Ouch! I Have a Mouth Ulcer! – Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips from Leicester’s Smile Essentials

Did you know that 1 in 5 people will experience mouth ulcers at some point in their lives? These small but painful sores can make everyday activities like eating, drinking, or brushing teeth uncomfortable. At Smile Essential, our Leicester dental practice often sees patients dealing with mouth ulcers. The good news? Occasional ulcers are usually harmless and tend to heal on their own.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Interestingly, the exact cause of mouth ulcers remains a mystery!

However, there are certain factors that are known to trigger simple mouth ulcers, including:

• Stress: High levels of stress are commonly linked to the development of ulcers.
• Citrus fruits: Foods like lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, and strawberries can either trigger an ulcer or make it worse.
• Sharp tooth edges or dental appliances: Braces, ill-fitting dentures, or sharp edges of teeth can irritate the mouth and lead to ulcers.

In some cases, complex mouth ulcers may be caused by underlying health issues, such as:

• An impaired immune system
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron
• Gastrointestinal diseases, including Coeliac disease and Crohn’s disease

If your ulcers last longer than three weeks or keep returning, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Medications and Mouth Ulcers

Sometimes, mouth ulcers can be a side effect of certain medications. If you notice a connection between a prescribed drug and the appearance of ulcers, it’s crucial to continue taking the medication but seek advice from your GP as soon as possible.

How Are Mouth Ulcers Treated?

While the pain from a mouth ulcer typically eases within a few days, the sores usually heal without any treatment in one to two weeks.

However, if the ulcers are particularly large, painful, or persistent, your dentist may prescribe:

• An antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce irritation and prevent infection
• A corticosteroid ointment to promote healing and minimise discomfort
• Pain-relief solutions (prescription or non-prescription) to alleviate soreness

Over-the-counter products like Bonjela can provide temporary relief from the discomfort caused by ulcers.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While most mouth ulcers are harmless, you should contact your dentist or GP if you experience any of the following:

• Unusually large sores
• Ulcers that are spreading
• Sores lasting longer than three weeks
• Severe pain despite avoiding triggers and using pain relief
• Difficulty drinking enough fluids
• High fever accompanied by ulcers

Can Mouth Ulcers Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for mouth ulcers. However, you can reduce the frequency and severity of ulcers by following these tips:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep your mouth clean and less susceptible to ulcers.
• Avoid trigger foods: Stay away from acidic, spicy, or irritating foods that could inflame your mouth.
• Be gentle: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating sensitive areas in your mouth.
• Avoid gum chewing: Excessive chewing can cause irritation that leads to ulcers.

Contact Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester for Help with Mouth Ulcers

If you’re concerned about mouth ulcers or find they’re becoming a regular issue, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Smile Essentials. Our team in Leicester is here to provide expert advice and treatment options to help keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.