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Mouth Ulcers or Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers), or mouth ulcers, may occur singly or in clusters. These painful, white crater-like lesions may be quite small or as large 1 inch in diameter. They often occur on the gums, inner lining of the cheek, and on the tongue. Although there may be some inherited predisposition for canker sores, their cause is unknown. Canker sores can be triggered by several factors:
1. MINOR PUNCTURES AND TRAUMA WITHIN THE ORAL CAVITY
2. VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES (IRON, B12, FOLIC ACID)
3. PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL STRESS
4. FEVER
5. ONSET OF MENSE (PERIOD) IN SOME FEMALES
6. VIRAL INFECTION (herpes zoster)
Treatment is conservative. Using an antiseptic mouthwash and/or gargling with dilute salt water several times a day are both helpful. Treatment with antiviral medications (Zovirax) may be indicated in cases thought to be secondary to herpes zoster (shingles). Any evidence of secondary bacterial infection such as fever, increased swelling, pus-like discharge, or facial swelling will require treatment with an orally administered antibiotic. Healing of noninfected mouth ulcers is usually within 4-5 days. Any persistent or changing oral lesion should be investigated by your physician.
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