What Are Oral Ulcers?

Oral ulcers, commonly known as mouth ulcers, are painful sores that develop inside the mouth due to localized break in the continuity of the oral mucosa. They can occur on the tongue, cheeks, lips, gums or the floor of the mouth.

Most ulcers heal on their own within 1-2weeks,but some require professional evaluation and treatment.

At Singh Dental Care, we assess the cause of oral ulcers and provide appropriate treatment to relieve pain and promote healing.

1.Signs and Symptoms

Burning or tingling sensation 

Pain while eating, drinking or speaking

Sensitivity to spicy, acidic or salty foods

Difficulity in chewing

2.Causes of Oral Ulcers

Accidental cheek or tongue biting

Sharp or broken teeth

Ill-fitting dentures or braces

Stress and anxiety

Nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin B12, Iron, Folate)

Hormonal changes

Viral infections

Certain medications

3.Risk Factors

Frequent stress

Poor nutritional diet

Orthodontic appliances

H/O Recurrent ulcers

Immune-related disorders

Excessive spicy or acidic foods consumption

4.Types of Oral Ulcers

Minor Aphthous Ulcers :- 

                                     Most common type of ulcers

                                     Small and round in shape

                                     Usually heal within 7–14 days by itself

Major Aphthous Ulcers :-

                                     Larger and deeper sores

                                     More painful in nature

                                     May take several weeks to heal

                                     Can leave scars if not treated properly

Herpetiform Ulcers :- 

                                    Multiple tiny ulcers appearing in clusters

                                    Can merge into larger painful areas

                                    Less common in occurrence

Traumatic Ulcers :-

                                   Caused by injury from teeth, dentures or dental appliances

                                   Heals when cause is removed

5.What Happens If left Untreated?

Difficulty in eating and drinking

Weight loss due to painful chewing (In severe cases)

Secondary infections

Reduced quality of life due to discomfort

Any oral ulcer lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a dentist.

6.Diagnosis at Singh Dental Care

Our dental team at Singh Dental Care will perform following steps for diagnosis :- 

Clinical Examination :- Assessment of the ulcer’s size, location and appearance.

Medical History Review :- Evaluation of medications, dietary habits and systemic health conditions.

Oral Cancer Screening :- For persistent or suspicious ulcers we may recommend oral cancer screening.

Additional Investigations :- If necessary, blood tests  for further evaluation may be recommended.

7.Treatment Options

Topical Medicated oral gels

Correction of local irritants

Antiseptic mouth rinses

Nutritional support

Addressing medical conditions if any

8. Prevention Tips

Maintain good oral hygiene

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

Manage stress effectively

Limit spicy and acidic foods if they trigger ulcers

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Attend regular dental checkups

FAQ

      Q)  Are oral ulcers contagious?

Most common mouth ulcers are not contagious.

      Q)  How long do oral ulcers take to heal?

Most minor ulcers heal within 1–2 weeks.

      Q)  Should I see a dentist for a mouth ulcers? 

Yes, especially if the ulcer lasts more than two weeks, is unusually large or keeps recurring.

      Q)  Can stress cause Mouth ulcers? 

Yes, Stress is a common trigger for recurrent oral ulcers.

      Q)  Are mouth ulcers a sign of oral cancer?

Most ulcers are not cancerous. However,ulcers that do not heal within two weeks should be professionally evaluated.

     Q)  Can children develop oral ulcers? 

Yes, Oral ulcers can occur in both children and adults.