Canker sores – aphthae – are the second most common cause of oral problems in people. They appear as small, round or oval lesions with a red border and a white or yellow centre. Normally, they appear on the oral mucosa and sometimes on the gums.
Although not contagious, mouth ulcers cause pain and discomfort, when eating and talking. However, they usually disappear in one to two weeks.
As you know, there are various types of mouth ulcers. The least painful are small with a red border and a white centre, disappearing on their own within a week. The less frequent but more painful ulcers, larger in size and depth, also have red borders and a white centre but are irregular and take up to six weeks to disappear, leaving some scarring. In addition to these, there are also herpetiform ulcers. Their appearance is not caused by the herpes virus, and their name comes from the appearance of numerous tiny ulcers, ten to a hundred simultaneously, which join together to form a large ulcer of the same type as the previous ones, painful, tending to heal within one to two weeks.
Another fact that is also known to you is that mouth ulcers can have various origins. Below we list possible reasons for the appearance of these irritating ulcers:
– Immune system failure.
The immune system acts as a protective shield for our body. When it fails, whether due to internal or external causes, the probability of us contracting viruses, infections, and other pathologies that affect our health and the functioning of the body increases significantly.
The immune system is made up of a group of cells, tissues, and organs, being one of the most complex and effective in identifying, eliminating, and remembering pathogens such as infections or tumour formations. Although it is so developed that it can prepare for future attacks from previously contracted viruses, sometimes, the immune system can be affected and attack the healthy cells we still have. One of the places where this can happen is the mouth – which can cause the appearance of mouth ulcers.
If the appearance of mouth ulcers is accompanied by a fever, it is necessary to see a doctor to rule out any type of infection or, conversely, to obtain an early diagnosis of any possible medical complication.
– Eating acidic foods.
A consumption of highly acidic foods In its composition (such as tomatoes, pineapple, wheat, alcohol or coffee) it can cause lacerations in the mouth that will eventually turn into mouth ulcers or sores.
Gastric problems – such as heartburn and reflux – can also cause mouth ulcers and other oral health complications, such as tooth enamel erosion and burns. When this is the cause, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor in gastroenterology to establish a plan of action against the disease.
Poor nutrition.
Nutritional deficiency or scarcity is a consequence of insufficient intake of one or more nutrients, meaning your diet does not cover all your body's physiological needs.
Whether by consuming a food in very small quantities, not consuming it at all, or due to a pathology present in the body that prevents its absorption, nutritional insufficiency is the cause of multiple diseases and failures in the immune system.
Another cause associated with nutritional deficiency is the production of mouth ulcers as a result of a scarcity of vitamins and minerals such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Iron-rich foods – such as watercress, spinach, and seeds – can help counteract these deficiencies if consumed with sufficient frequency.
– Stress.
Nowadays, the pace of life has accelerated exponentially. Fulfilling daily obligations represents a huge expenditure of energy, resulting in fatigue and stress.
Stress is considered the disease of the 21st century and the main cause of serious and fatal illnesses. Examples of this include cancer, heart disease, and others. Anxiety and nervousness are also a direct consequence of a constant state of fatigue and frustration.
According to recent studies, there is a direct link between stress and outbreaks of mouth ulcers, with the latter being the body's response to the submission of the former.
Dental problems.
Oral problems such as periodontitis, gingivitis, cavities and oral malformations or anomalies (among other conditions that can occur in the oral cavity) are often treated with prosthetics or aggressive dental cleaning which, through friction, cause lacerations or small wounds that become mouth ulcers.
Aggressive, incorrect, or excessive brushing is also a cause of irritating mouth ulcers. In order to avoid them, we should only brush our teeth with gentle, methodical movements that do not touch the cheeks, tongue, or other soft tissues of the mouth.
It should also be noted that if orthodontics or dentures are the cause of mouth ulcers, it is advisable to visit your dentist so they can check and remove any sharp points, thereby relieving friction and preventing the appearance of new ulcers.
The treatment to eliminate this oral problem largely depends on your willpower and the habits you adopt to get rid of it. Pay more attention to the foods you eat and choose healthier options rich in vitamins and minerals. Reduce your stress levels and maintain good oral hygiene. By following these steps, you are on the right path to getting rid of these irritating ulcers.
