Oral Ulcers
Oral ulcers are sores inside the mouth or near the mouth. They may be referred to as canker sores or cold sores, which are two types of oral ulcers. Many oral ulcers are harmless and go away on their own. In some cases, oral ulcers may require medical treatment to determine the cause and proper treatment.
CAUSES
In some cases, the cause of this condition may not be known. Common causes include:
• Viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
• Emotional stress.
• Foods or chemicals that irritate the mouth.
• Injury or physical irritation of the mouth.
• Medicines.
• Allergies.
• Tobacco use.
Less common causes include:
• Skin disease.
• A type of herpes virus infection (herpes simplex or herpes zoster). …show more content…
TREATMENT
This condition is treated by managing any pain and discomfort, and by treating the underlying cause of the ulcers, if necessary. Generally, oral ulcers resolve by themselves in 1 to 2 weeks. You may be told to keep your mouth clean and avoid things that cause or irritate your ulcers. Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to reduce pain and discomfort or treat the underlying cause, if this applies.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS …show more content…
○ Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
○ Avoid foods and drinks that irritate your ulcers.
• Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use.
Oral Hygiene
• Avoid physical or chemical irritants that may have caused the ulcers or made them worse, such as mouthwashes that contain alcohol (ethanol). If you wear dental braces, dentures, or retainers, work with your health care provider to make sure these devices are fitted correctly.
• Brush and floss your teeth at least once every day, and get regular dental cleanings and check-ups.
• Gargle with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times per day or as told by your health care provider. To make a salt-water mixture, completely dissolve ½-1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
General Instructions
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you have pain, wrap a cold compress in a towel and gently press it against your face to help reduce
Oral ulcers are sores inside the mouth or near the mouth. They may be referred to as canker sores or cold sores, which are two types of oral ulcers. Many oral ulcers are harmless and go away on their own. In some cases, oral ulcers may require medical treatment to determine the cause and proper treatment.
CAUSES
In some cases, the cause of this condition may not be known. Common causes include:
• Viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
• Emotional stress.
• Foods or chemicals that irritate the mouth.
• Injury or physical irritation of the mouth.
• Medicines.
• Allergies.
• Tobacco use.
Less common causes include:
• Skin disease.
• A type of herpes virus infection (herpes simplex or herpes zoster). …show more content…
TREATMENT
This condition is treated by managing any pain and discomfort, and by treating the underlying cause of the ulcers, if necessary. Generally, oral ulcers resolve by themselves in 1 to 2 weeks. You may be told to keep your mouth clean and avoid things that cause or irritate your ulcers. Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to reduce pain and discomfort or treat the underlying cause, if this applies.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS …show more content…
○ Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
○ Avoid foods and drinks that irritate your ulcers.
• Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use.
Oral Hygiene
• Avoid physical or chemical irritants that may have caused the ulcers or made them worse, such as mouthwashes that contain alcohol (ethanol). If you wear dental braces, dentures, or retainers, work with your health care provider to make sure these devices are fitted correctly.
• Brush and floss your teeth at least once every day, and get regular dental cleanings and check-ups.
• Gargle with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times per day or as told by your health care provider. To make a salt-water mixture, completely dissolve ½-1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
General Instructions
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you have pain, wrap a cold compress in a towel and gently press it against your face to help reduce