Dr. Ronak Nazir
The pain is unbearable. One cannot speak, eat, or drink properly
Common Causes of Mouth ulcers
* Nutritional deficiencies such as iron, vitamins, especially B12 and C
* Poor dental hygiene
* Food allergies
* Stress( emotional)
* Infections particularly herpes simplex
* Biting the cheek
* Hormonal imbalance
* Bowel disease.
* Skin disease
* In females, sometime in association with menstrual cycle.
* Hereditary, familial tendencies are also seen.
* Stress is the an important factor for developing mouth ulcers and premature graying of hair so keep your mind and body cool and relaxed and half of your worries and ailments will go away.
Other causes of mouth ulcers
Trauma Minor physical injuries
Trauma to the mouth is a common cause of ulcers. A sharp edge of a tooth, accidental biting (this can be particularly common with sharp canine teeth, or Wisdom teeth), sharp, abrasive, or excessively salty food, hot drinks, poorly fitting dentures, dental braces or trauma from a toothbrush may injure the mucosal lining of the mouth resulting in an ulcer. These ulcers usually heal at a moderate speed if the source of the injury is removed (for example, if poorly fitting dentures are removed or replaced)
These ulcers also commonly occur after dental work, when incidental abrasions to the soft tissues of the mouth are common. A dentist should apply a protective layer of petroleum jelly before carrying out dental work in order to minimize the number of incidental injuries to the soft mucosa tissues. Other Causes are Chemical injuries, infections, vira
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Tiny shallow erosions in the lining of the mouth or on the tongue.
The base may be white or grey in color.
Increased salivation.
Pain, burning sensation especially on contact with food or water.
There may be bleeding from the ulcers.
Mild fever if infection is the cause.
Bad odour from the mouth.
Home TIPS for Mouth Ulcers
Grate some fresh coconut. Extract the milk and gargle with this 3-4 times a day.
* Keep 1 glass of chilled water and 1 glass of hot water ready at hand. Gargle alternately with hot and cold water.
* Boil 2 cups of water. Add 1 cup fenu Greek leaves and remove. Cover and keep for sometime. Strain the water and gargle 2-3 times a day.
* Boil 1 tsp ofcorian derseeds in 1 cup of water. Remove when slightly warm gargle. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
* Chew four to five leaves of holy basil (tulsi) and drink water. This helps to cure mouth ulcers.
* Eating raw tomatoes helps rid mouth ulcers. Gargling with tomato juice 3-4 times a day also cures mouth ulcers.
* Mix 7 parts of sugar candy (mishri) with 1 part of camphor. Apply on the blister.
* Mix a pinch of turmeric powder to 1 tsp glycerin and apply.
Boil fenugreek (methi) leaves in some water. Take out the leaves and gargle the mouth with this water two to three times’ day.
Avoid drinking hot liquids like tea, coffee and avoid oily, spicy food. This will only aggravate the condition of the mouth ulcers.
Consume a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin C, for e.g., foods like yogurt, milk, cottage cheese and orange juice.
Avoid eating non-vegetarian foods as they increase the level of acidity in the body.
Apply a paste of baking soda with water on the sores.
* Do not brush too vigorously and use a soft toothbrush.
* Clean the tongue regularly but not harshly. Use toothpaste, mouthwash which suits you, if you feel you are getting the problem due to it, change it. You may be allergic to it.
* Visit your dentist if you have a sharp tooth or a denture, which doesn’t fit well.
* Avoid mental stress. Learn to relax and deal with stress.
* Avoid spicy hot food, alcohol, and smoking.
* Avoid self medication with antibiotics.
* Vitamin B complex and folic acid supplement will help.
* Have a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, cereals.
* You can use a cool mouthwash for temporary relief of pain.
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