Mouth ulcers are conditions in which an ulcer develops in the mouth, tongue, or soft tissues of the mouth, specifically the mucosa. They cause redness, bleeding, and pain, making it difficult for a person to swallow and leading to loss of taste, among other effects. Mouth ulcers can occur for various reasons, and some may indicate a chronic illness or nutritional deficiency.
Many people stay up at night due to mental stress or to complete their deadlines, but even these can cause frequent mouth ulcers.
Let’s understand the mouth ulcers in detail.
Causes and Risk Factors of Mouth Ulcers
- Familial history and genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of mouth ulcers, suggesting that they often run in families.
- Hormonal imbalance
- Viral infections, Fungal infections, and Bacterial infections can cause mouth ulcers.
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 and iron deficiency, can cause mouth ulcers.
- Chronic illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can cause mouth ulcers.
- Autoimmune disease can lead to mouth ulcers
- Low or Weak immunity can cause mouth ulcers
- Mental stress
- Injury due to tongue bites
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
- Ulcers in the mouth, which look like a red, inflamed patch in the mouth
- Redness of the mouth
- Loss of taste
- Burning sensation
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing due to inflammation
- Sometimes fever is present in severe infections
Diagnosis of Mouth Ulcers
- The diagnosis is made based on detailed medical history and physical examination
- Blood test to rule out the underlying cause includes:
- Complete blood count
- Serum Vitamin levels
- Serum Iron levels
- Ulcer swab test in case of a severe case
Treatment of Mouth Ulcers
- Oral medication
- Oral ointments
- Treatment of the underlying disease.
- Intravenous medication or fluids are used in severe cases associated with fever.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Mouth Ulcers
- If you have mouth ulcers, consider eating soft, cooked food at a normal temperature.
- Drink plenty of water or fruit juices
- Eat a balanced diet
- Follow a healthy lifestyle routine that helps maintain good immunity.
Mouth ulcers are common, but they can also be a symptom of an underlying condition. Always consult a doctor for guidance about the disease and targeted treatment for your complaints.