Mouth ulcer facts

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, regularly affect around 20 per cent of the population and most people will experience at least one during their lifetime. Although mouth ulcers are not contagious and usually clear up in a few days, they can be extremely painful because they expose sensitive nerve endings, making drinking, eating and even talking uncomfortable. For some people, the pain is so severe that they cannot sleep.

Who is affected?

• Mouth ulcers can happen at any time, although they are more common when one is run down, busy or stressed; for example during exams, deadlines and end-of-year pressures.
• Recurring mouth ulcers most commonly start during adolescence (between 10 and 20 years old).
• Fluctuating hormone levels can be a trigger – women are more likely than men to experience ulcers. Ulcers can occur when premenstrual, tired, pregnant or menopausal.
• Genetics seem to play a role – if your parents have had recurring mouth ulcers, then there is a 90 per cent chance you will too.

Causes

• Once-off ulcers are usually the result of a minor injury (such as accidentally biting the cheek).
• Babies and young children may be affected as a result of common viruses (including Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease).
• Some medication causes mouth ulcers, as do allergies; people with coeliac disease may develop ulcers when they eat foods containing gluten.
• People undergoing chemotherapy and radiography treatment for cancer are at higher risk of ulcers and sore mouths.
• Trauma from orthodontics (braces) or dentures.
• Smoking
• Nutrition – deficiency of Vitamin B-12, folic acid and iron.

Management and treatment

• Eat plain food and drinks, avoiding spices and salt or acidic drinks like orange juice that might burn.
• Drinking with a straw to bypass ulcers in the front of the mouth will help, but be careful that the drink is not hot enough to burn the throat.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which can dry out and irritate the lining of the mouth.
• Use Aloclair for immediate relief.

Oral hygiene

Don’t neglect your oral hygiene if you are experiencing mouth ulcers or a sore mouth.

After eating and before going to bed, rinse with salt water, homeopathic Ora-Salts or an anti-bacterial mouthwash such as GUM Paroex – these will prevent the ulcer becoming infected and promote quicker healing. Ideally continue to brush your teeth correctly twice a day – use a soft-bristled or child’s toothbrush. If you find that your toothpaste stings, try using a non-foaming type like GUM Paroex Gel Toothpaste.

Next steps

Most mouth ulcers will last around 10 days before clearing up naturally. If an ulcer does not heal within two to three weeks, consult your doctor or dentist – oral cancer rates are on the rise globally and predicted to treble in the next generation. An ulcer can be an early indicator and it is important to rule this out.