Oral Ulcers: causes, symptoms and treatment
Oral ulcers are painful sores in the mouth. The spots are greyish-white or yellow with a red, inflamed edge. One in five adults suffer from oral ulcers at various stages in their lifetime. Mouth ulcers are sores that appear in the mouth, often on the inside of the cheeks. Oral ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers, can be painful when eating, drinking or brushing teeth. Infrequent oral ulcers are usually harmless and self-healing. Seek medical advice if they last longer than 3 weeks. Oral ulcers are not contagious.
What causes oral ulcers?
There are various factors that can cause oral ulcers. The most important ones are:
- a damaged mucosa
- emotional stress
- hormonal change
- viruses and bacteria
- food intolerance
- use of medicines
Signs and symptoms of oral ulcers
The most important complaint regarding oral ulcers is pain. This spot is particularly sensitive when eating, drinking or talking. An ulcer can be recognized by its colour: white or yellow with a red edge around it. After several days or weeks it will shrink and eventually disappear.
No consequences have been documented so far. At best, it is very unpleasant.
How to prevent oral ulcers?
Oral ulcers are hard to prevent, but you can do reduce the risk of developing them. Eat a variety of wholesome food, drink enough water, reduce your sugar intake, have a good oral health care, reduce stress as much as possible and quit smoking.
Treatment oral ulcers
Our oral gel has a high percentage of active oxygen and a very positive effect on the healing process. Use bluem® oral gel at least twice a day after brushing your teeth. Apply direct on the infected area using a cotton swab. Leave the gel on your gum as long as you possibly can. Do not touch the ulcers with your fingers. Avoid using alcohol based mouthwash. This can damage your mucosa. Use our alcohol free mouthwash to help reducing and controlling any harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Are oral ulcers contagious?
No. They are not contagious. They cannot be transferred through saliva, kissing, drinking from each others’ glass or any other physical contact. Oral ulcers are connected with the herpes virus.
Are oral ulcers the same as herpes blisters?
The herpes virus of the HHV-1 type causes a cold sore in- or around the mouth. It starts with a tingling sensation, followed by a blister. The blister will eventually pop and a wound will appear – this can be very painful. Oral ulcers often have another way of appearing and there is not enough evidence saying these two are connected. The treatment is the same though: use our oral gel.