Aphthous Ulcers are small ulcer craters in the lining of the mouth that are frequently painful and sensitive. Aphthous ulcers are very common. About 20% of the populations (one out of five people) have aphthous ulcers at any one time. Aphthous ulcers are usually found on the movable parts of the mouth, such as the tongue or the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, and at the base of the gums. The ulcers begin as small oval or round reddish swellings that usually burst within a day. The ruptured sores are covered by a thin white or yellow membrane and edged by a red halo. Generally, the sores heal within two weeks without scarring. Fever is rare, and the sores are rarely associated with other diseases. Usually, a person has only one or a few sores at a time. Aphthous ulcers are not contagious, so patients do not have to worry Studies show that in about 20 percent of patients, aphthous ulcers are due partly to nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, emotional stress and local trauma or injury to the mouth, such as sharp metal braces, brushing with hard toothbrushes, and hot foods can lead If you have aphthous ulcers you should avoid abrasive foods such as potato chips that can stick in the cheek or gum and aggravate the sores, acidic and spicy foods. Also you should take care when brushing your teeth not to stab the gums or cheek with a toothbrush bristle. Using a toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate (Toms of Maine toothpaste offers SLS free toothpaste) and other ingredients that are irritating to the tissues inside the mouth can be helpful in some patients, as can a toothpaste that inhibits the growth of irritating plaque. Therefore, something as simple as changing toothpastes may You can use topical medications such as benzocaine (Oragel), take motrin and do warm salt water rinses to help with discomfort. about spreading them to others.
Studies show that in about 20 percent of patients, aphthous ulcers are due partly to nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, emotional stress and local trauma or injury to the mouth, such as sharp metal braces, brushing with hard toothbrushes, and hot foods can lead to canker sores.
If you have aphthous ulcers you should avoid abrasive foods such as potato chips that can stick in the cheek or gum and aggravate the sores, acidic and spicy foods. Also you should take care when brushing your teeth not to stab the gums or cheek with a toothbrush bristle. Using a toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate (Toms of Maine toothpaste offers SLS free toothpaste) and other ingredients that are irritating to the tissues inside the mouth can be helpful in some patients, as can a toothpaste that inhibits the growth of irritating plaque. Therefore, something as simple as changing toothpastes may help with recurrent aphthous ulcers.
You can use topical medications such as benzocaine (Oragel), take motrin and do warm salt water rinses to help with discomfort.
