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Mouth sores can be a real pain. They make eating and talking hard. These small ulcers form in your mouth and can hurt a lot. This post will help you know what causes them, how to spot them, and when to see a dentist.

Let’s learn more about mouth sores.

Common Causes of Mouth Sores

Mouth sores can pop up for many reasons. They might be due to simple things like biting your cheek or eating hot food.

Trauma or injury

Mouth sores often start from small hurts in your mouth. You might bite your cheek by mistake while eating. Or you could brush your teeth too hard. These little injuries can lead to sores that hurt and make it hard to eat or talk.

Dental tools can also cause mouth sores. Braces or dentures might rub against your gums or cheeks. This can create sore spots in your mouth. It’s vital to tell your dentist if you have pain from these tools.

They can help fix the problem and stop more sores from forming.

Stress and hormonal changes

Stress can cause mouth sores. Your body reacts to stress by making more hormones. These hormones can upset the balance in your mouth. This can lead to sores. Women often get mouth sores due to hormone changes.

This happens during their monthly cycle or pregnancy.

Hormonal shifts can make the mouth more prone to ulcers. The lining of the mouth gets thinner and more easily hurt. This can cause painful sores to form. Eating well and staying calm can help reduce these sores.

Some people find that yoga or deep breathing helps them manage stress better.

Infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal)

Mouth sores can come from germs. These germs can be viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Oral thrush is a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. It makes white patches in your mouth.

Viruses can cause cold sores or hand, foot, and mouth disease. These often hurt and form blisters. Bacteria can lead to angular cheilitis, which makes sore cracks at the corners of your mouth.

Some infections need special care. Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is a viral infection that causes painful gums and sores. It often happens in kids but can affect adults too. Bacterial infections might need antibiotics from a doctor.

Fungal infections like thrush may need anti-fungal medicine. If you have mouth sores that don’t go away, see your dentist. They can help find the cause and give the right treatment.

Underlying health conditions

Some health issues can cause mouth sores. Lupus and Behçet’s disease are two such problems. These are autoimmune diseases where the body attacks itself. Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease can also lead to mouth sores.

These affect the gut but can show up in the mouth too.

Not having enough vitamins can also cause mouth sores. Low iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid in the body can be a reason. These shortages may come from poor diet or other health issues.

It’s vital to eat a balanced diet rich in these nutrients. This can help keep your mouth healthy.

Symptoms of Mouth Sores

Mouth sores can cause pain and make it hard to eat or talk. Want to know more about these pesky sores? Keep reading!

Pain and discomfort

Mouth sores often bring sharp pain and discomfort. Eating, drinking, and talking can hurt a lot. The pain may feel like a burning or stinging feeling. It can make simple tasks hard to do.

Some people find it tough to brush their teeth or use mouthwash.

The pain might not go away even with treatment. This can be a sign of a bigger problem. If the pain stays for more than two weeks, it’s time to see a dentist. They can check for oral cancer or other serious issues.

Quick action can help stop the pain and fix the root cause.

Swelling or redness in the mouth

Pain often comes with other signs of mouth sores. Swelling and redness in the mouth are common symptoms. These signs can make eating and talking hard. The inside of your cheeks, gums, or tongue may look puffy and red.

Sores in the mouth often have red edges with white, yellow, or grey centres. They can be very tender. Spicy, salty, or sour foods may hurt when you eat them. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to see a dentist.

They can check for any serious issues and help ease your discomfort.

Difficulty eating or speaking

Mouth sores can make eating and talking hard. Food and drinks may sting or burn. Even small bites can hurt a lot. People with sores often avoid certain foods. They might skip meals to dodge the pain.

Talking can also be tough with mouth sores. The lips and tongue move a lot when we speak. This can rub against sores and cause more pain. Some folks may talk less or change how they say words.

Next, we’ll look at when it’s time to see a dentist for these issues.

When to See a Dentist

Mouth sores can be a sign of serious health issues. See a dentist if your sores don’t heal within two weeks or if they cause severe pain.

Persistent or worsening sores

Mouth sores that don’t heal need attention. Sores lasting more than 3 weeks are a red flag. They could point to a bigger health issue. Red or white patches that don’t go away are also worrying.

These might be signs of oral cancer.

Seeing a dentist is vital if sores get worse or don’t heal. They can check for infections or other problems. Dentists have tools to spot oral health issues early. Quick action can prevent small problems from growing big.

Don’t ignore mouth sores that stick around. Your oral health is key to your overall well-being.

Signs of infection

Mouth sores can become infected, leading to more problems. Red, swollen areas around the sore may signal an infection. You might also notice pus or a bad smell. Fever and swollen lymph nodes often come with infected sores.

These signs mean it’s time to see a dentist or doctor.

Painful ulcers that don’t heal can be a worry. If eating or talking hurts more than usual, an infection might be present. Some people get a metallic taste in their mouth. Others may have trouble opening their jaw fully.

Don’t ignore these signs. Quick treatment can stop the infection from spreading.

Suspicion of underlying health issues

Mouth sores can be a sign of bigger health problems. Large or painless ulcers might point to serious issues like autoimmune diseases. These sores may also hint at gut problems. It’s vital to pay attention to any odd changes in your mouth.

If you spot unusual sores, see a dentist right away. They can check if the sores are linked to other health concerns.

Certain mouth sores need quick action. Sores that don’t heal or keep coming back are red flags. They could mean oral cancer or other grave illnesses. A dentist can spot these risks early.

Early care can make a big difference in treating these health issues. Don’t ignore mouth sores that seem strange or won’t go away.

Conclusion

Mouth sores can be a real pain. They make eating and talking hard. Most go away on their own. But some need a dentist’s help. Watch out for sores that last long or get worse. If you see signs of infection, don’t wait to get checked.

If you live in or around Penrith, Lethbridge Dental is one of the most trusted dentists at 110 Lethbridge St. You can book an appointment here.

FAQs

1. What are common types of mouth sores in adults?

Common mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, and aphthous ulcers. Some people may get hand, foot, and mouth disease or trench mouth. Dental issues like cavities can also cause sores.

2. What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can happen due to poor oral hygiene, biting your cheek, or eating spicy foods. Other causes are stress, iron lack, or health problems like Crohn’s disease. Smoking and drinking can also lead to sores.

3. How can I tell if a mouth sore might be serious?

If you have red or white patches that don’t heal, it could be a sign of mouth cancer. Sores that last more than two weeks, cause fever, or make it hard to eat need a dentist check. Painful sores with pus might mean you have an infection.

4. What are some ways to treat mouth sores at home?

You can rinse your mouth with salt water or use special mouth rinses. Avoid hot or spicy foods. Use a soft toothbrush when brushing teeth. Put ice on the sore to help with pain. Some creams from the chemist may help too.

5. When should I see a dentist about mouth sores?

See a dentist if sores don’t get better after two weeks, hurt a lot, or keep coming back. Also, go if you have trouble eating or talking. If you notice odd bumps or patches in your mouth, it’s best to get them checked.

6. Can lifestyle changes help prevent mouth sores?

Yes, good dental care can help. Brush and floss daily. Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies. Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol. Try to lower stress. If you have health issues, work with your doctor to manage them well.