Mouth sores result from a break in the lining of the mouth. They are often caused by
- Trauma from cheek/lip biting or irritation from a chipped tooth,
- Allergies to certain foods,
- Nutritional deficiencies(iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid) and
- Stress: Many tend to develop mouth ulcers around an examination period due to the stress of preparation.
Major forms of stress that contribute to mouth ulcers include:
- Physical stress: either at work or school during examinations.
- Emotional/Psychological stress: dealing with a struggling relationship, a break up or demise of a loved one.
- A weak immune system caused by an illness/infection.
Mouth sores caused by stress are also known as stress ulcers/sores. They appear as small sores with grayish base and reddish borders. They are painful and tend to reoccur. The sores can occur singly or may be more than one. They can be found on the tongue/under the tongue, on the cheek, lips, gums or the roof of the mouth/palate.
Stress sores are commoner in females than males and are non contagious i.e, they can not be contacted by sharing cutlery.
Presentation
Sores are associated with pain and discomfort when chewing or drinking. The severity depends on the area of the mouth the sore is. Pain could also affect talking or swallowing.
Treatment.
Sores heal within 7-14days without any treatment. However, the following will reduce pain and prevent it from worsening:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene
- Avoid touching/rubbing sores with tongue/fingers
- Avoid peppery/salty food
- Avoid acidic fruits
- Drink fluids
- Use warm water and salt mouth rinse
- Numbing gels sold over the counter can be applied on the surface to reduce pain.
- Pain relieving medications such as paracetamol will reduce pain and discomfort.
If sores do not heal within 3 weeks, please see your Dentist.