Mouth sores create a lot of frustration. Eating, drinking, talking, and brushing are automatic activities until a spot in the mouth becomes painfully irritated. Although many mouth sores disappear quickly, some last a long time, indicating an underlying condition. Understanding mouth sores, where they come from, how to prevent them, and the best way to treat them is important to your oral health and quality of life.
What Are Mouth Sores?
Mouth sores, also called ulcers, are irritated or damaged areas inside or outside the mouth. They often appear on the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, or near the throat. Some look like small white or yellow spots with a red border. Others look like raw patches or blisters.
A canker sore is one of the most common types of mouth sores. These small, shallow, white or yellow sores appear in the mouth and are not considered contagious. Different from canker sores are fluid-filled cold sores that form on or around the lips. These sores are virus-related and contagious. Other types of mouth sores are areas that become irritated from biting the cheek. You can also get sores from eating sharp, acidic, hot, or spicy foods. Dental appliances with protruding parts, like traditional orthodontics, also create sores when they poke the soft tissues of the mouth.
Many mouth sores are minor and heal on their own. Others become painful and spread. Viral sores often return.
How Do Mouth Sores Develop?
Mouth sores develop for various reasons. Injuries and burns are common causes. Stress is also a contributor to the development of mouth sores. Inadequate sleep and excessive fatigue further exacerbate the problem.
Some mouth sores are caused by poor nutrition. Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, folic acid (folate), and vitamin B-12 often contribute to the development of mouth sores. Additionally, hormonal changes, poor functioning of the immune system, and viral infections increase the likelihood of developing mouth sores.
What to Do With Oral Sores?
How can mouth sores be prevented or treated when they appear? These questions will be answered in a future article. The team at Paramount Dental wants to educate our patients on all things related to oral health. If you have an oral health concern or question, contact us. We are an experienced team, offering information and treatment for a wide variety of needs from preventive and restorative care to emergency dental services. Schedule an appointment today!
