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What are mouth ulcers?

July 19, 2019

'Traumatic' mouth ulcers are caused by biting your cheek or tongue, hard toothbrushing, rubbing braces or poorly fitting dentures. These heal over time and do not recur unless more 'trauma' occurs.

 

However, several mouth ulcers that keep coming back are called 'recurrent aphthous stomatitis', often occurring in healthy children and young people. The cause is not known, but they are not likely to be inherited and are not infectious.

 

Recurrent mouth ulcers can be minor or large. Minor mouth ulcers appear on the inside of your cheeks, on your lips, tongue and gums; sometimes even on the roof of your mouth. These are small but can form clusters of four to six ulcers, which can be painful. Large mouth ulcers are singular and painful, especially if near the tonsils, and take longer to heal. Most ulcers heal naturally.

 

However, if you have a mouth ulcer for more than 3 weeks, you should see your dentist or doctor, who will examine your mouth to rule out signs for mouth cancer. Click to read about signs of mouth cancer.

 

At Elmsleigh House our Farnham dentists perform mouth cancer checks at your routine appointment, so it is important to see your dentist as regularly as they recommend for your oral health as well as your general health.

 

Mouth ulcer treatment and prevention

Mouth ulcers usually heal over time, but you can always ask your dentist or doctor for advice, especially if they keep recurring. Perhaps a sharp tooth needs to be smoothed down or a denture adjusted; maybe a mouthwash will help.

 

You can reduce the risk of mouth ulcers by:

  • Keeping your mouth clean and healthy
  • Using high-quality toothbrushes that do not scratch or damage your mouth and gums
  • Eating a varied diet rich in vitamins A, C and E, including fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Regularly visiting your dentist.

You can book a new patient examination or your dental check-up by calling 01252 713797 or requesting a callback online.

 

 

 

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