Mouth ulcer: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
No edit summary |
CSV import Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
[[File:Aphthous ulcer in the back of the mouth.jpg|thumb|Aphthous ulcer in the back of the mouth]] | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| name = Mouth ulcer | |||
| image = [[File:Aphthe_Unterlippe.jpg|left|thumb|A mouth ulcer on the lower lip]] | |||
| caption = A mouth ulcer on the lower lip | |||
| field = [[Oral medicine]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Oral ulcer]], [[canker sore]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]], [[soreness]] in the mouth | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[difficulty eating]] | |||
| onset = Varies | |||
| duration = Typically 1–2 weeks | |||
| causes = [[Trauma]], [[stress]], [[nutritional deficiencies]], [[infection]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[poor oral hygiene]], [[stress]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Oral cancer]], [[herpes simplex]], [[lichen planus]] | |||
| prevention = [[Good oral hygiene]], avoiding [[trauma]] | |||
| treatment = [[Topical analgesics]], [[antiseptic mouthwash]] | |||
| medication = [[Corticosteroids]], [[antibiotics]] (if infected) | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
A mouth ulcer, or oral ulcer, is an inflammatory lesion that occurs on the mucous membrane within the oral cavity. These lesions can be quite uncomfortable, causing pain or discomfort during eating, drinking, and oral hygiene routines. | |||
[[File:Aphthous ulcer in the back of the mouth.jpg|left|thumb|Aphthous ulcer in the back of the mouth]] | |||
== Classification == | == Classification == | ||
Mouth ulcers can be classified into several types: | Mouth ulcers can be classified into several types: | ||
| Line 7: | Line 27: | ||
* [[Oral Lichen Planus]]: This is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause mouth ulcers. | * [[Oral Lichen Planus]]: This is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause mouth ulcers. | ||
* [[Oral Cancer]]: Persistent, non-healing ulcers may be a sign of oral cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. | * [[Oral Cancer]]: Persistent, non-healing ulcers may be a sign of oral cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Mouth ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and folic acid), and certain medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and Behcet's disease. In some cases, the exact cause cannot be determined. | Mouth ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and folic acid), and certain medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and Behcet's disease. In some cases, the exact cause cannot be determined. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Mouth ulcers typically appear as painful sores inside the mouth, on the gums, or on the inside of the cheeks. They are usually round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border. | Mouth ulcers typically appear as painful sores inside the mouth, on the gums, or on the inside of the cheeks. They are usually round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Mouth ulcers are generally diagnosed through a visual examination. If an ulcer persists for more than two weeks, or recurrent ulcers occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Additional tests may be needed to rule out other conditions such as oral cancer or systemic diseases. | Mouth ulcers are generally diagnosed through a visual examination. If an ulcer persists for more than two weeks, or recurrent ulcers occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Additional tests may be needed to rule out other conditions such as oral cancer or systemic diseases. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Most mouth ulcers do not require treatment as they tend to heal on their own within one to two weeks. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter topical gels and mouth rinses. If ulcers are severe, persistent, or recurrent, treatment may include prescription-strength topical gels, mouth rinses, or systemic medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. | Most mouth ulcers do not require treatment as they tend to heal on their own within one to two weeks. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter topical gels and mouth rinses. If ulcers are severe, persistent, or recurrent, treatment may include prescription-strength topical gels, mouth rinses, or systemic medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
While not all mouth ulcers can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding known triggers such as certain foods or oral habits can help reduce their frequency. | While not all mouth ulcers can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding known triggers such as certain foods or oral habits can help reduce their frequency. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
* Ship, Jonathan A. (1996-02-01). "Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. An update". Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology. 81 (2): 141–147. | * Ship, Jonathan A. (1996-02-01). "Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. An update". Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology. 81 (2): 141–147. | ||
Latest revision as of 04:22, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Mouth ulcer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Oral ulcer, canker sore |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, soreness in the mouth |
| Complications | Infection, difficulty eating |
| Onset | Varies |
| Duration | Typically 1–2 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, stress, nutritional deficiencies, infection |
| Risks | Smoking, poor oral hygiene, stress |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Oral cancer, herpes simplex, lichen planus |
| Prevention | Good oral hygiene, avoiding trauma |
| Treatment | Topical analgesics, antiseptic mouthwash |
| Medication | Corticosteroids, antibiotics (if infected) |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
A mouth ulcer, or oral ulcer, is an inflammatory lesion that occurs on the mucous membrane within the oral cavity. These lesions can be quite uncomfortable, causing pain or discomfort during eating, drinking, and oral hygiene routines.
Classification[edit]
Mouth ulcers can be classified into several types:
- Aphthous Ulcers or Canker Sores: These are the most common type of mouth ulcers and occur in three forms: minor, major, and herpetiform ulcers.
- Traumatic Ulcers: Caused by physical damage to the mouth such as biting the cheek or tongue or injury from a toothbrush, dental appliances, or hot food or drink.
- Oral Lichen Planus: This is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause mouth ulcers.
- Oral Cancer: Persistent, non-healing ulcers may be a sign of oral cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Causes[edit]
Mouth ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and folic acid), and certain medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and Behcet's disease. In some cases, the exact cause cannot be determined.
Symptoms[edit]
Mouth ulcers typically appear as painful sores inside the mouth, on the gums, or on the inside of the cheeks. They are usually round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border.
Diagnosis[edit]
Mouth ulcers are generally diagnosed through a visual examination. If an ulcer persists for more than two weeks, or recurrent ulcers occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Additional tests may be needed to rule out other conditions such as oral cancer or systemic diseases.
Treatment[edit]
Most mouth ulcers do not require treatment as they tend to heal on their own within one to two weeks. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter topical gels and mouth rinses. If ulcers are severe, persistent, or recurrent, treatment may include prescription-strength topical gels, mouth rinses, or systemic medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Prevention[edit]
While not all mouth ulcers can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding known triggers such as certain foods or oral habits can help reduce their frequency.
References[edit]
- Ship, Jonathan A. (1996-02-01). "Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. An update". Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology. 81 (2): 141–147.
- Scully, Crispian; Porter, Stephen (2008-07-05). "Oral mucosal disease: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis". British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 46 (3): 198–206.
