Recurrent mouth ulcers occur in approximately 20 - 40% of the U.S. population. Individuals who have a decreased thickness in the lining of their mouths are more prone to these ulcers. However, the thinner lining of oral mucosa (lining of the mouth) is genetically related, so a familial link can lead to regular mouth ulcers as well. Ulcer duration can range from 2 days to 6 weeks, with most lasting between 7 - 10 days. These ulcers can occur as single or multiple lesions and do not appear on the lips or gum directly around the teeth.
Causes
The most common reason mouth ulcers appear are trauma and exposure to certain foods. For people who do not experience mouth ulcers on a regular basis, trauma can be a common cause for their development. This trauma can be an external hit or blow, but can also be related to an internal trauma, such as a toothbrush or a toy pencil scraping against the inside of the mouth.
For individuals who get mouth ulcers more frequently, a simple change of toothpaste can cause the lesions to form. Certain foods are also a known trigger for mouth ulcers, the most common irritants being:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Strawberries
- Cheese
- Tomatoes
- Citrus
- And Wheat
**There is some belief that Advil and Motrin could also cause mouth ulcers.
Treatment
Treatment for mouth ulcers focuses on pain control. Orabase, Colgate Total, and Canker Cover are some of the most common ointments used to treat mouth ulcers. A common holistic approach is to use honey. All of these treatments can be used on an as-needed basis. There are also prescription-coating agents for severe outbreaks, but most cases of mouth ulcers can be treated with over-the-counter ointments.
Contact Us
Larry Caldwell, DDS & Associates is committed to helping your children achieve and maintain great oral and dental health. For more questions about mouth ulcers, other oral/dental conditions, or the ins-and-outs of pediatric dentistry, please contact us today. One of our team members would be glad to speak with you.