Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful sores that can develop inside the mouth. They are common and can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, fatigue, and certain foods. While mouth ulcers are not usually serious, they can be very uncomfortable. There are a number of things you can do to cure mouth ulcers, including using over-the-counter medications, applying topical treatments, and making lifestyle changes.
Over-the-Counter Medications
There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to cure mouth ulcers. These medications typically contain ingredients that can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Some of the most common over-the-counter medications for mouth ulcers include:
- Benzydamine hydrochloride
Topical Treatments
There are also a number of topical treatments that can help to cure mouth ulcers. These treatments are typically applied directly to the ulcer. Some of the most common topical treatments for mouth ulcers include:
- Hydrogen peroxide
Lifestyle Changes
There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help prevent and cure mouth ulcers. These changes include:
- Eating a healthy diet
When to See a Doctor
Most mouth ulcers will heal on their own within a few weeks. However, there are some cases when you should see a doctor. These cases include:
- The ulcer is large or painful
Conclusion
Mouth ulcers are a common problem, but they can be very uncomfortable. There are a number of things you can do to cure mouth ulcers, including using over-the-counter medications, applying topical treatments, and making lifestyle changes. If your mouth ulcer is large or painful, does not heal within a few weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Additional Information
Here are some additional tips that may help to cure mouth ulcers:
- Avoid eating spicy or acidic foods.
Tables
Here are four useful tables that provide additional information on mouth ulcers:
Type of Mouth Ulcer | Cause | Symptoms | Treatment |
---|---|---|---|
Minor Aphthous Ulcer | Unknown | Small, round ulcers that are white or yellow in color | Over-the-counter pain relievers, topical treatments |
Major Aphthous Ulcer | Unknown | Large, painful ulcers that can last for several weeks | Prescription medications, surgery |
Herpetiform Ulcer | Herpes virus | Small, clustered ulcers that are very painful | Antiviral medications |
Traumatic Ulcer | Injury to the mouth | Ulcers that are caused by biting the cheek or tongue | Over-the-counter pain relievers, topical treatments |
Food | Can Cause Mouth Ulcers? |
---|---|
Spicy foods | Yes |
Acidic foods | Yes |
Citrus fruits | Yes |
Tomatoes | Yes |
Nuts | Yes |
Seeds | Yes |
Lifestyle Factor | Can Cause Mouth Ulcers? |
---|---|
Stress | Yes |
Fatigue | Yes |
Smoking | Yes |
Drinking alcohol | Yes |
Eating a poor diet | Yes |
Symptom | Can Indicate a Serious Mouth Ulcer? |
---|---|
Large size | Yes |
Severe pain | Yes |
Long duration | Yes |
Accompanying symptoms, such as fever or chills | Yes |