of mouth ulcers! There exist no specific reason for it but certain factors can develop mouth ulcer. They are:

1. Minor cuts or injuries

2. Toothpaste or mouth rinse that comprises sodium lauryl sulfate

3. Sensitive to certain food like citrus, coffee, or chocolate.

4. Vitamin deficiency like vitamin B-12, folate, iron, and zinc.

5. Allergy

6. Smoking

7. Genetics

8. Braces

9. Hormonal changes

10. Sleep disorder or stress

11. Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

It could be signs of a severe condition like:

Celiac disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Diabetes

Behcet's disease

A malfunctioning immune system

HIV/AIDs

Types of Mouth Ulcer

There exists three forms. They are mentioned below:

Herpetiform ulceration (HU):

The herpetiform ulcer is apt because the sore resembles herpes and they are not contagious. It recovers quickly.

Minor ulcers:

The size of the ulcer is around two to eight mm and it takes approximately two weeks to recover and causes pain.

Major ulcers:

These are comparatively bigger than minor ulcers but they are asymmetric in shape. It aches much and could be recovered and might leave scars.

What are the Signs & Symptoms?

Ulcers are painful and the pain develops when you eat or chew something.

The signs for HU are:

Extreme pain

Quick recovery

The size gradually becomes larger

Takes at least ten days to recover

Can develop at any spot inside the mouth.

Minor and Major Mouth Ulcer Symptoms

Sore develop at the cheeks or tongue or at the roof of the mouth which is painful. The signs & symptoms of minor and major ulcer are:

Fever

Swollen glands

Sluggishness

Home remedies for mouth ulcer:

Mouth ulcer needs medical treatment but to a certain extent, it can be treated at home. So, presenting some home remedies:

Honey:

Honey possesses antimicrobial elements that help in healing wounds. It can not only protect your mouth from ulcers but it can also stop any bacterial growth. It is a very good option to prevent ulcers. Apply honey every few minutes into the affected area.

Baking soda paste:

The sodium bicarbonate works magic in the reduction of the ulcer in your mouth. It acts as the neutralization agent for the acid formed by the ulcer, thus healing the pain. Mix baking soda into water and prepare a fine paste of it and apply onto the wound. Let it rest for some time and then rinse it. 

Saltwater:

Slat comprises antiseptic elements which are great in healing wounds. Just mix some salt into lukewarm water and then keep gargling.

Orange juice:

oranges are an essential source of Vitamin C and it is great in treating mouth ulcers. Just prepare orange juice because of course, a whole orange can be difficult to eat in that condition.

Also read: What is Upper Motor Neuron Lesions?

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