Get Rid of Mouth Sores and Infections – OralCare

What are Mouth Sores?

Mouth sores are like little cuts or ulcers that occur in your mouth. The sores can become very red,and they may have some small white patches in the middle. They can also be very painful making it difficult for you to talk, eat, swallow and breathe. Mouth sores can appear at any part of the soft tissue of your mouth and lips, including your tongue, mouth and the roof of your mouth.

Conditions that Cause Mouth Sores

Canker Sores

Canker sores occur inside the mouth. They are usually small ulcers with a yellow, greycentre and flat red border. Finding a large canker sore with a raised border is rare. A patient may experience one or several of them at any given time,and they can recur at different periods. This condition mostly affects people between the age of ten and forty. If you have a canker sore, you may experience tingling or burning sensation around the area with the canker sore. You may also experience some pain, especially if you take hot, crunchy or spicy food.
The exact cause of canker is not yet well known,but researchers have established some few reasons why the condition may occur. The white cells present in our immune system affects the lining of the mouth thus causing the sores. Also, emotional stress, fatigue and certain foods can increase the occurrence of these sores for some people. Canker sores are not precancerous or contagious.
There is no definite treatment for canker sores. The condition can only be managed by taking over the counter drugs for pain and discomfort. The patient can also use some topical medications such as protective ointments and numbing agents. Microbial mouth rinses may also offer some temporary relief. Avoid any hot, spicy or crunchy foods if you have a canker sore. Make sure you visit your dentist if the condition goes beyond ten days without healing.

Cold Sores

Most people experience the unpleasant occurrence of scabs and blisters that form near their mouth without necessarily knowing what is ailing them. Most of the time, these sores are caused by a virus known as the Herpes virus,and they are commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters. These sores usually start out as a small tingling sensation in the area where the cold sore will appear. The area will then begin to swell slightly,and some blisters will begin to form. The blisters may start as small blisters that will eventually turn into bigger ones. The blisters will eventually begin to ooze,and the sores will crust over.
In most cases, these painful symptoms occur close to the mouth. However, there are instances where they can occur on the other areas of the face such as the eyes and nose. If you come into contact with the cold sore, you should wash your hands immediately before touching any other part of your body.This is because it can spread to other parts of your body such as the genital areas. Cold sores usually heal by themselves in about a week once the blisters break. Over the counter drugs such as anti-inflammatory, protectants and topical anaesthetics help in providing temporary relief. Visit your dentist,and he/she will be able to recommend the best drugs for your cold sore.

Lichen Planus

This is a disorder that involves a chronic, itchy and inflammatory rush in the mouth. The rush may consist of a white spot that might change over time. The rush mostly appears at the side of the tongue, on the gums and inside the cheeks and may be tender and painful. Lichen planus is genetic,and it’s related to a chronic immune system reaction.
This condition mostly occurs in middle-aged people. It is not contagious and does not pose any high risk of being cancerous. If you suspect that you might be having Lichen planus, visit your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

There are quite a number of factors that cause mouth sores. They can be caused by an infection, physical or chemical irritants, systematic disease or an allergic reaction. However, in most cases the cause are unknown. This is because saliva normal flow in the mouth helps in protecting the inner mouth lining. Any condition that leads to a decrease of saliva production in the mouth makes mouth sores more likely to occur. Here are some most specific causes of mouth sores.

– Viral and Bacterial Infections

Viruses are among the most common cause of mouth sores. A virus known as herpes simplex causes cold sores that appear on the lips and the ulcers that appear on the palate. Many other viruses do cause mouth sores such as Varicella-zoster. This virus is also the one that causes chickenpox as well as a skin disorder known as shingles. Varicella-zoster can cause mouth sores on the side of the mouth. This virus, never leaves the body just like a virus such as herpes simplex. It keeps reoccurring at different intervals throughout an individual’s life.
In addition, a bacterial infection can result to swelling and sores in the mouth. The mouth sores can be caused by an already existing bacteria in the mouth or foreign bacteria such as the one that causes gonorrhea or syphilis. A bacterial infection on teeth or gums can cause widespread inflammation or can cause pus-filled pockets on the gums. The bacteria that causes syphilis can cause a red sore on the mouth during its initial stages that is not painful. This kind of sore normally heals after some few weeks. Four to ten weeks later, a white sore may form on the lips or inner part of the mouth if syphilis was not managed and treated. During this stage, the infection is highly contagious and can be simply transferred by kissing. During its late stages, a hole may appear on the palate of the mouth. During this stage, the infection is not contagious.
Another common bacterial infection which is a normal resident in the mouth is the yeast Candidaalbicans. The bacteria can overgrow in people who havea relatively weak immune system such as AIDS patients or people who have taken antibiotics.

– Injury or Irritation

Any type of injury or irritation to the mouth can cause blisters or ulcers to form. Instances that can result to injury include poor-fitting dentures, accidentally biting the inner part of your cheek or scrapped or jagged teeth. Typically, the blisters formed by such factors break down, forming ulcers.
Also, many foods and chemicals can be irritating to the mouth and can trigger allergic reactions that cause mouth sores. Foods such as cinnamon flavouring, acidic foods, or astringents may be irritating to the mouth and may cause mouth sores. Also, there are some ingredients in common products such as mouthwash, gum, toothpaste, and candy that may be irritating to the mouth.

– Drugs and Radiation Therapy

There is some specific type of drugs that are known to cause mouth sores. The most common drugs are the cancer chemotherapy drugs. Drugs used to treat arthritis and autoimmune disorders that contain gold as an ingredient can also cause mouth sores. However, such drugs are no longer in use since safer drugs are now accessible. Radiation therapy is also very common in causing sores. People may also develop sores in their mouth after taking antibiotics though this occurrence is rare.

– Tobacco

The use of tobacco can also cause mouth sores. The most likely reason for this is the exposure of the mouth and lips to toxins, irritants and carcinogens naturally present in tobacco. Mouth sores can also develop due to the drying of the lining of the mouth caused by tobacco products. The high temperatures in the mouth caused by smoking tobacco changes the mouth acidity which results inreduced resistance to bacterial, viral and fungal infection.

– Systemic disorders

Many other disorders affect the mouth together with other body parts. For example, Behcet disease is a disease that affects other parts of the body such as the genitals, eyes, blood vessels, joints and brain along with the mouth. Some people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease also develop mouth sores. Lichens planus, skindisease, can also cause mouth sores though the source is not as painful as those on the skin. Nutritional deficiency of iron such as Vitamin B and C may also cause mouth sores.

Common Oral Infections

Sticking to your daily dental care routine and visiting your dentist for dental check-ups at least twice annually is about more than just white teeth and bright smiles. The oral bacteria that build-up due to inappropriate brushing, flossing and improper oral care can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and other oral infections. Some of these oral infections are short-term issues which are preventable with proper oral care. But others are more advanced and can stick around for a long time. Here are some of the most common oral infections:

– Gingivitis

There is a wide variety of bacteria that causes Gingivitis. Bacteria from built-up plaque can settle in your gum crevices and gum line causing gingivitis. One of the most common signs of gingivitis is bleeding gums during teeth brushing. Gingivitis is a medical term for early stages of gum disease. Therefore, it is important to reverse the gingivitis immediately you notice any signs and symptoms so that it does not spread and develop into periodontal disease.

– Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is caused when gingivitis spreads below the gum line affecting the bone and the supporting tissues. This leads to the formation of pockets around the teeth and gradually creating bone loss and inflammation. At such a point the teeth can become loose and fall due to bone decomposition. Periodontal disease is the most prevalent cause of tooth loss,and 8-10percent of adults are suffering from it.

– Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is commonly found in toddlers and school-aged children. The virus is known as Coxsackie A16 often causes the disease. Some of the symptoms include sore throats, one to two days of fever, the formation of painful blisters on the tongue, cheek and the palms, butt and soles of feet. Fortunately, this infection normally lasts for only a few days.

– Herpangina

This is a disease that is related to the hand, foot and mouth. It mostly affects children between the ages of three and ten during the summers and fall seasons. Its symptoms are similar to that of hand, foot and mouth disease and also include tiny blisters in the back of the mouth that can develop into larger ulcers when they rupture. Luckily, herpangina and its symptoms only last 3 to 5 days.

– Dental caries

Dental caries is caused by the acids that are produced by the micro-organisms, these acids lead to the removal of calcium from the enamel leading to tooth decay. Foods such as sweetened pastries are stronger than others in causing dental caries. Beverages such as diet sodas, which contain fewer sugars, have also been known to erode the enamel due to the low pH of phosphoric acid. In the dental caries infection rates, it is the frequency of exposure that matters, rather than the amounts of micro-organisms.

– Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is caused by Candida albicans fungus. Thrush outbreaks are often triggered by medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and antibiotics. Its symptoms include white plaque on the tongue, palate, inner cheeks and back of the mouth. This is the most common oral infection in people with AIDS.

– Canker Sores

These are wounds that occur on the gums and other tissues of the mouth. Canker sores are often referred to as aphthous ulcers by the dentists; they are a common problem in children and adolescents. The cause of canker sores is yet to be known, potential causes as mentioned above include immune problems, food sensitivity, stress, hormones and other infections. They normally take 10-14 days to clear up.

– Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is an infection that is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. The initial exposure can lead to symptoms that resembles the ones for a flu. The patient will also have ulcers and blisters on the gums and tongue. He or she may also have no symptom at all, which is an unfortunate key component to its widespread detection in 50 to 80percent of adults in Australia. Once infected, the virus takes stays permanently in the body, but with proper treatment, the infection can remain dormant. The recurring outbreaks aremilder and will last for 7 to 10 days. Blisters that are filled with fluid appear on the mouth, which ruptures after a day or two forming scabs that results to no further discomfort.

What are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Sores and Infections?

In most cases, the sores cause some pain and redness especially when one is eating and drinking. They also can cause a tingling or burning sensation around the sore. Depending on the location, size, and severity of the mouth sore, they can make it hard for you to eat, drink, swallow, talk or breathe. The mouth sore may also develop blisters. The patient may develop fever and inflammation of the eye.

When to See the Dentist

Patients who have experienced the warning signs should consider visiting the dentist immediately. People who have no warning signs but are under a lot of pain, generally feel sick and have difficulties when eating should consider visiting the dentist within a few days. Anyone with a mouth sore that has lasted for more than ten days should visit the dentist for an examination. This helps in ensuring that the sore is not cancerous as well as managing it.

What the Dentist Will Do

The dentist will first ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. He will then ask you about your consumption that may have led to the mouth sores or infection. He or she will need to know if you consume food or other substances such as tobacco, toothpaste or mouthwashes that may have act as culprits. Your dentist may also refer you to your doctor for a further examination on the presence of any virus or bacteria such as herpes simplex that may have caused the sores. Your dentist will also do a physical examination. He or she will inspect your mouth on the nature and location of the sores.

How to Get Rid of Mouth Sores?

Treatment for minor mouth sores is not necessary. The sores tend to clear on their own in just a couple of days. Typically, a minor mouth sore will disappear within the first ten days. However, persistent and unusually painful mouth sores require attention from your dentist. There are quite a number of a treatment option that can be used to get rid of mouth sores and infections. Here are some of them:

– Mouth Rinses

If you have multiple mouth sores, your dentist may recommend that you use a certain type of mouth rinse to get rid of them. The most effective type is the one that contains steroid dexamethasone as an ingredient. Such mouth rinses help in reducing pain and inflammation.

– Topical Products

Prescription products and over-the-counter drugs such as creams, gels and pastes can help in relieving pain and inflammation if applied to individual sores as soon as they appear. They may also help in speeding the healing process. Most products that are helpful in getting rid of mouth sores mostly contain benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide and fluocinonide as active ingredients. However, they are still other products and over-the-counter drugs that are helpful and does not contain these ingredients. Visit your dentist for advice to know which product will work the best for you.

– Oral Medications

In most cases, oral medication is used when the mouth sores are severe and are not responding to any other type of treatment. Such medications include medication not specifically intended for the mouth sores. Such treatment includes the intestinal ulcer treatment. Another type of medication that may be used includes oral steroid medications. However, this method is used as the last resort because of its adverse effects.

– Cautery of Sores

When using this method, a chemical substance or an instrument is used to burn, seal and destroy the tissue. Debacterol is one of the chemical methods designed to get rid of mouth sores and other gum problems by chemically cauterizing mouth sores. This method is effective since it may reduce the healing time for about a week.

– Nutritional Supplements

Your dentist may also recommend some nutrition supplement for you if you consume low amounts of supplements. Some of the important supplements that may help get rid of mouth sores include Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12 and zinc.

Bottom Line

Mouth sores caused by infections can be painful,and they may interrupt your day to day activities such as eating and talking. Everyone desires the right to treatment as these sores can be very uncomfortable and sometimes even embarrassing. Some of them can be harmless,and others can be a sign of an underlying serious health problem. Once you experience a mouth sore or mouth infection, make sure that you have your dentist examine you as soon as possible to prevent any further complications.