Mouth sores

Llagas en la boca

Mouth sores, also known as canker sores or mouth ulcers, are painful lesions that can make it difficult to speak, eat and even affect our quality of life. In this article, we will explore the causes of mouth sores, why they appear, how to prevent them and what solutions exist to alleviate discomfort and speed healing.

What causes the appearance of sores?

Mouth sores can have various causes, such as stress, poor oral hygiene, mouth injuries, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for proper treatment and prevention of future occurrences.

Why mouth sores occur: Mouth sores can be triggered by multiple factors, such as accidental injury to oral tissue, the presence of bacteria or viruses, a weakened immune system, consumption of acidic or irritating foods, emotional or hormonal stress, and even certain medications. Understanding your triggers can help you take preventive measures.

What types of sores are there?

In the mouth, there are different types of sores that can appear. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Aphthous ulcers or aphthous ulcers

They are the most frequent sores and appear as small round or oval lesions with a white or yellow center and a red border. They are usually painful and may appear on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks or on the roof of the mouth.

  • Cold sores or fever blisters

They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are characterized by the formation of painful fluid-filled blisters. They appear mainly on the lips, but may also occur in the area around the mouth.

  • Recurrent aphthous stomatitis

These are recurrent sores that appear with some regularity. They are similar to common canker sores, but are usually larger and more painful. They can interfere with eating and speaking.

  • Traumatic ulcers

They are the result of injury or trauma to the mouth, such as accidental bites, irritation from ill-fitting dentures or aggressive tooth brushing. It is important to keep in mind that each type of sore may have different causes and require a specific treatment approach. If you have any concerns or a mouth sore that does not go away or causes significant discomfort, I recommend consulting a dentist or oral health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Solution to eliminate sores

There are several solutions to relieve the discomfort caused by mouth sores. Mouth rinses with ingredients such as salt water or baking soda can provide relief and promote healing. It is also advisable to avoid acidic or spicy foods and beverages that may further irritate the sores. In some cases, the dentist or physician may prescribe topical or systemic medications to speed healing.

How to prevent mouth sores: If you want to prevent mouth sores, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly and flossing. Avoiding irritating or allergenic foods, as well as reducing stress and maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, can also help. If you suffer from recurrent sores, it is advisable to consult a dentist for a more thorough evaluation.

When to seek professional care: If mouth sores persist for more than two weeks, are recurrent, are accompanied by fever, make eating difficult or present worrisome symptoms, it is important to seek professional care. A dentist or physician will be able to properly assess your situation and determine the best treatment approach.

Mouth sores can be annoying and painful, but understanding their causes, taking preventative measures and seeking appropriate solutions can help minimize their impact on our daily lives. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene, eat a healthy diet and seek professional care when necessary. At Clinica Cardona we are here to provide you with the dental care you need and help you maintain a healthy, sore-free mouth!

Frequently asked questions about mouth sores

Why do mouth sores appear?

Common triggers include small injuries such as accidental bites, brushing too hard or rubbing from braces, as well as stress, certain foods, hormonal changes or vitamin deficiencies. Often several factors combine and there is no single cause.

How long does a mouth sore take to heal?

Most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 14 days. If a sore lasts longer than two weeks, keeps growing or does not improve, it should be examined by a dentist to rule out other causes and treat it properly.

How can I relieve the pain of a mouth sore?

Avoid spicy, acidic or very hot foods, keep up gentle but thorough oral hygiene, and use pharmacy gels or rinses designed for oral ulcers to ease the discomfort while the sore heals on its own.

When should I see a dentist about a mouth sore?

If it has not healed after two weeks, if the sores come back frequently, if one is unusually large or painful, or if they are accompanied by fever or general discomfort. In those cases a professional check-up is the safest option.

Contenido revisado por el Dr. David Cardona Soro
Odontólogo · Colegiado nº 50001074 · Director de Clínica Cardona (Zaragoza)
Última actualización: 30 de December de 2024 · Sobre nuestro equipo · Revisión médica
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