Mouth ulcers are more than just annoying. Some of them can be downright painful, like canker sores, or frightfully embarrassing, as is the case with cold sores (sometimes known as “Herpes Lite”). All the same, anybody wondering how to prevent mouth ulcers had better know right away that no matter what you do you can’t avoid the occasional ulcer in your mouth. Herpes simplex, for example, will flare up whenever it pleases and there is nothing you can do about it. Mouth ulcers can arise from just about any source but, if you follow some of these guidelines, you can avoid these nagging problems as much as possible.

A mouth ulcer is, put simply, a break in the protective mucous membrane in your mouth. This layer is meant to protect the inside of your mouth from germs and bacteria and it is particularly weak and easily damaged. Biting the inside of your mouth or having a chipped tooth, for example, can quickly damage the lining in your mouth and cause a mouth ulcer simply from the irritation. Similarly, a visit to the dentist will often deliver you painful ulcer later because of the constant damage the weak tissue in your mouth takes from dental tools. While you certainly should keep going to the dentist twice a year, ask the dentist to rub some petroleum jelly on your gums and the inside of your cheek. This will add further defense to your mouth. In the case of a chipped tooth rubbing your mouth raw, a visit to the dentist will of course remedy the problem but feel free to put some petroleum jelly on the affected area until then.

Sometimes the cause for a mouth ulcer is viral. Having chapped lips, for example, will set your mouth up as a breeding ground for viruses. Lip balm can solve this problem easily, though. You may have noticed that you’ll often get mouth ulcers when you are sick. This is not in fact due to the virus as many would think but is in fact a reaction created by your body when it is being assaulted by unknown pathogens. Thus, the way to avoid these kinds of ulcers is to simply not get sick. Vitamin C is well known for keeping your immune system up and stocking up on this vitamin will actually further bolster your defense against oral ulcers. Many vitamin C deficiencies manifest themselves into sores including those on the mouth.

Most mouth ulcers go away on their own but you can take some antihistamines or similar over the counter products meant to fight mouth ulcers and you should see a quick recovery period. The mouth, while very susceptible to germs, is amazingly adept at healing. If, however, your mouth ulcer persists for more than a few weeks, consult a physician. It is important to make sure that your mouth ulcer isn’t a harbinger of something worse.

Mouth ulcers, while annoying, are generally benign. After all, a mouth ulcer can arise for nearly any reason, from quitting smoking to accidentally biting on your cheek. Even a trip to the dentist could cause an ulcer in many instances. That being said, there is no such thing as being too careful. If your mouth ulcer persists for longer than three weeks, you may want to ask “is my mouth ulcer a sign of something worse?” Since the mouth heals so rapidly, a persistent mouth ulcer may be an indication that something more harmful to your body is afoot.

While cold sores and canker sores, the two most common types of mouth ulcers, are caused by bacteria and viruses, these types pale in comparison to some of the living organisms that can arise in the form of mouth ulcers. Entamoeba histolytica, for example, is a parasite that manifests itself into mouth ulcers and, if untreated, can lead to painful and dangerous cysts. There are also several dangerous fungi that start as mouth ulcers and can cause serious complications down the road. Coccidioides immitis and Cryptococcus neoformans are both good examples and should be treated with antibiotics prescribed to you by your doctor.

Sometimes, though, your mouth ulcer is just a mouth ulcer. This doesn’t mean that the ulcer, in and of itself, still isn’t a signal of something that is otherwise wrong with your body. Many immunodeficiencies like Mono or HIV start rearing their heads in the form of mouth ulcers, at first. This is because your mouth is one of the most sensitive breeding grounds for infection and without a properly functioning immune system you are subject to ulceration quite easily. Autoimmunity, a related matter, is also a cause of mouth ulcers. Oral cancer also quite commonly begins as a mouth ulcer here and there. On a less frightening note, mouth ulcers can also just as easily (and actually more likely) be a sign that you have a food allergy that you may not be aware of. This can be determined by a doctor very quickly and, as long as you don’t eat anything you’re allergic to, these ulcers should become a thing of the past. Either way, remember that there is no such thing as being too careful. If you don’t like the way your mouth ulcer looks or feels, please consult a physician as soon as possible. Even the most harmful illnesses can often be overcome if treated early enough.

Before you get frightened of what your mouth ulcer might entail, keep in mind that the vast majority of mouth ulcers are common and go away on their own within a couple weeks. The mucous layer that protects the inside of your mouth is the only line of defense in there against bacteria and germs so, understandably, sometimes viruses make it through the paltry barricades and wreak havoc to your mouth. If, however, three weeks have passed and your ulcer persists, it may be a sign that something worse than a simple mouth ulcer is afoot. Here, then, are descriptions of mouth ulcers that can be dangerous.

Squamous cell carcinoma, otherwise known as mouth cancer or oral cancer, is very dangerous and it often arises in the form of mouth ulcers at first. If your ulcer persists for over twenty days or if it bleeds often, you should definitely see a physician in order to rule out this dangerous possibility. It is estimated that almost ten percent of all cancerous growths are from oral cancer and anybody who smokes, dips, or drinks to excess is at risk for oral cancer. You’ll be able to tell a cancerous mouth ulcer from a typical one by checking the color. If it is overly pale or overly dark, be wary. If it is small and painless, be doubly concerned. If you begin to get a strange taste in your mouth, schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.

Lichen planus is another possible suspect when it comes to mouth ulcers. With Lichen planus, your ulcer may be itchier than a normal mouth ulcer and it may look more like a rash. This disorder is dangerous because it can lead to oral cancer and may damage your entire mouth if left untreated. Fortunately, it is completely curable through a combination of antibiotics and antihistamines. It may take several weeks but it can be destroyed fully and effectively provided you catch it in time. Keep in mind that some cases take over a year to fully recover and there is an increased chance of this disease returning at intermittent periods for the rest of your life.

The vast majority of harmless mouth ulcers arise because of irritation to the mucous membrane. Unfortunately, this same irritation could possibly be a very frightening and harmful disorder known as Leukoplakia. This disorder, frequently seen on the side of the tongue, takes on the form of fuzzy white patches. They are usually painless, though disgusting, and are fairly common among pipe smokers and people who use dip or chaw. These patches can spread in the mouth and can become cancerous quite easily. Many mouth ulcers are in fact harbingers of an autoimmune deficiency, since the mouth becomes infected so easily when no immune system is present. Leukoplakia is no exception, with many people who suffer from HIV displaying the trademark white, hairy patches on the tongue and gums. Naturally, you’ll want to seek medical help the second your mouth ulcer changes color. If nipped in the bud, Leukoplakia won’t be able to turn into cancer, but that doesn’t mean the disorder didn’t arise become of something preexisting.

As mentioned above, a good rule of thumb is to see a doctor if a mouth ulcer doesn’t go away in three weeks or drastically changes color or size. An oral ulcer can be completely harmless or utterly detrimental, so never turn your back on one completely.

Mouth ulcers, in one form or another, affect all of us at some point in our lives. The fact of the matter is that the mouth, for all its fast-healing tendencies, is actually quite susceptible to infections. This is because all that is protecting your mouth from bacteria and viruses is a thin layer of mucous that can easily be breached by something as simple as a chipped tooth or biting the inside of your cheek. Furthermore, a change in your diet or daily habits can bring on ulcers with ease. Nearly a quarter of people who quit smoking report the development of mouth ulcers at some point during the weaning off period. Fret not, though: Most mouth ulcers are harmless and that is the reason why they are so prevalent. We’ll take a look at the two most common kinds of mouth ulcers to help you figure out what you’re dealing with.

Cold Sores: Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. Yes, it is a form of herpes but don’t feel too bad about it. Over eighty percent of the population carries this strain of herpes and it is the reason for the occasional flare-up that far too many of us are familiar with. A cold sore will nearly always manifest itself on the outside of your mouth, around or on the lip. They can be painful but in most cases the greatest pain has to do with the embarrassment of walking around with herpes on your lip. The worst part is that you’ll have to let nature run its course. There are special topical creams that can be bought over the counter that will help to speed the healing process of cold sores but expect a day or two at the very least in which you won’t want to kiss anybody or even be seen, really.

That being said, some factors can contribute to an increased prevalence of cold sores. Chapped or overly dry lips, for example, are easily infiltrated by bacteria. This is why you’ll want to carry some kind of lip balm or petroleum jelly when your lips feel dry. Also, you’ll want to avoid foods that are too salty or too spicy during this time. Salsa is definitely out!

Canker Sores: Canker sores are the bane of the inside of your mouth and can quickly become painful. Many people will notice canker sores arise after they’ve accidentally bit down on their cheek or tongue. A chipped tooth will often cause canker sores too, as can a trip to the dentist in order to fix said tooth. This is because dental tools, or a chipped tooth, or anything that the mouth is not used to will damage your mouth.

When dealing with a canker sore, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth out at least twice a day with an antibacterial mouthwash. This will not only help your mouth stave off further infection, you’ll also shorten the duration of the dreaded sore. Some people recommend swishing your mouth with salt water or brine, failing to secure mouthwash. You’ll want to avoid any foods that may exacerbate your condition. Rest easy, the sore will heal quickly on its own and it at least won’t be visible, as is the case with cold sores.

If you notice any mouth ulcer that lasts longer than two weeks, you may wish to consult a physician. Since the mouth heals so quickly, it is reasonable to assume something is amiss with a mouth ulcer that persists for that long. Better safe than sorry, no?

Whether you call it an oral ulcer or a canker sore, the fact of the matter is that mouth ulcers are painful, annoying, and downright unpleasant. What makes it worse is the fact that a mouth ulcer can be caused by something benign like accidentally biting your cheek or it could be a symptom of something much worse, like oral cancer. To put your mind at ease, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of mouth ulcers in order to give you a better understanding of why your mouth is under attack.

Physical Injuries

As mentioned above, even something as simple as accidentally biting your tongue or cheek can lead to a mouth ulcer. While it may be painful, take some solace in the fact that an ulcer arising from a physical injury is essentially harmless. Many people will see an ulcer arise shortly after a visit to a doctor or an orthodontist. This is because many dental procedures like bridges, crowns, or braces, subject your mouth to undue pressure and swelling, resulting in that annoying pain in your mouth every time you drink orange juice! Keep in mind that your dentist, while sometimes the cause of a mouth ulcer, can also be your savior, as chipped or crooked teeth that are left untreated can just as easily cause mouth ulcers.

Eating Habits

It makes perfect sense that what you do and don’t eat will have an effect on the contents of your mouth. Fortunately, mouth ulcers that arise from problems having to do with your diet are also for the most part easily curable and are not harbingers of cancer or any other scary possibility. Keep in mind, though, that some of these practices may manifest themselves into cancer down the road if they are left unchecked.

Drinking alcohol can cause mouth ulcers when it is consumed excessively for too long. Smoking is similarly destructive to the mouth and can easily be the reason for your consistent mouth ulcers. While the dangers of both these drugs are well-known, the reason why they give you mouth ulcers may in fact surprise you. While minor damage is caused to your mouth from smoking and drinking, the mouth is a wonderfully versatile orifice and it heals itself with remarkable swiftness. Unfortunately, saliva is necessary for this healing to take place and smoking and drinking both reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth and leave it dry. This is the main reason why mouth ulcers can arise when too much of either or both of these substances prevail. It should be noted, however, that quitting smoking or dip can also cause ulcers as your gums and teeth go through withdrawals of the sweet leaf.

Signs of Disease

As we’ve seen, the top causes of mouth ulcers are generally harmless and can be remedied with little to no trouble. Don’t treat every mouth ulcer the same, though. Many diseases and pathogens can wreak havoc on your mouth in the form of mouth ulcers and quite a few of them deserve strict medical attention right away. Herpes simplex, the most common culprit, is harmless and affects over seventy-five percent of the population so it is a matter of waiting it out but your mouth ulcer could just as easily be a symptom of measles, chickenpox, candida, or even Mycobacterium tuberculosis! If your mouth ulcer is unnecessarily painful or persists longer than a week, please consult a physician!

While most mouth ulcers are completely harmless, they are nonetheless irritating even to the most stoic of sufferers. With that in mind, we’ll look at some of the most effective ways of getting rid of your mouth ulcer.

Canker Sores

Along with cold sores, canker sores are easily among the most ubiquitous of the various mouth ulcers that afflict millions of people every year. This is due to the fact that the inside of your mouth is protected from germs and bacteria by a thin layer of mucous that is very easily broken. A canker sore can arise from something as minor as a chipped tooth rubbing against the inside of the cheek, for instance. Fortunately, canker sores heal up fairly quickly considering the fact that they arise so easily. To speed up the process, a rinse with brine or some similar salt and water combination is recommended. This helps to neutralize the bacteria as well as wash out any further viruses. There are also oral gels and analgesics that both numb the pain as well as diminish the size of the canker sore.

While products like Orajel and other medication aimed at canker sores are no doubt effective, they aren’t completely necessary. An antibacterial mouthwash, used twice a day for three days, has been shown to clear up canker sores in a remarkably brief manner as well as ensuring that they don’t make a repeat appearance.

Cold Sores

Though canker sores are annoying and sometimes painful, nothing beats a cold sore when it comes to discomfort and humiliation. Canker sores are at least concealed within in the mouth, as opposed to cold sores which are on full display wherever you go. Typically appearing on the lips, cold sores are actually a form of the herpes virus known as herpes simplex. Don’t feel too embarrassed, though; cold sores actually affect over three fourths of the population and the occasional flare-up is evidence that the virus lays dormant in most of us and can arise at any given time. Unfortunately, this also means that there is little you can do to prevent it. There are some factors that can lead to an increased prevalence in cold sores, though. Becoming sick lowers your immune system and, in effect, allows herpes simplex to spring to life with more ease. This is how cold sores got their name in the first place and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will keep you from becoming sick as often, which will lessen your chance of cold sores. Also, chapped lips are more susceptible to the onset of cold sores, since cracks in dry lips can allow more viruses and bacteria to enter.

Once a cold sore has arisen you will basically have to let it run its course. You can shorten its duration by applying a special oral topical cream that is meant for cold sores, but it is recommended that you don’t put anything else on the cold sore that isn’t specifically made for herpes simplex. Aside from exacerbating the condition, you could spread the virus to other people and other items. The cold sore will probably last a bit over a week but, with an over the counter or prescription medication, you can bring the length down a few days.

Mouth ulcers, or oral ulcers, cover a wide variety of conditions and descriptions but the unifying factor is that they are all painful, annoying, and gross. What is possibly the worst aspect of mouth ulcers, though, is the fact that they can arise from nearly anything. Physical trauma like biting your cheek or chipped teeth can cause ulcers just as easily as a diet with not enough vitamins or too many of the wrong vitamins. Furthermore, a mouth ulcer can be an indication of a bacterial infection or even cancer. Problems that reside in areas like your gallbladder or other internal organs can even manifest themselves into mouth ulcers. What is a simple person with a canker sore to do? This is why, long before you try to narrow down the cause of your mouth ulcer, it is important to know exactly what mouth ulcers are.

Despite the wide-ranging causes and appearances of mouth ulcers, canker sores, and fever blisters, we can answer the question of “what are mouth ulcers?” with a simple precept: A mouth ulcer is any appearance of an open sore in the mouth because of a break in the mucous membrane. Your mouth and the inside of your lips are covered with a membrane of mucous because it is intended as a safeguard against infections and bacteria. Granted, your mouth is filled to the brim with germs and bacteria every second of every day but, if not for these mucous membranes, your mouth would be covered with ulcers and sores.

As mentioned earlier, the break in your mucous membrane can arise from just about anything no matter how insignificant. A visit to the dentist can result in a mouth ulcer simply because of the pressure on your mouth from the tools, for instance. No matter the cause, though, the vast majority of mouth ulcers fall into one of two categories: Canker sores or cold sores. Cold sores are of course widely known as the result of the herpes simplex virus, which affects over ninety percent of the population. This “working man’s” herpes is essentially harmless, although few of us would think that when we show up to the first day on the job with what looks like the remains of a volcanic eruption on our lip. Canker sores are more likely to appear on the inside of the cheek, although they can thrive anywhere they please.

While some mouth ulcers can be indicative of something dangerous like cancer, it is much more probable that you have simply eaten too much of the wrong food or have quit smoking. When dealing with a mouth ulcer, over the counter antihistamines or cortisones work just fine. A prescription may be required if you want something to really nip the problem in the bud but this is often not necessary. The fact of the matter is that the mouth is the fastest healing area of the body and a canker sore, cold sore, or any other mouth ulcer will heal itself fairly quickly whether or not you use any medication.

Anybody who has suffered through a canker sore knows full well how painful and annoying they can be. If you’re one of the vast majority of the population who suffers from occasional cold sores, you’re well aware of how embarrassing and uncomfortable it is to walk around with an oozing, pulsating growth on your face. Whether they are wreaking havoc on the inside of your cheek or posing for the public on your bottom lip, mouth ulcers are hellish and must be stopped! Here, then, are some tips for what to do when you have a mouth ulcer.

It’s nearly impossible to avoid mouth ulcers. They can arise when you quit smoking or when you quit too much. They’ll pop up when you eat too much of one food or not enough of another food. A chipped tooth can cause an oral ulcer from constant friction on your cheek but a trip to the dentist, to fix the chipped tooth, can cause mouth ulcers from the poking and prodding of the metal tools. Mouth ulcers arise for any number of reasons so let’s just focus on what to do once they’re already there. First of all, petroleum jelly should be available at all times. If dentures, braces, or a chipped tooth is causing discomfort anywhere on your mouth, you can bet that a mouth ulcer will arise. Putting some petroleum jelly on the affected area will work wonders and it will help to restore the mucous membrane that protects your mouth against sores. Likewise, applying some petroleum jelly before visiting the dentist, or having the dentist apply it, will help to ward off mouth ulcers.

If you have a cold sore on your lip, try to avoid any kind of product with citrus as well as anything too salty. Not only will your lip burn to high hell, you’ll also prolong your recovery time. There will be at least a couple of days where you’ll be forced to advertise your herpes-ridden lip around town but an over the counter product intended for cold sores should shave a few days of exposure right off. If you have a canker sore on the inside of your mouth, try swishing with a salt rinse. It may burn but it will also help the mouth to fight off any bacteria that may be keeping the sore alive. Increasing your intake of vitamin C will also help to shorten the duration of the sore, but a multivitamin may be preferred over a cup of orange juice.

While the vast majority of mouth ulcers are common and essentially harmless, some may in fact be indicative of cancer or a similar life-threatening illness. If your ulcer doesn’t show signs of healing and three weeks have passed, consider scheduling an appointment with a physician to make sure that you aren’t faced with a more serious problem.

Mouth ulcers, though very common, can still incite fear and worry in anybody unlucky enough to receive them. Canker sores and cold sores, the most “mainstream” fare among mouth ulcers, can be both painful and embarrassing. Even if the pain is tolerable, you’d be hard pressed to find anybody who doesn’t at least find oral ulcers annoying. If you’ve experienced one or more of these flare-ups lately and asked “why am I getting mouth ulcers?” it likely has to do with something you’ve changed in your diet or daily habits recently.

Have you quit smoking? More than one out of five people who quit find that mouth ulcers (primarily canker sores) arise in various quantities. This is a good thing, however, and is evidence that your body is ridding itself of the poison you’ve been forcing on it for years. If, however, you are not a smoker or are not quitting, your mouth ulcer may be the result of some kind of damage to the tissue. Did you recently bite your cheek or tongue? Since the mucus membrane that lines your mouth is your only defense in there against bacteria and viruses, the mouth can become subject to infection extremely easy if that layer is breached. This can happen easily when you accidentally bite yourself but the truth is that anything, from a chipped tooth rubbing against your lip to your dentist poking you with his implements, can cause a mouth ulcer.

Many people will get either a cold sore or a canker sore before or during an illness. This again has to do with the mouth being particularly susceptible to infection. When your immune system is lowered, your mouth is often the starting point for bacteria and infections. That is why the cold sore, also known as herpes simplex, earned its name, appearing like clockwork during an illness. Unfortunately, a mouth ulcer that arises because of a lowered immune system can also be a sign that you are suffering from an autoimmune disease. Aids, cancer, and other deadly diseases that target your immune system will often rear their head in the form of mouth ulcers. Fortunately, the odds are much better that your mouth ulcer is symptomatic of something much less severe. If, however, three weeks have passed and your “oral ulcer” is still present, you should consult a physician to make sure that nothing more severe is to blame. After all, being safe and alive is a lot more fun than being sorry and dead!

The primary reason that many mouth ulcer treatments are ineffective is that they are designed only to deal with the sores themselves, not treat or cure the underlying cause of mouth ulcer. The fact of the matter is that treating the symptoms of any illness is really only putting a bandage over the problem – you can’t expect any real or lasting relief if you do not get to the root of the problem. However, this can be easier said than done when dealing with mouth ulcers, and that can be frustrating to sufferers. In fact, many people just resign themselves to the fact that they are going to be living with mouth ulcers for the rest of their lives.

Fortunately, this does not have to be the case. It is possible to determine the cause of your mouth ulcer, often with nothing more than a little concerted detective work. The first step is to determine a list of possible causes. Often, this list ends up being a lot longer than you would anticipate, especially when you realize how many chemicals, foods, physical ailments and maladies and even diseases and illnesses that are believed to contribute to the development of mouth ulcers. Of course, while there are hundreds of things that are believed to have the potential to cause mouth ulcers, generally most people are not regularly exposed to the entire list.

The next step in determining the cause of mouth ulcer in your case is to narrow your list down to foods or chemicals that you are regularly exposed to immediately prior to an outbreak or flare up. Often, people can spot one or two potential triggers that seem to fit their lifestyle and mouth ulcer breakout pattern. Once your list of potential mouth ulcer causes has been narrowed down this far, determining your single mouth ulcer cause or trigger is really just a matter of waiting and seeing.

You may opt to either eliminate potential triggers from your lifestyle to see if doing so prevents future outbreaks from happening. Alternatively, you may choose to deliberately expose yourself to one of your suspected triggers at a time, to see if the suspect really does trigger a mouth ulcer outbreak or flare up. Once you have determined what is causing your mouth ulcers to appear, you can eliminate that product from your lifestyle.  After doing this, treating individual sores should be more effective, because you are not being counterproductive by treating the problem while at the same time exacerbating it.