Canker Sores or Mouth Ulcer. This video is on treatment, causes and home remedies to get rid of canker sores.
The mouth ulcer, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers. Can be surprisingly painful but the good news is in this video I’m going to teach you how to treat and prevent it.
WHAT IS A MOUTH ULCER:
Mouth ulcers are common and should clear up on their own within a week or 2. They’re rarely a sign of anything serious but may be uncomfortable to live with.
Mouth ulcers are usually red or yellow and appear inside the mouth, on the cheeks or lips. Ulcers can also appear on the tongue. You may have more than one ulcer at a time and they can change in size.
Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and shouldn’t be confused with cold sores. Cold sores appear on the lips or around the mouth and often begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation.
If you have several mouth ulcers please visit your doctor if you have any of the following additional symptoms, this can be a symptom of:
• Hand, foot and mouth disease, which also causes a rash on the hands and feet
• Oral lichen planus, which causes a white, lacy pattern inside the cheeks
For pictures and more information on mouth ulcers please visit:
MOUTH ULCER CAUSES:
Various factors have been suggested to precipitate recurrent aphthous ulcers including:
• Oral trauma
• Anxiety or stress
• Certain foods (including chocolate, coffee, peanuts, and gluten-containing products)
• Stopping smoking
• Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle
• Iron or Vitamin B12 deficiencies
• A long-term condition – such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease or Behçet’s disease
• Medications – including some NSAIDs, beta-blockers or nicorandil
MOUTH ULCER TREATMENTS:
Mouth ulcers need time to heal and there is no quick fix.
A pharmacist can recommend a treatment to speed up healing, prevent infection or reduce pain, for example:
• Steroid lozenges these can be quite effective at reducing the pain and may even help ulcers heal more quickly.
• Chlorhexidine mouthwash this isn’t quite as effective at reducing the pain however it may help mouth ulcers health more quickly and prevent them from becoming infected.
Chlorhexidine mouthwash causes brown staining on the surface of teeth if used for 4 weeks or longer. This is a type of staining that comes off after scaling and polishing by a dental professional. For more information on this mouthwash please read the information leaflet and speak to your pharmacist.
Whether you use steroid lozenges or chlorhexidine mouthwash for best results it’s always best to start in the early stages of the ulcer that way it has the best chance of preventing the ulcer from developing and speed up the healing process.
MOUT ULCER PAIN RELIEF:
The next treatments don’t really prevent an ulcer from fully developing but are more useful for pain relief. This includes soothing protective pastes, paracetamol, ibuprofen, numbing spray or mouthwashes containing benzydamine and salt water mouthwashes.
To make a salt water mouthwash:
Add one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse gently around mouth. Remember to spit the water out, It can be done at least four times a day for four to five days.
With all medication always read the information leaflet and speak to your pharmacist to make sure you are suitable to take it.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR OR DENTIST:
If your mouth ulcer,
• Lasts longer than 3 weeks
• Keeps coming back
• Becomes more painful and red – this may be a sign of an infection
Although most mouth ulcers are harmless, a long-lasting mouth ulcer is sometimes a sign of mouth cancer. It’s best to get it checked.
HOW TO REDUCE STRESS:
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ABOUT ME:
Prescribing Media Pharmacist | Extreme Optimist | Bringing Science Through New Videos Every Week – Monday 4PM(GMT).
I’m a British – Persian – Iranian prescribing media pharmacist who loves science, making videos and helping people. I work in both GP surgeries and community pharmacy.
DISCLAIMER:
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
