What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers?
Aphthous ulcers primarily cause pain. When an ulcer forms, the affected area may feel itchy, burning, or rough.
Consuming foods that irritate the inflamed mucous membrane, such as bread crusts, sour fruits, or spicy foods, can increase the pain. Chewing and speaking can also exacerbate the discomfort.
Ulcers typically appear as round, whitish spots on the inside of the lips or cheeks. They are less commonly found on the palate, gums, or tongue. Usually, they are only a few millimeters in size and slightly sunken. The edges of the ulcers are red and slightly raised. This typical smaller appearance is described as the minor form.
Ulcers that are one to three centimeters in size are called major aphthae. If a large number of pinhead-sized ulcers occur simultaneously, this is referred to as herpetiform aphthae.
Mouth ulcers are among the most common diseases of the oral mucosa. Initially, only one ulcer tingles or burns, followed by pain. Whitish-reddish spots usually heal on their own. In case of pain, gels, creams, or mouthwashes can provide relief.
At a Glance
- Mouth ulcers are whitish-reddish, inflamed areas on the oral mucosa.
- Although they cause pain, they usually heal on their own without causing other problems.
- In some people, ulcers recur after weeks, while in others, they return after months or years.
- The cause of these small, non-contagious inflammatory foci in the mucous membrane is unknown.
- The formation of ulcers cannot be prevented.
- Symptoms can be alleviated with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory gels, creams, or mouthwashes.
Note: The information in this article cannot replace a doctor’s examination and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
What are Canker Sores?
Mouth ulcers occur irregularly in many people. Canker sores are whitish-reddish, inflamed areas on the oral mucosa. Two to four canker sores develop simultaneously. Although they cause pain, they usually heal on their own without causing other problems. In some people, canker sores recur after weeks, while in others, they return after months or years.
The cause of these small, non-contagious inflammatory foci in the mucous membrane is unknown. Therefore, there is currently no treatment that can prevent canker sores. Symptoms can be alleviated with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory gels, creams, or mouthwashes.
If a large number of areas are inflamed or the inflammation covers a large area and does not heal on its own, treatment by a doctor or dentist is necessary. You should also see a doctor if you have other complaints such as bad breath or swollen lymph nodes. The doctor will check whether another disease is causing the canker sore symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers?
Aphthous ulcers primarily cause pain. When an ulcer forms, the affected area may feel itchy, burning, or rough.
Consuming foods that irritate the inflamed mucous membrane, such as bread crusts, sour fruits, or spicy foods, can increase the pain. Chewing and speaking can also exacerbate the discomfort.
Ulcers typically appear as round, whitish spots on the inside of the lips or cheeks. They are less commonly found on the palate, gums, or tongue. Usually, they are only a few millimeters in size and slightly sunken. The edges of the ulcers are red and slightly raised. This typical smaller appearance is described as the minor form.
Ulcers that are one to three centimeters in size are called major aphthae. If a large number of pinhead-sized ulcers occur simultaneously, this is referred to as herpetiform aphthae.
What Are the Causes of Mouth Ulcers?
The exact reason why some people get mouth ulcers while others do not is not known. Experts suspect that hereditary predisposition plays a role along with other factors such as stress, a weakened immune system, or hormonal fluctuations.
Such factors can also lead to the recurrence of mouth ulcers after a symptom-free period. Deficiency symptoms like iron or vitamin B deficiency and injuries to the oral mucosa are also thought to trigger canker sores.
Additionally, some diseases can cause inflammation in the mouth that resembles canker sores. These include chronic inflammatory bowel diseases or Behçet’s disease.
How Common Are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are among the most common diseases of the oral mucosa. Some experts estimate that one in ten people experiences them. However, it’s not possible to determine the exact number of people with mouth ulcers.
Most people encounter mouth ulcers for the first time during adolescence or young adulthood. Mouth ulcers are more common in women than in men.
The minor form is the most common, accounting for 85% of cases. About 10% are major mouth ulcers, while herpetiform mouth ulcers are the least common, at 5%.
Approximately one in ten people have canker sores.
How Do Canker Sores Develop?
In the first few hours, canker sores may feel like itching or burning. The affected area turns red, swells slightly, and begins to hurt. The swelling becomes a typical whitish crater within 1-3 days. The pain decreases after a few days, and about a week later, the canker sores completely disappear.
Larger major mouth ulcers can be more painful and take longer to heal, sometimes up to 4 weeks. They often leave a scar on the mucous membrane.
Most people have canker sores 3 to 6 times a year. However, some people may go years without having any. Symptom-free periods tend to last longer with increasing age.
Severe forms are rare. In such cases, major canker sores may become persistent or cause so much pain that it becomes difficult for the affected individuals to eat and drink. In severe cases, canker sores can also appear on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
How Are Mouth Ulcers Diagnosed?
The appearance, course, and symptoms of canker sores are usually so typical that they can be diagnosed without special tools.
If a mouth ulcer does not heal within 2 weeks or if the inflammation is very pronounced, it is advisable to visit a dentist or doctor. During the examination, the doctor will carefully examine the oral mucosa and ask questions about symptoms and eating habits.
If there is suspicion that another disease might be causing the inflammation, further tests such as sample collection, blood tests, a tissue sample, or examinations of specific organs like the intestines may be necessary.
