Many people who face the problem of having mouth ulcers keep wondering how to get rid of this annoying condition. A mouth ulcer, by simple definition, is a sore situated in the mucous membranes inside the mouth. Most of the time, it is white or yellow with a reddish border.
What are the Causes of Mouth Ulcer?
There can be multiple reasons for the formation of mouth ulcers. The reasons that are common in almost all cases could be enlisted as follows:
Stress and Fatigue: Stress weakens the immune system, and thus, it gives way to the formation of ulcers. Exhaustion through work pressure and lack of adequate sleep can also cause the same effect.
Injuries: Improper brushing, village braces, dentures, and some other physical traumas like mistakenly biting the cheek or tongue can cause Ulcers.
Dietary Habits: Foods and drinks that are spicy and acidic result in the formation of ulcers. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and folic acid cause mouth ulcers.
Allergic Reactions: Allergies to some foods or dental care products result in the formation of ulcers.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in women during menstruation and pregnancy result in ulcers.
What Causes Ulcers on the Tongue?
The causes of ulcers on the tongue are more or less like those for mouth ulcers. However, there are specific ulcers that only have particular reasons for its formation on the tongue. For instance:
Dental and Gum Problems: Caries of teeth, ill-adjusted teeth, and diseases of gums may provoke the appearance of ulcers on the tongue.
Tongue Injuries: Sharp foods, hot liquids, and unconsciously biting the tongue may cause ulcers on the tongue.
Cream Recommendations for Ulcers
There are numerous creams applied in the process of soothing mouth ulcers. Some cream recommendations for ulcer sores include the following:
Corticosteroid Creams: It works by reducing inflammation and pain. Available with prescription.
Antibiotic Creams: Applied to the ulcer in decreasing the risk of bacterial infection.
Antiviral Creams: These creams get applied if the ulcers are due to a viral infection.
Pain Relief Gels: These gels relieve the agony of an ulcer, albeit temporarily, since they contain local anesthetic properties.
Is It Harmful to Burst an Ulcer?
This definitely does not include bursting an ulcer. The probability of infections will increase if the ulcer bursts out, and infection also prolongs its healing process. Moreover, more pain and discomfort can also be caused due to it. Therefore, it is better to let the ulcers heal themselves and use creams and other natural methods mentioned above to reduce the pain in the meantime.
Natural Methods for Ulcers
After the formation of an ulcer, along with several other medications, natural ways can also be preferred for treatment. Some such natural methods to speed up the process of healing of mouth ulcers and alleviate pain are as follows:
Rinsing with Salt Water: Swishing a glass of warm water mixed with one teaspoon of salt helps in cleaning the ulcer and relieves one from pain.
Baking Soda Rinse: Gargling with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in half a glass of water can maintain the acid-base balance of the ulcer, hence increasing the rate of healing.
Honey and Turmeric: A mixture of honey and turmeric applied in the area of the ulcer may facilitate healing because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile Tea: Gargling with some amount of cooled-down chamomile tea may help reduce the inflammation and pain caused by the ulcer.
How to Prevent Ulcers
Though it is not possible to completely prevent the formation of ulcers, you can reduce the risk with some precautions described below:
Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help in preventing the formation of ulcers. Be sure to consume adequate amounts of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and folic acid.
Stress Management: Stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation, or even a daily regime of exercise, need to be followed. This may help enhance the body’s immunity against the incidence of ulcers.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene: Cleaning of teeth should be done at least twice a day, and one should floss at least once a day. While using oral care products, avoid those that would add very irritating ingredients.
Regular Dental Checkups: Have regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. Early detection of problems in the teeth and gums takes time, thereby preventing the formation of ulcers.
Spotting Allergies: Avoid taking food or using toothpaste or other mouthwash products and switch over to substitute products if you are allergic to some of them.
Though these issues can be very annoying, they are controllable by the right treatment methods and preventive measures. The pain can be re-lived and healed faster with appropriate creams and some natural methods rather than bursting the ulcers. The necessary modification in eating habits, appropriate handling of stress, and good care of the mouth area can work. One can get more information regarding problems with mouth ulcers and other treatment methodologies one the Livera Dental Clinic website.
