| Oral Aphthous Ulceration |
| Exodontia.Info |
What are recurrent mouth ulcers?
Ulcers are sores that appear inside the mouth and can be
itchy or painful. A recurrent ulcer is one that comes and
goes, sometimes every few weeks. They are different from
cold sores, which appear on the outer lips and are due to a
virus infection.
They are common with over 60% of the population suffering
from recurrent mouth ulcers at some time in their lives.
Often they begin in childhood, but most people grow out of
them by their late twenties. In many cases, several
members of the family may suffer from these ulcers, which
can be due to a family tendency rather than being passed
by infection.
Where do they occur?
Small ulcers can appear inside the cheeks, on the lips,
tongue, gums, and, more rarely, the roof of the mouth.
Most of these ulcers (minor type) are the size of the top of
a pencil and can sometimes come in clusters.
Large ulcers (major type) may appear near the tonsils and
can be very painful, especially when swallowing.
It is also possible to have up to 100 very small ulcers
(herpetiform type). However, these last two types are very
rare.
You may get ulcers in other parts of the body, e.g. eyes or
genital area. It is important to tell your dentist / doctor
about this.
Ulcers are sores that appear inside the mouth and can be
itchy or painful. A recurrent ulcer is one that comes and
goes, sometimes every few weeks. They are different from
cold sores, which appear on the outer lips and are due to a
virus infection.
They are common with over 60% of the population suffering
from recurrent mouth ulcers at some time in their lives.
Often they begin in childhood, but most people grow out of
them by their late twenties. In many cases, several
members of the family may suffer from these ulcers, which
can be due to a family tendency rather than being passed
by infection.
Where do they occur?
Small ulcers can appear inside the cheeks, on the lips,
tongue, gums, and, more rarely, the roof of the mouth.
Most of these ulcers (minor type) are the size of the top of
a pencil and can sometimes come in clusters.
Large ulcers (major type) may appear near the tonsils and
can be very painful, especially when swallowing.
It is also possible to have up to 100 very small ulcers
(herpetiform type). However, these last two types are very
rare.
You may get ulcers in other parts of the body, e.g. eyes or
genital area. It is important to tell your dentist / doctor
about this.
| Photos of Oral Ulcers (Aphthae) |
How long do they last for?
The ulcer usually begins with an itchy feeling at the spot
where it is due to appear.
After 6 - 24 hours, an ulcer forms and can last 7 - 10 days.
The very large ones can take up to 6 weeks to heal (and
often heal by scarring).
What causes mouth ulcers?
Recurrent mouth ulcers cannot be caught by kissing or
sharing drinks and utensils, as they are not caused by
infection.
They may be an auto-immune disease caused by the body
attacking the cells lining the mouth.
It has been suggested that the following factors have a role
in causing mouth ulcers:
• Too little dietary iron or a lack of vitamins, especially
B12 and C
• Bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis
• Coeliac disease (gluten sensitivity)
• Hormonal changes; many women get ulcers at the
time of their period
• Stress
• Certain foods
Should I be worried about my mouth ulcers?
No. Most ulcers heal up on their own.
In order to reduce the discomfort, it is important that you
keep your mouth clean at all times. Use a diluted
chlorhexidine mouthwash once a day. You can buy this at
any chemist.
Sprays, rinses and gels are also available for pain relief.
Consult your dentist / doctor if you think you need additional
medication or if the ulcers persist.
What can the Clinician do?
You may have a blood test taken and you will probably be
prescribed some form of medication to help the ulcer heal
faster and so reduce the pain.
However, these medications cannot stop the ulcers from
appearing. Most are steroid-based but are safe to use
provided they are not swallowed. It is usually
recommended to use them as soon as you feel an ulcer
starting.
Other medications may be prescribed, if necessary.
Useful Websites:
Emedicine.com (Dermatology)
Emedicine.com (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Emedicine.com (Paediatrics)
Mouth Ulcers
Useful Articles:
British Medical Journal 2000. ABC of Oral Health. Mouth
ulcers and other causes of oro-facial soreness and pain.
BDJ 2005. Nicorandil induced oral ulceration
BDJ 2005. Oral Medicine — Update for the Dental
Practitioner. Aphthous and other common ulcers
BMJ Clinical Evidence 2007 Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers
ENT News 2008 - Mouth Ulceration
British Medical Journal 2009. 10-Minute Consultation.
Aphthous Ulcers.
BMJ 2010. Evaluation of oral ulceration in primary care
The ulcer usually begins with an itchy feeling at the spot
where it is due to appear.
After 6 - 24 hours, an ulcer forms and can last 7 - 10 days.
The very large ones can take up to 6 weeks to heal (and
often heal by scarring).
What causes mouth ulcers?
Recurrent mouth ulcers cannot be caught by kissing or
sharing drinks and utensils, as they are not caused by
infection.
They may be an auto-immune disease caused by the body
attacking the cells lining the mouth.
It has been suggested that the following factors have a role
in causing mouth ulcers:
• Too little dietary iron or a lack of vitamins, especially
B12 and C
• Bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis
• Coeliac disease (gluten sensitivity)
• Hormonal changes; many women get ulcers at the
time of their period
• Stress
• Certain foods
Should I be worried about my mouth ulcers?
No. Most ulcers heal up on their own.
In order to reduce the discomfort, it is important that you
keep your mouth clean at all times. Use a diluted
chlorhexidine mouthwash once a day. You can buy this at
any chemist.
Sprays, rinses and gels are also available for pain relief.
Consult your dentist / doctor if you think you need additional
medication or if the ulcers persist.
What can the Clinician do?
You may have a blood test taken and you will probably be
prescribed some form of medication to help the ulcer heal
faster and so reduce the pain.
However, these medications cannot stop the ulcers from
appearing. Most are steroid-based but are safe to use
provided they are not swallowed. It is usually
recommended to use them as soon as you feel an ulcer
starting.
Other medications may be prescribed, if necessary.
Useful Websites:
Emedicine.com (Dermatology)
Emedicine.com (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Emedicine.com (Paediatrics)
Mouth Ulcers
Useful Articles:
British Medical Journal 2000. ABC of Oral Health. Mouth
ulcers and other causes of oro-facial soreness and pain.
BDJ 2005. Nicorandil induced oral ulceration
BDJ 2005. Oral Medicine — Update for the Dental
Practitioner. Aphthous and other common ulcers
BMJ Clinical Evidence 2007 Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers
ENT News 2008 - Mouth Ulceration
British Medical Journal 2009. 10-Minute Consultation.
Aphthous Ulcers.
BMJ 2010. Evaluation of oral ulceration in primary care
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| Last Updated 23rd November 2010 |