What is a Mouth Ulcer?

Mouth ulcers are painful lesions that form on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, or roof of the mouth. They are typically round or oval in shape, and their edges may sometimes be irregular. The base of the ulcer may appear red or dirty white-gray. These ulcers can cause pain while eating, chewing, or speaking, and can significantly affect a person’s daily activities and quality of life. They can be superficial or involve deeper tissue loss.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can result from simple causes like accidental biting or burns from hot food. However, they can also be a symptom of systemic conditions such as Behçet's disease or oral cancer. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamins (especially folic acid and vitamin B12), stress, hormonal changes (such as during menstruation or pregnancy), family history (genetic factors), food allergies, bacterial infections (like syphilis or tuberculosis), viral infections (such as herpes simplex virus), fungal infections, certain medications, and tobacco use can all increase the likelihood of developing mouth ulcers.

How to Treat Mouth Ulcers?

The first step in treating mouth ulcers is to identify the underlying cause and provide treatment accordingly. Pain-relieving creams or gels may be used to alleviate discomfort, while antiseptic mouthwashes can help prevent infections that may develop on the ulcer. In cases of fungal infections, antifungal mouthwashes may be prescribed. During an episode of mouth ulcers, it’s recommended to avoid acidic, spicy, hot, or hard foods to prevent further irritation and pain.