Many people suffering from mouth ulcers seldom find the root of the problem, ending up frustrated with dentists who have little or no knowledge about the problem. Ulcers can be quite painful and may interfere with such simple functions in life as eating or brushing your teeth. You need not give up and live with the pain, because there are preventative and medical methods of avoiding or treating them.
Instructions
1. Be aware of the symptoms of mouth ulcers. These include a painful, round sore on your tongue, gums or the inside of your cheeks surrounded by tender, swollen skin. The loss of mucous membrane and exposure of the underlying nerves are the cause of the pain. If it is difficult to eat or brush your teeth because of soreness, or salty, spicy or sour foods irritate the inside of your mouth, this is very likely due to mouth ulcers.
2. Begin with preventative methods. These work well if the mouth ulcer results from a natural cause, rather than a virus, fungi or an underlying disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly and ensure that your diet is nutritious. Visit your dentist regularly to avoid possible complications such as tooth abcesses, bacterial infection or inflammation.
3. Learn the causes of these ulcers, which may vary and require different treatment. The most common ulcers are caused by damage from biting, continual irritation by braces, misaligned teeth or lack of care when brushing. Mouth ulcers may also be caused by fungi (oral thrush), autoimmune diseases or herpes (HSV-1). Twenty percent of the population suffers from this type of mouth ulcer.
4. Remember that most mouth ulcers are caused by simple, natural occurrences and cause loss of or damage to the lining of the mouth, and generally will heal naturally within a week or two. It is helpful to rinse your mouth with lightly salted warm water, use medicated mouthwashes and use careful oral care. If you have dentures make sure that they fit properly, and have them checked by your dentist regularly.
5. Visit your doctor for a diagnosis if the symptoms persist, recur regularly or grow worse. In the cases of thrush or herpes you may need to take an antifungal or antiviral medication. Application of antiseptic gels, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain-killing medications will aid in the treatment of persistent mouth ulcers. The cause of cold sores is unknown, although stress, autoimmune diseases or viruses is suspected.
6. Make sure you are tested for underlying causes of persistent mouth ulcers. Some of these include syphilis, inflammatory bowel disease, oral cancer and autoimmune disorders. Visit your doctor immediately if sores are bleeding, painless or last for three weeks or more. If a number of sores appear suddenly in one area it is probably due to stress, or in women it might be brought on by menstruation.
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