Abnormal changes that deviate from healthy anatomy can form in a wide variety of organs and tissues of the human body. This also applies to unpleasant ulcers in the mouth.
What are ulcers in the mouth?
Ulcers in the mouth should be examined by a dentist. Ulcers in the mouth present themselves in different forms. Ulcers in the mouth can be harmless in nature or can become a concerning condition. An ulcer in the mouth is a health condition that is also known as an ulcer in medicine. In the case of an ulcer in the mouth, deep layers of the mucous membrane are attacked and damage occurs to the affected cell and tissue areas. For this reason, ulcers in the mouth are quite easy to recognize visually. Some ulcers in the mouth can heal as a result of specific treatment, other manifestations recur or leave drastic scars.
Causes
As with other ulcers, the causes of ulcers in the mouth, in addition to impaired blood circulation, include triggers such as infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, as well as tumors. In turn, mechanical influences such as pressure or friction as well as metabolic disorders or disturbed cell growth are possible causes. External influences that lead to the development of tumor-like ulcers in the mouth include excessive smoking and increased consumption of alcohol. Improperly fitting dentures and negligent hygiene of the mouth can also cause ulcers in the mouth. So-called aphthae, which can develop as ulcers in the mouth due to physical and psychological stress and a weakened immune system, are very painful. Various additives in food can also trigger ulcers in the mouth.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Ulcers in the mouth are primarily noticeable by small, sore areas in the mouth. These areas are usually swollen and painful to the touch. The ulcers themselves are reddish or white, with a dark red border, and a few millimeters to a few centimeters in size. They occur singly or in groups of several aphthae; in serious underlying diseases, large parts of the oral cavity are affected. In individual cases, bleeding or inflammation occurs. Itching and burning are also typical symptoms of ulcers. Those affected find the aphthae extremely unpleasant and often have problems eating or speaking. Ulcers occur on the gums, the inside of the cheeks or the inside of the lips. They usually develop overnight and regress on their own after a few days to weeks. In severe cases, the growths can affect the strength of the gums and teeth. Damage to the teeth and gums can then occur and, in the worst case, the loss of one or more teeth. If the affected person wears braces or dentures, painful ingrowths may occur. Displacement and damage to the jaw bones also cannot be ruled out.
Diagnosis and course
Ulcers in the mouth are first noticed because they are painful and cause discomfort in the tongue. Some ulcers in the mouth may also give off unpleasant-smelling secretions that can be perceived as unpleasant bad breath. In the case of ulcers in the mouth, the presence of the abnormalities may hinder speech and food intake. A medical examination is used to make reliable diagnoses even in the case of the appearance of the smallest ulcers in the mouth. As a rule, the specialist palpates and examines the affected regions. In order to obtain a correspondingly meaningful result, microscopic examinations are requested in the laboratory. For this purpose, a smear is taken. In case of an ulcer in the mouth with a suspicion of oral cavity cancer, a sample of the tissue is useful. Various blood tests in the case of an ulcer in the mouth can also bring clarity.
Complications
Ulcers in the mouth are inflammations of the oral mucosa that can cause various complications. Affected persons who suffer from an ulcer in the mouth should therefore consult a doctor at an early stage. Only timely treatment can prevent serious consequences. An ulcer causes severe pain and also makes it difficult to eat. Such an ulcer in the mouth is usually due to poor oral hygiene.Therefore, anyone who already suffers from an ulcer in the mouth and wants to avoid further complications should observe strict oral hygiene. If the affected person notices an increase in the size of the ulcer within a short time, then a doctor should be consulted immediately. Only appropriate medication, which effectively relieves the inflammation, can bring about a rapid improvement. Under certain circumstances, an abscess can also develop from an ulcer in the mouth. An abscess is a cavity filled with pus fluid. Such an abscess should always be treated by a specialist. If you do not seek medical treatment at this point, you are taking a big risk. An abscess can build up internal pressure so that the bacteria inside can enter the bloodstream. In such a case, there is even a risk of dangerous blood poisoning. If you want to avoid something like this, you should not wait too long to visit the doctor.
When should you go to the doctor?
If unusual growths appear in the mouth, a doctor should always be consulted. If there is pain, open sores or an uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the mouth, a doctor is needed. If the affected person wears a fixed or flexible denture, it is advisable to present the irregularity to a doctor for clarification and prevention of further complications. If there is bleeding of the gums or tongue, medical attention is needed. A doctor should also be consulted in case of a general feeling of illness, inner restlessness, irritability or complaints such as malaise as well as increased body temperature. If the ulcers in the mouth spread or increase in size, a doctor is needed. If the changes in the mouth cause complications in the daily cleaning of the mouth, a check-up visit to a doctor should be made. If headaches occur, a feeling of pressure is felt in the mouth or if there is a shifting of the teeth, a doctor must be consulted. If phonation is impaired or the patient refuses to eat, a visit to the doctor is necessary. The affected person is threatened with an eating disorder as well as an undersupply of the organism, which has far-reaching consequences. In case of unusual bad breath, pus formation in the mouth or a peculiar taste in the mouth, to consult a doctor to clarify the complaints and treat the cause.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of ulcers in the mouth always depends on the results of diagnostic tests and may be more or less extensive. Some forms of ulcers in the mouth may require holistic therapy. This is common, for example, in the case of syphilis or leukemia. If it is a fungal infection of the oral mucosa that leads to ulcers in the mouth due to thrush, various therapies may be considered. If it appears that ulcers in the mouth are due to mechanical irritation, the foreign bodies or teeth should be thoroughly examined and the cause eliminated. The physical triggers for the development of ulcers in the mouth are thus eliminated and healing can occur. A variety of ulcers in the mouth can also be caused by medications or a reduced immune response. In the presence of diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to prevent ulcers in the mouth by ensuring optimal adjustment of blood glucose levels. This is the only way to prevent circulatory disorders that lead to mouth ulcers. In the case of some ulcers in the mouth, medically sound oral care with special rinses helps to improve the chances of healing. Chronic digestive disorders often underlie ulcers in the mouth.
Outlook and prognosis
In the case of an ulcer in the mouth, the medical profession also refers to oral cavity cancer. The prognosis for an ulcer in the mouth is not very good. Only 50 to 60 percent of affected individuals survive this disease. The explicit prognosis strongly depends on when the ulcer in the mouth is detected or diagnosed. If the cancer is detected in the early stages, then appropriate treatment with the right medications can be initiated. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted even in the case of the smallest changes in the oral cavity. If this disease remains completely without medical treatment, then there is acute danger to life. The cancer forms metastases that can spread throughout the entire oral cavity. The chance of survival in such a case decreases considerably, so that it is only 10 to 20 percent.For this reason, medical and drug treatment is essential for an ulcer in the mouth.
Prevention
Almost everyone has suffered from the formation of ulcers in the mouth due to a painful viral infection or other causes. As a preventive measure, adequate oral hygiene should be indicated to avoid ulcers in the mouth. In addition, general health care also contributes to the prevention of ulcers in the mouth. This also includes the treatment of causative pre-existing conditions.
Aftercare
Ulcers in the mouth should primarily be examined and treated by a physician. Only early detection and subsequent treatment of these conditions can prevent further complications. The measures or options for aftercare depend very much on the success of the treatment and also on the cause of the ulcers in the mouth. As a rule, even after a successful examination and removal of the ulcers in the mouth, regular examinations should be carried out by the doctor in order to detect and remove any new ulcers at an early stage. In most cases, the ulcers are removed with the help of a surgical procedure. Subsequently, the affected person should recover and take care of his or her body. Effort or physical activity should be avoided in order not to slow down the healing process. In many cases, an increased standard of oral hygiene may also be necessary to completely remove the ulcers in the mouth. It is advisable to seek advice from a dentist on how to properly remove and treat the ulcers in the mouth. It cannot be generally predicted whether the disease will result in a decreased life expectancy for the affected individual.
What you can do yourself
In the case of recurrent ulcers in the mouth – in addition to self-treatment – the cause of the occurrence of these tissue changes should be investigated by a specialist. Treatment can be very well supported by measures that can be carried out by yourself. It is important to achieve an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and decongestant effect. This is possible by daily rinsing of the oral cavity. Ready-made mouthwashes can be purchased in pharmacies and drugstores. Likewise, you can make your own solutions with plant extracts. Nature offers a variety of medicinal plants. These include first and foremost: chamomile, sage, nettle or mallow. These are available as tea or powder. Dabbing with pure lemon juice is also recommended. Since ulcers in the oral cavity are usually associated with a damaged intestinal flora – they often occur after viral infections or in the case of fungal infestation – it is also important to cleanse the intestines. The intestine can be cleansed with ready-made preparations – for example from beet and psyllium husks – and then rebuilt with healthy intestinal bacteria by taking probiotics. The use of coconut oil has proven effective against fungal infestation – which can also be seen in the mouth in the form of tongue coatings. Traditional oil pulling with this or another native oil can accelerate the healing process. In principle, good oral hygiene should be observed. In this way, a recurrence of ulceration can be prevented.
