A mouth ulcer is an open sore inside the oral
cavity. Two common mouth ulcer types are aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
and cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus). They are white or
yellow in color, and are normally accompanied with a sharp pain, which
is felt most when the person is eating.
Cause-
1.Trauma
a.Minor physical injuries
Trauma to the mouth is a common cause of oral ulcers. A sharp edge of a
tooth, accidental biting (this can be particularly common with sharp
canine teeth, or Wisdom teeth), sharp, abrasive, or excessively salty
food, poorly fitting dentures, dental braces or trauma from a
toothbrush may injure the mucosal lining of the mouth resulting in an
ulcer. These ulcers usually heal at a moderate speed if the source of
the injury is removed (for example, if poorly fitting dentures are
removed or replaced).
It is also common for these ulcers to occur after dental work, when
incidental abrasions to the soft tissues of the mouth are common. A
dentist can apply a protective layer of petroleum jelly before carrying
out dental work in order to minimize the number of incidental injuries
to the soft mucosa tissues.
b.Chemical injuries
Chemicals such as aspirin or alcohol that are held or that come in
contact with the oral mucosa may cause tissues to become necrotic and
slough off creating an ulcerated surface. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS),
one of the main ingredients in most toothpastes, has been implicated in
increased incidence of oral ulcers.
2.Smoking Cessation
It is fairly common
for smokers to experience multiple mouth ulcers within a week
of cessation. The
duration varies between individuals, and can range from a month
to years. Oral
nicotine supplements has shown some reduction in the occurrence.
3.Infection
a.Viral
The most common is Herpes simplex virus which causes recurrent
herpetiform ulcerations preceded by usually painful multiple vesicles
which burst. Varicella Zoster (chicken pox, shingles), Coxsackie A
virus and its associated subtype presentations, are some of the other
viral processes that can lead to oral ulceration. HIV creates
immunodeficiencies which allow opportunistic infections or neoplasms to
proliferate.
b.Bacterial
Bacterial processes leading to ulceration can be caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis) and Treponema pallidum
(syphilis).
c.Fungal
d.Protozoans
Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic protozoan is sometimes known to
cause mouth ulcers through formation of cysts.
4.Immune system
Many researchers view the
causes of aphthous ulcers as a common end product of
many different disease
processes, each of which is mediated by the immune
system.
5.Immunodeficiency
Repeat episodes of mouth ulcers can be indicative of an
immunodeficiency,
Signaling low levels of immunoglobulin in the oral mucous
membranes.
Chemotherapy, HIV, and mononucleosis are all causes of immunodeficiency
with
which oral ulcers become a common manifestation.
6.Dietary
Vitamin C deficiencies may lead to scurvy which impairs wound healing,
which can contribute to ulcer formation. Similarly deficiencies in
vitamin B12, zinchave been linked to oral ulceration.
A common cause of ulcers is Coeliac disease, in which case consumption
of wheat, rye, or barley can result in chronic oral ulcers. If gluten
sensitivity is the cause, prevention means following a gluten-free diet
by avoiding most breads, pastas, baked goods, beers etc. and
substituting gluten-free varieties where available. Artificial sugars
(Aspartame/Nutrisweet/etc) such as those found in diet cola and
sugarless chewing gum, have been reported as causes of oral ulcers as
well.
7. Cancer
Oral cancers can lead to ulceration as the center of the lesion loses
blood supply and necroses. Squamous cell carcinoma is just one of these
by tobacco.
Symptoms-
The symptoms preceding the ulcer may vary according to the cause of the
ulcerative process.
Some oral ulcers may begin with a sharp stinging or burning sensation
at the site of the future mouth ulcer. In a few days, they often
progress to form a red spot or bump, followed by an open ulcer.
Sometimes this takes a little bit longer, depending on the cause of the
ulcer.
The oral ulcer appears as a white or yellow oval with an inflamed red
border. Sometimes a white circle or halo around the lesion can be
observed. The grey, white, or yellow coloured area within the red
boundary is due to the formation of layers of fibrin, a protein
involved in the clotting of blood. The ulcer, which itself is often
extremely painful, especially when agitated, may be accompanied by a
painful swelling of the lymph nodes below the jaw, which can be
mistaken for toothache.
Treatment-
Symptomatic treatment is the primary approach to dealing with oral
ulcers. If their cause is known, then treatment of that condition is
also recommended. Adequate oral hygiene may also help in relieving
symptoms.
Role of homoeopathy
Mouth ulcers can be treated effectively in Homeopathy without any
side-effects. The treatment should be started in the early phase
itself. Homoeopathy cares for all i.e. it reduces the pain, it heals
the wound in a better way, it improves the nutritional status by
improving digestion and absorption and finally it aborts the tendency
to recurrences.
Prevention-
Rinse your mouth after every meal and brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep the mouth free from debris.
Use only a soft bristled tooth brush to clean your teeth.
Taking a nutritious diet with adequate amount of fluid helps you to keep away from not only stomatitis but also other diseases.
Avoid use of tobacco products and alcohol, as they can irritate the lining of the mouth.
Avoid very spicy and hot foods.
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