Mouth ulcers are also called canker sores but are most commonly known as ‘ulcers’ in Melbourne Australia.
Also called aphthous stomatitis, they look like little white/clear blisters or bubbles with a red ring around them, and can appear to pop up inside your mouth, out of nowhere. But are they really a problem? That depends on the cause and if left untreated can get infected.
Eating, drinking or your ulcer rubbing against your teeth/gum may cause pain but generally it will disappear within seven days. Most times you’re probably not even aware that it’s gone away.
How do you get Mouth Ulcers / Canker Sores?
There are various reasons that mouth ulcers show up. It seems the most common cause is when you accidently bite the inside of your mouth or tongue. Dentures or braces also cause ulcers due to rubbing against the gum and if this is the case then please book in with us to ensure this is corrected.
More serious implications include immune dysfunction, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, stress, viral infections and or rare occasions a sign of oral cancer. If you are deficient in iron, Vitamin B12 or folic acid then you may find these ulcers occurring or even recurring.
Investigation of mouth ulcer
The most common mouth ulcers need further investigation only if they do not respond to routine over the counter medications or are persistent. Suspected underlying health condition such an anaemia or autoimmune disorders may warrant a blood tests or a swab test.
If your health professional needs to confirm the diagnosis or is unable to determine the cause of your mouth ulcers, a biopsy of part of the ulcer would be advised. In a biopsy a small section of tissue is surgically removed under local anaesthesia.
Treatment for Mouth Ulcers
If your mouth ulcer does not go away after two weeks or you get recurring mouth ulcers, make an appointment with one of our friendly dentists at Holistic Dental Melbourne CBD so we can take a better look.
Here are some ways to treat mouth ulcers / canker sores
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid spicy foods or foods that you find irritate the ulcer
- Improve your nutritional intake
- Over the counter available antiseptic gel application to the ulcers is generally useful.
- Rinse your mouth out with warm salted water, keeping the rinse in your mouth over a couple of minutes.
- Using a medicated mouthwash such as chlorhexidine gluconate twice daily is also found beneficial.
- In severe cases your dental professional may prescribe you a steroid based mouth wash or immune suppressant drugs
What foods can you eat to correct the vitamin deficiency causing Ulcers
Foods for iron intake
There are many foods that contain iron such as dark leafy greens, dried beans and peas, apricots, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, pears and peaches.
Foods for Vitamin B12
B12 is more difficult to obtain through foods. It is found in sea vegetables such as nori, kelp, dulse and in soybeans and soy products.
Foods for Folic Acid
These following foods are considerations for improving your folate. Avocados, bananas, asparagus, leafy greens, eggs, citrus fruits, beetroot, legumes, wheat germ, nuts and seeds, broccoli.
There are other foods you can eat to improve your vitamin intake, and this is preferable to a vitamin tablet.
Proper Oral Care
Don’t underestimate the importance of looking after your teeth. Brushing and flossing correctly and regularly will ensure food particles are removed and reduce the risk of dental problems. If you would like to learn more about how to better look after your teeth or you would like a regular dental check-up then we welcome your call. Reach out to our office today to book an appointment.
