Mouth sores are nothing but swelling in the oral cavity with small red blisters or lesions. It can appear in gums, tongue, cheeks and upper roof of the mouth causing irritation and pain. These are also called canker sores or blisters and every one of us may get mouth sores at one point in life. Burning the mouth by eating hot foods and drinks, hurting the mouth with sharp objects accidentally and biting the tongue occasionally may give rise to mouth sores. They are caused by virus called herpes simplex and initially the person may experience tingling sensation in the affected region. Fever, stress and exposure to sun may also cause mouth sores.
Simple home remedies are enough to cure mouth sores. Rinse the mouth with lukewarm salt water several times a day. Treat the mouth sores with the solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Most of the mouth sores will disappear on its own without requiring any treatment. In case if the swelling is severe, then you can buy topical ointments like Blistex for treating mouth sores.
Why Do You Get Sores In Your Mouth?
Mouth sores or sore mouth is formation of painful ulcers or fluid filled sores inside the mouth. It can interfere with the ability to talk and eat and sores can occur anywhere in the oral cavity like gums, lips, inside the cheeks and in the palate.
Mouth Sores Types :
Mouth sores can be categorized into two major types:
- Canker Sore – This is also called as aphthous ulcer which is marked by single yellow ulcer having a clear outer ring. It occurs on the tongue, lips and inside your cheeks.
- Cold Sores – Popularly known as fever blisters, cold sores often develop in and around the lips. They are fluid filled blisters causing burning pain and tingling sensation.
Mouth Sores Symptoms :
Mouth sores are tiny round and shallow structures red in color. It can be painful and may last for 5-7 days. Mouth sores may recur several times. In severe cases it can cause fever or chills. It produces tingling sensation in the cheeks before mouth sores develop. Mouth sores can reduce one’s ability to chew, eat and drink and sometimes it restricts your speech also. It can be either single bumps or cluster of blisters. Mouth sores occur anywhere in the oral cavity but largely occurs in the lips and inside the cheeks. It produces irritation and discomfort in the mouth.
Mouth Sores Causes :
Exact cause of mouth sores is still not known.
- Canker sores can be caused as an adverse effect of certain medications like antibiotics. Some other factors triggering mouth sores are stress, sudden blow or injury to the mouth, lack of sleep and allergic response caused by coffee, chocolate or certain citrus fruits.
- Poor nutrition and lack of vitamins can also cause mouth sores. If the immune system gets weakened it can cause mouth sores. Any infection like bacterial or viral infection can give rise to mouth sores. Biting the tongue suddenly can also cause sores.
- For some people mouth sores can be genetic, passing on from one generation to the next.
- Chewing tobacco constantly, eating or drinking hot foods, and having gum disease like gingivitis can cause canker sores.
- Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer can trigger mouth sores. Certain infectious diseases like Lupus can cause mouth sores.
- Cold sores are often caused by Herpes simplex virus and they are contagious.
Mouth Sores Tests :
No special tests are needed to diagnose mouth sores. Mere physical exam of the oral cavity by your doctor or dentist is enough to detect sores.
Mouth Sores Treatment :
Mouth sores often resolves without any treatment within a week. And no specific treatment is available for mouth sores. Only symptomatic relief can be obtained by taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents.
Pictures of Mouth Sores :
Images, Pictures, pics and Photos of Mouth Sores
Lifestyle Changes :
If you have painful mouth sores you need to follow a soft blanch diet. Avoid taking hot and spicy foods for few days. Gargling the mouth with lukewarm salt water which gives relief from pain. Alternatively you can suck ice pops to get relief from mouth burn.
Medications :
- Topical anesthetic and painkillers can be effective in giving relief from symptoms.
- Lidocaine or xylocaine ointment can be applied liberally on the site of mouth sores.
- For severe cases steroid creams like triamcinolone paste is useful in controlling painful sores. It can be applied in the lips and inside the cheeks. Campho phenique products are also effective in treating mouth sores.
- Anti-inflammatory paste like Aphthasol can be used. You can use mouthwash like Listerine or Peridex for washing the mouth to remove any bacteria or virus.
- If you have more pain your doctor may recommend prednisone cream to reduce swelling and pain.
- For cold sores caused due to virus your doctor may give Valtrex or any suitable antiviral ointment.
- Over the counter pain-relieving creams can be used.
Outlook :
Mouth sores would not last more than a week. It can be managed by painkillers and topical creams.
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