Alternative Names canker sore, oral ulcer, denture sore, ulcerative stomatitis
What is going on in the body? The mouth is sensitive to many irritations. Problems in other parts of the body can also cause sores in the mouth. Although most mouth sores will go away by themselves and are of little concern, some are much more serious. These ulcers can help the doctor or dentist decide if the person has a possible underlying systemic disease.
Examination by a doctor or dentist is necessary for any sore or ulcer that lasts more than a week.
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
soreness
swelling around the ulcer
difficulty chewing
mild fever
soreness when brushing or using mouthwash
visible sores in the mouth
What are the causes and risks of the disease? There are many causes of mouth ulcers. They range from minor irritants to mouth cancer. A partial list of causes (not in the order of seriousness) include:
accidental cheek, lip, or tongue biting
irritations from a visit to the dentist
burns from food that is too hot
burns or irritations from medications (example: aspirin burn)
What can be done to prevent the disease? Keeping the mouth clean (good oral hygiene) will help prevent some mouth ulcers and can stop existing mouth ulcers from spreading or becoming more infected.
How is the disease diagnosed? Since many of these sores look alike, diagnosis must be done by a doctor or dentist. Any ulcer of the mouth or lips should be seen by a dentist or doctor if present for more than a week.
What are the risks to others? A few mouth ulcers are contagious. All sores should be considered catching until a doctor or dentist is seen.
What are the treatments for the disease?
Keep area clean and clear of food scraps.
Clean area gently with a very soft brush and mild (1 & 1/2%) hydrogen peroxide or warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon salt in full glass of warm water)
Do not use any medications before checking with a doctor or dentist.
See a doctor or dentist if the ulcer lasts more than a week.
How is the disease monitored? If ulcers recur, see a health professorial. Most oral ulcers are preventable but some are signs of a more serious illness.
Author: Marvin Goldfogel, DDS Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
