Mouth Sores And Ulcers
Have you ever experienced a sore or ulcer in your mouth? This is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their lives. However, there are some who are more prone to experiencing these issues. In addition, mouth sores and ulcers can be a warning sign of a problem with your oral and overall health. If you are unfamiliar, a mouth sore or ulcer is an irritation that appears in the mouth. Sores can develop on the cheeks, inside the lips, on the tongue and gums, and on the floor and roof of the mouth.
What are Mouth Sores and Ulcers?
A mouth sore or ulcer develops when the soft tissue inside the mouth erodes or is removed. In its place, a sore may appear red, yellow, or white. Some individuals only experience a sore here or there, while others may experience multiple sores at a time. Sores and ulcers can be extremely uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat and drink. Over-the-counter medications can help numb the area to make it easier to eat and drink.
Why Won’t a Mouth Sore or Ulcer Heal?
Most mouth sores and ulcers heal within a week or two; however, if you notice that you are experiencing frequent sores that are not healing in that time, you may be experiencing a problem. These sores can be caused by something as simple as biting your mouth or receiving dental treatment or orthodontics, and the area in your mouth becomes irritated. However, mouth sores and ulcers can also be an indication that you have a problem with your overall or oral health. Mouth sores and ulcers that do not heal can be a sign of oral cancer. They can also be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, auto-immune disease, and more.
If you have mouth sores or ulcers that won’t heal, we encourage you to contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment. We can perform an oral health exam to check for signs of oral cancer. We are happy to help patients located in Wilmington, Pike Creek, Newark, DE, and the surrounding areas.
