Page 73 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: MOUTH, NOSE, AND THROAT PROBLEMS 71

Mouth ulcer

Common mouth ulcers start with burning pain or soreness, then a
shallow, grayish white pit with a red border develops. The ulcers tend
to recur, but are not contagious. They are more likely to develop if you
are run down or stressed. Some women get them before a menstrual
period. Badly fitting dentures or careless toothbrushing can also cause
them. Rarely, an ulcer in the mouth may be due to cancer. Common mouth ulcer on gum

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You also feel sick and/or have a fever Antiseptic mouthwashes Rinsing
your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash (see
● Many ulcers develop at the same time
MOUTH AND THROAT TREATMENTS, p.187) reduces the
● You have had a mouth ulcer for longer
risk of a secondary infection and will help your
than 2 weeks and/or it is getting bigger
mouth ulcer heal.
Local anesthetics The local anesthetic
benzocaine (see MOUTH AND THROAT TREATMENTS,
What you can do yourself p.187) helps to numb a mouth ulcer and provide
temporary relief of pain. Local anesthetic
A common mouth ulcer normally disappears within preparations are available as liquids to dab on, gels,
a week or two without treatment, but it can be and lozenges. Using a local anesthetic regularly may
very uncomfortable. Try the following measures to increase irritation. Do not use for more than 7 days
reduce pain and help the ulcer heal more quickly. unless directed to by your doctor or dentist.
● Eat soft, soothing foods, such as yogurt, ice
cream, and custard. Sip cool water or other cooling
drinks through a straw.
Seek further medical advice
● Avoid any food or drink that will irritate your
mouth and aggravate your ulcer, such as citrus Arrange to see your doctor if:
fruits and drinks; coffee; salty or spicy foods; ● You have severe pain that is not controlled
hard foods such as nuts, potato chips, and toast; by the measures described above
and very hot foods or drinks. ● You have difficulty swallowing
● Clean your teeth using a soft toothbrush. ● The ulcer has not healed within 2 weeks
and/or it is getting bigger
● Use an antiseptic mouthwash (see DRUG ● You have recurrent mouth ulcers
REMEDIES, right). Alternatively, make a salt-water
mouthwash by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt
in 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water and use it several
times a day. Swish the mouthwash around your
mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.

● Ease pain by applying preparations that contain
a local anesthetic (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).