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If you’ve ever had an oral ulcer, you probably know how unpleasant and uncomfortable it can be. Fortunately, in most cases, an ulcer is a benign condition and will heal on its own. However, healing can be encouraged with a few simple measures. In this article, we share helpful tips and explain when the presence of an oral ulcer should be a cause for concern.
Also known as a canker sore, an oral ulcer is a small lesion that forms on the mucosa, meaning the soft tissues of the mouth. In most cases, the ulcer appears on the inside of the lips, but it can also form on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the inside of the cheeks, and other areas.
An ulcer generally appears as a small, round lesion measuring just a few millimeters. It is whitish or yellowish in color and surrounded by a red ring on the mucosa due to inflammation. The ulcer is usually painful for a few days, especially when it comes into contact with acidic foods or beverages. In most cases, it heals completely within about two weeks, although larger lesions may take a little longer to heal.
Oral ulcers are among the conditions for which it is difficult to pinpoint a precise cause. In addition, they are often multifactorial, meaning they result from a combination of factors.
An injury to the oral tissues can cause an ulcer; for example, biting the inside of the lips or cheeks. Orthodontic appliances and poorly fitting dentures that rub against the mucosa can also contribute to the development of ulcers. Stress and fatigue may also play a role, as they affect the effectiveness of the immune system. A low intake of vitamins and minerals through diet can also contribute to the problem.
As mentioned earlier, oral ulcers usually heal on their own within about two weeks. When this is not the case, it is advisable to consult a dentist. A lesion that resembles an ulcer but persists—meaning it does not heal—can be a sign associated with the development of oral cancer. Your dentist is qualified to detect signs of the disease. If necessary, a biopsy of the lesion may be performed, during which a sample is taken and analyzed in a laboratory for diagnostic purposes.
Therefore, if an ulcer does not heal after two weeks or does not show signs of improvement, it is best to seek the advice of an oral health professional: your dentist.
When you have an ulcer, there are a few steps you can take to help relieve discomfort and speed up healing:
If needed, to relieve a painful oral ulcer, do not hesitate to consult your dentist at the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Québec. They will be able to advise you on how to promote healing or carry out more advanced diagnostic testing if necessary.
