There are different types of Mouth Ulcers:-
1. Oral Thrust : Oral thrush is characterized by ulcers or lesions in the mouth caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. The lesions are painful, slightly raised, whitish in appearance, and cause a dry mouth.
2. Canker sore (aphthous ulcer) : Canker sores (Aphthous ulcers) are very common. Typically, they are a shallow ulcer with a white or whitish/yellow base surrounded by a reddish border. This ulcer is seen in an individual with AIDS and is located in front and just below the bottom teeth.
3.Lichen planus on the oral mucosa. : Oral lichen planus occurs in about half of the people who have lichen planus on their skin. It consists of painless, whitish streaks on the mucous membranes. This may also produce ulcers, which are usually painful.
4.Mouth sores : Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include canker sores, leukoplakia, gingivostomatitis, oral cancer, oral lichen planus, oral thrush, and similar disorders.
Defenation:Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions within the mouth, caused by various disorders.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:
Canker sores
Gingivostomatitis
Herpes simplex
Leukoplakia
Oral cancer
Oral lichen planus
Oral thrush
The skin lesion of histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer.
Canker sores are more common in young adults than in children or older adults.
Symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth
- Presence of open sores in the mouth
The appearance and exact location of lesions varies with the specific disorder. Signs and tests :
A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer, based on the appearance and location of the lesion. Blood tests or a skin biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause of the problem.
Treatment :
The goal of treatment is relief of symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical (rubbed on) antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended for applying on top of the ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are benign and heal without specific treatment. Rarely, chronic mouth ulcers can develop into oral cancer.
Complications Return to top
- Cellulitis of the mouth, from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers
- Dental infections (tooth abscesses)
- Oral cancer
- Spread of contagious disorders to other people
When to Call your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your mouth ulcers persist for longer than 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers return frequently, or if new symptoms develop.
Prevention :
Good oral hygiene may help in the prevention of some types of mouth ulcers. It may also help to prevent some complications from mouth ulcers. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth at least twice per day, flossing at least daily, and getting regular professional dental cleaning and examination.
Alternative Medicine, Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers Relief
Home Remedies for Ordinary Mouth Ulcers
Homeopathic Remedy of Mouth Ulcers
Natural treatment for Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores)
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.
Source:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001448.htm#top
