Mouth ulcers

What are mouth ulcers? They appear as blisters and/or on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or on the lips (perioral). When the blister bursts, it becomes an aphthous ulcer. Aphthous ulcers are small, white or gray sores surrounded by redness, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in larger numbers. They are not contagious. They can appear on the cheeks, lips, gums, palate, tongue, and even the tonsils. Infection is also possible, resulting in high fever and swollen lymph nodes.

The cause of cold sores is Herpes labialis. Its appearance may be due to:

• Stress or fatigue
• Immune system problems in diseases such as tonsillitis, AIDS, tumors, etc.
• Bacteria or viruses
• Allergies
• Iron, folic acid, and zinc deficiency
• Gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn’s disease)

They fade within a week to ten days. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend medication for treatment. It is advisable to avoid spicy, hot, and acidic foods and drinks (tomatoes or citrus fruits) and chewing gum, and to clean your teeth and mouth with a soft brush.

If you develop mouth ulcers, you should visit your dentist, who will examine you and perform tests to make a diagnosis. They will advise you on what medication to use and, if the disease is at a more advanced stage (if the sores are unusually large and spreading, causing unbearable pain and difficulty in swallowing liquids, and lasting more than three weeks), what antibiotic to take.