Oral health is quite important if you want to prevent mouth ulcers. It’s imperative to exercise caution in order to prevent the occurrence of a condition such as mouth ulcers. The main cause of this ailment is injury to the inside lining of the mouth. Not to fret if you’re faced with this predicament because it usually clears up in few days. If the symptoms for this ailment persist for more than a few days, seek medical assistance immediately. The material posted on this page pertaining to mouth ulcers and other oral health concerns is for learning purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage these emergencies as well as other circulatory and respiratory emergencies enrol in first aid training with a credible provider near you.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms vary from case to case. However, be on the lookout for the following:
- Difficulty in brushing teeth and/or chewing
- Tenderness
- Bad Breathe
- Appetite loss
- Irritation
- Swollen skin
- Soreness
What Are the Causes?
It’s important to understand the causes of mouth ulcers so that proper precautionary measures can be taken. The main causes include:
- Biting the cheek
- Bad oral hygiene
- Misaligned teeth
- Braces
- Dentures
- Sharp teeth
- Hot food
- Mouthwash
- Cold sores
- Syphilis
- Lip cancer
There are numerous other reported cases that have no cause. Researchers reveal that imbalance in the immune system may lead to a negative reaction that triggers the condition.
What Are the Complications?
When a case of mouth ulcers has been diagnosed, seek treatment as soon as possible. This will resolve the situation and prevent the potential occurrence of complications such as:
- Tooth abscess
- Inflammation
- Infection
What is the Diagnosis?
Doctors use several techniques to establish the presence of this ailment including:
- Physical Tests- A peculiar characteristic of this condition is that it displays different signs in different patients. They recognize a case by being on the lookout for the main symptoms. In extreme cases, other signs to lookout for include fever and herpes.
- Blood Tests- These tests are conducted to establish the presence and level of infection.
- Skin Biopsy- Small skin sample is taken from the patient for further testing in the lab.
What Are the Ways for Treating Mouth Ulcers?
In most cases, this condition is mild and will, therefore, resolve in several days. Nevertheless, there are numerous other types of this ulcer that can lead to more serious conditions like herpes. Doctors normally prescribe medication for alleviating the ulcers but expected results are only achieved in a gradual manner.
Other lifestyle changes must be implemented for success to be fully realized:
- Stay away from spices. Foods that have sour taste also aggravate the condition. The acidity contained inside will hinder the ulcers from healing.
- Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated soothes the wounds. Drink fresh fruit juice as well.
- Use the prescribed anti-fungal medication as instructed. Do not alter dosages in an attempt to accelerate the healing process.
- Avoid mouthwash but if you must, opt for the medicated options.
- Use antiseptic medication for managing the pain that comes with mouth ulcers.
- Observe oral hygiene. Keep the teeth, gums and entire mouth clean by brushing after meals. Floss and visit the dentist regularly.