Sores in the mouth: identify the types, causes and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Dental health is not just limited to the area of ​​your teeth. Healthy teeth, of course, also have to avoid irritation or sores in the mouth. Irritation or sores in the mouth can be uncomfortable if left untreated, although they usually heal on their own in one to two weeks.

Sores in the mouth, more commonly known as canker sores, are of several different types. Recognize the types so that you can determine the exact cause and treatment.

What are sores in the mouth?

Sores that occur inside the mouth are a common disease and often occur in many people in their life.

Sores can appear on any of the soft tissues of your mouth, such as the lips, inner cheeks, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. This condition can also occur in your esophagus.

Canker sores, more commonly known as sores in the mouth, are indeed a mild irritation. But in some cases, this condition can also indicate a more serious condition, such as oral cancer or a viral infection, such as herpes simplex.

Types of mouth sores

In fact, a sore that has ever occurred in your mouth is not just a mouth ulcer. Although indeed canker sores are one type.

Here are some of the types of sores that occur in the mouth:

1. Thrush

Canker sores are a type of sores that develop inside the mouth with the appearance of white or gray sores and are surrounded by a red border. Thrush is a type of wound that is not contagious and can even appear more than one.

The cause is not certain. However, experts believe that immune system problems are a factor. Bacteria or viruses also often trigger the appearance of canker sores. In addition, in some cases, trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth is also claimed to cause canker sores.

These canker sores usually heal on their own after one to two weeks. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthwashes can provide temporary pain relief.

When you have a thrush, you should stay away from hot, spicy, and acidic foods, which can irritate the wound more intensely. If you decide to visit a doctor, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics which can reduce the secondary infection.

2. Cold afternoon

These types of sores are also known as fever blisters. Cold afternoon are fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips and sometimes also appear under the nose or around the chin.

Cold afternoon is a wound caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and can be contagious. The initial infection (primary herpes) is usually mistaken for a cold or flu and causes painful, abnormal lesions or areas to appear all over the mouth. Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus remains in the mouth.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, until now there is no specific drug for this cold sore. However, usually these mouth sores heal on their own within one week. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can relieve the pain. The dentist may also prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the type of infection.

3. Oral thrush

Also known as candidiasis or moniliasis. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that occurs at the time of the fungus Candida albicans breed in large numbers.

Oral thrush is a type of sore in the mouth that generally occurs in those who use dentures. This condition often occurs in people with weak immune systems, young people, the elderly, or those who are weak because they have certain diseases, such as diabetes and leukemia. Those of you who suffer from dry mouth syndrome are also claimed to be susceptible to this candidiasis.

Candida can develop after antibiotic treatment that can reduce normal bacteria in the mouth. You can control candidiasis by focusing more on preventing or controlling the condition that causes it.

The best prevention and control is to maintain oral hygiene. Always clean your dentures to remove the potential for fungus to develop Candida and don't forget to take it off before bed.

If the cause is dry mouth or a certain medication, then you can cure it by avoiding the cause of your dry mouth and replacing that particular prescription drug with a safer and more appropriate medication.

4. Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a sore in the mouth with thick, whitish patches that can form on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or tongue. These patches are caused by overgrowth of cells and generally occur in tobacco users or those who smoke.

In addition, quoted from the American Dental Association, wounds that occur in this type of leukoplakia can occur due to irritation of ill-fitting dentures or from chewing the inside of the cheeks.

In some cases, leukoplakia is associated with oral cancer, so the dentist may recommend a biopsy if the wound looks threatening.

After you decide to visit the doctor, your dentist will examine any lesions or abnormal areas and a biopsy to determine how to treat the disease.

Treatment will begin by eliminating the factors that contribute to the appearance of the lesions, such as quitting smoking or replacing dentures as well dental bridge which does not fit properly.

What are the signs and symptoms of sores in the mouth?

In most cases, mouth sores can cause redness and pain, especially when drinking and eating. Sores that occur in the mouth can also provide a burning or tingling sensation right in the area of ​​the wound.

Depending on the size, severity, and location, mouth sores can really make it difficult for you to eat, drink, swallow, speak, or even just breathe.

Some of the symptoms of mouth sores that can occur:

• Wounds measuring more than half an inch in diameter
• Canker sores often occur
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Diarrhea

There may be some symptoms that have not been mentioned, consult your doctor if you experience one or more of the symptoms above for more information.

What are the causes of mouth sores?

Of course, a condition or disease arises for various reasons. Mouth sores can appear due to minor daily habits or serious illnesses.

Usually, sores that develop in the mouth are caused by:

• The habit of biting the tongue, inner cheeks, and lips
• Experiencing irritation from sharp objects, such as braces or dentures
• Brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush that is rough and unfriendly to the teeth and mouth
• Chewing tobacco
• Have the herpes simplex virus

Sometimes, in some cases, sores in the mouth are the result of a reaction to the following:

• Over-the-counter or prescription drugs
• Gingivostomatitis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Oral thrush
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Autoimmune disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Cancer
• Celiac disease
• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
• Weak immune system due to AIDS or after an organ transplant

If you can find or know the exact cause of the sores that occur in your mouth, avoid the cause immediately and consult your doctor further.

Risk factors for sores in the mouth

In addition to the causes that cause sores to develop in your mouth, you may be more susceptible to this condition if you:

• Have a weakened immune system due to illness or stress
• Hormonal changes
• Deficiency of vitamins, especially vitamins folate and B12
• Bowel problems, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome

Should mouth sores be diagnosed?

In fact, you can immediately find out about mouth sores without having to go to a doctor directly. However, an immediate diagnosis with a doctor is the best advice if you have:

• White patches on the wound, as a possible sign of leukoplakia or oral lichen planus
• Herpes simplex or other infections
• Sores that won't heal or get worse after a few weeks
• Starting a new medication or starting cancer treatment
• You recently had transplant surgery

The diagnosis made by the doctor is an examination of your mouth, tongue, and lips. If the doctor suspects that there are signs that you have cancer, the doctor will perform a biopsy and run several tests.

How do you prevent mouth sores?

Indeed, there is no absolute way to prevent this condition. But it doesn't hurt to take the following steps to avoid getting sores on your mouth.

Some precautions that can help avoid the condition of sores in the mouth:

• Chew food slowly
• Avoid hot food and drinks
• Use a type of soft toothbrush and maintain regular dental hygiene
• Reduces stress
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Reduce or eliminate food irritants, such as spicy foods
• See a dentist regularly
• Take vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins
• Drink lots of water
• Quit smoking or using tobacco
• Quit or limit alcohol consumption
• Use an SPF 15 lip balm, especially when outside and in the sun

How to treat sores in the mouth?

Mild mouth sores can go away on their own for 10 to 14 days, but they can last up to six weeks.

In order to help reduce the pain or soreness that is being caused, some of the following simple home remedies can help the healing process.

• Avoid hot, spicy, salty, citrus based, and high-sugar foods
• Avoid using tobacco and drinking alcohol
• Gargle with salt water
• Eating ice or other cold food
• Take pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Avoid squeezing or picking the wound
• Apply a thin paste of baking soda mixed with water
• Apply a solution of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water

Don't hesitate to actively ask pharmacists about over-the-counter medicines, pastes, or mouthwashes that can help heal wounds in your mouth.

If you decide to consult your doctor directly, your doctor will prescribe a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory drug, or steroid gel. If the wound is caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, your doctor may provide medication to treat the infection that caused it.