What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are sores that are found in the mouth, which are usually oval or round in shape and most commonly develop on the inside of the cheeks. Mouth ulcers are very common in Leeds and around the country and most people will develop at least one ulcer in their lifetime.
What causes mouth ulcers?
In most cases mouth ulcers are not a result of infection and possible causes include:
- Damage to the mouth (for example, biting the inside of the cheek by mistake).
- Brushing very hard.
- Damage caused by a sharp or jagged tooth.
If ulcers appear on a regular basis, this may be a result of:
- Stress and anxiety.
- Hormonal changes in the body, for example during pregnancy.
- Oral trauma, for example brushing too hard.
- Family history
Eating some foods also increases the risk of ulcers. These include:
- Strawberries
- Cheese
- Tomatoes
- Coffee
- Peanuts
- Almonds
How are mouth ulcers treated?
Most ulcers heal naturally without any treatment. If you have a mild ulcer, you may find it useful to use a soft toothbrush, avoid eating hard foods and avoid stressful situations. If you have a more serious ulcer and it causing you pain, your GP or dentist may advise you to take medication.
Tags: dental hygienist, General dentistry, General dentistry Leeds, Leeds
