Can Mouth Ulcers Be a Sign of a More Serious Health Problem?

Types of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers come in various forms. The most common type is the canker sore, whose causes remain somewhat mysterious. Other types, such as oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral thrush, and even oral cancer, can present as mouth sores. Each has its own distinct characteristics and potential causes.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of mouth ulcers are easily identifiable. They often show up as sores with red edges and a white, yellow, or gray center. The causes can range from minor tissue injuries like dental work or accidentally biting your cheek, to hormonal changes, stress, and underlying health conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune diseases. Mouth ulcers aren't contagious like cold sores.

Diagnosis and Tests

A healthcare provider can diagnose mouth ulcers through a visual examination. In severe cases or when a specific health condition is suspected, blood tests may be ordered.

Management and Treatment

While many mouth ulcers heal on their own, medications can be prescribed to ease discomfort. Common treatments include antiseptic gels, steroid ointments, and immunosuppressants in severe cases. At home, drinking plenty of water, maintaining good oral hygiene, rinsing with saltwater or a hydrogen peroxide mixture, avoiding certain foods, and using over-the-counter topical anesthetics can help relieve symptoms.

Prevention

Though it's impossible to completely prevent mouth ulcers, you can reduce the risk by brushing and flossing regularly, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist regularly. Treating underlying conditions can also prevent ulcers from recurring.

Outlook / Prognosis

In most cases, mouth ulcers go away on their own within 10 to 14 days. However, if a mouth sore persists for more than three weeks, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider as it could indicate a more serious problem.

Living With

If you have mouth sores that last for an extended period, new sores before the old ones heal, ulcers on the outer lips, unrelieved pain, large ulcers, painless sores, fever, or diarrhea, it's time to see your healthcare provider. If you frequently get severe mouth ulcers, it's helpful to ask your provider questions about the causes, underlying conditions, risk reduction, recommended medications, and necessary lifestyle or dietary changes.

Additional Common Questions

The difference between a mouth ulcer and a canker sore lies in the specificity. Canker sores are a common type of mouth ulcer. A mouth ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks might point to underlying health conditions. Usually, mouth ulcers aren't a sign of cancer, but a persistent ulcer could be. Most mouth ulcers are harmless but can cause significant discomfort. If they don't heal within three weeks, it's essential to seek medical attention as there might be an underlying condition requiring treatment.