Tongue ulcer: Images, reasons, and remedies
Canker sores, small ulcers that develop on the mouth lining, can be a common and uncomfortable annoyance for many individuals. While the exact cause of canker sores remains unknown, several factors have been identified that may increase their likelihood.
Trauma or irritation, food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, certain toothpaste or mouthwash, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, stress and anxiety, certain medications, smoking, and genetic predisposition are all potential triggers for canker sores. Commonly, canker sores appear as round, white or yellow lesions with a red border, and can manifest on the tongue, inside the lip, or cheek.
In some cases, canker sores can cause more than just a minor irritation, leading to trouble sleeping, nausea, and stomach upset. Fortunately, there are various preventive measures and treatments available to help manage canker sores.
Preventive measures include avoiding hard, acidic, and salty foods, choosing toothpaste and mouthwash free of sodium lauryl sulfate, maintaining good oral hygiene without aggressive brushing, managing stress levels, and addressing any known vitamin deficiencies.
For home treatment, a baking soda mouth rinse can help neutralize acids and reduce irritation. Topical antiseptic or anti-inflammatory gels can also be used to ease pain and aid healing. It's important to avoid irritating foods and maintain hydration during this time.
In addition, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins B-12, folic acid, iron, and zinc may help prevent deficiencies linked to canker sores. For canker sores on the tongue, over-the-counter topical hyaluronic acid, supplements like arginine, vitamin C, and lysine, antiseptic mouthwash, and avoiding irritating foods can provide relief.
While canker sores typically heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, if they persist longer, recur frequently, or are very painful, it is advisable to seek medical advice. In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants or topical pain-relieving treatments to help manage canker sores. It is also important to note that canker sores on the tongue are not contagious, and sharing utensils or drinks does not pass canker sores to others.
If a person feels as though they almost always have canker sores or are worried that another medical condition may be causing these sores, they should consult their doctor for further evaluation. With proper care and management, canker sores can be effectively managed and minimised.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Canker sores. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20355185 [2] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Canker sores: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17088-canker-sore [3] American Academy of Oral Medicine. (n.d.). Canker sores. Retrieved from https://www.aaom.org/patients/diseases-conditions/canker-sore [4] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (n.d.). Canker sores. Retrieved from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/mouth-disease/canker-sore [5] American Dental Association. (n.d.). Canker sores. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/dental-topics/dental-conditions/canker-sore
- Autoimmune diseases, stress, and anxiety could potentially trigger the development of canker sores.
- Canker sores, while not contagious, can be a bothersome health issue, causing sleep disturbances, nausea, and stomach upset in some individuals.
- Preventive measures to manage canker sores include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods, managing stress levels, and addressing any vitamin deficiencies, such as those related to vitamin B-12, folic acid, iron, and zinc.
- For individuals with canker sores on the tongue, home treatments like topical hyaluronic acid, supplements like arginine, Vitamin C, and lysine, and antiseptic mouthwash can provide relief.
- Canker sores that persist, recur frequently, or are very painful may require medical attention, and in rare cases, immunosuppressants or topical pain-relieving treatments may be prescribed.
- In the realm of mental health, stress and anxiety can be factors that contribute to the development of canker sores, highlighting the interplay between health-and-wellness and mental-health.
- Skin-care therapies and treatments can help manage other health conditions, but they do not directly affect the occurrence of canker sores.
- Predictive science has yet to definitively pinpoint the exact cause of canker sores, but research continues to explore the possible links between hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and the development of these ulcers.
- Beyond canker sores, various therapies-and-treatments are available for diseases such as diabetics, COPD, bipolar, Alzheimer's, depression, multiple sclerosis, NSCLC, and obesity; however, these conditions do not share a direct cause or treatment with canker sores.
