Mouth ulcers are loosening or erosion of one or many tissues inside your mouth. Most types of mouth ulcers are not serious in nature but can be a cause of serious discomfort and pain, as it hurts when you eat, drink or do something with your mouth. The pain becomes quite acute when we tend to consume spicy, salty or hot foods and at times it becomes almost impossible to eat or drink anything.
Potential causes of mouth ulcer
In most of the cases ulcer starts in the mouth with a sort of burning or tingling sensation in the area of the mouth where it will occur. Within a few days blister forms in the spot resulting in a red spot or bump, which is then forms an open ulcer.
Several reasons and causes has been equated for these mouth sores, some of them are as listed below here:
- Stress
- Mouth injury while biting
- Highly acidic and hot foods
- Hormonal changes
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- High body temperature
- Bacteria
- Toothpaste
- Food allergy
- Lack of vitamins or minerals
- Dry mouth causes by medication
Mouth ulcer care and its prevention through diet and nutrition
Although various reasons have been cited as the cause of mouth ulcer, digestive problems are considered as the leading cause. In case a mouth ulcer occurs suddenly, it could be due to excessive heat generation in the body because of the consumption of hot foods.
Some must to follow dietary and nutritional treatments of mouth ulcer are:
- Including more or greens in the diet helps in the prevention against mouth ulcers. Greens provide necessary fibers for a smooth bowel movement, thereby preventing constipation.
- With the occurrence of mouth ulcer, consumption of hot and spicy food should be immediately stopped along with caffeine and tea, as it aggravates the pain cause due to the ulcer. Foods like egg, cheese, orange, yoghurt, pineapple, buttermilk, sour cream and meat should be strictly avoided.
- Avoid any fatty food, particularly the ones with oil and fried will the ulcer in the mouth is completely healed.
- Papaya is one fruit that should be consumed when mouth ulcers occurs. It not only soothes its negative effects but also helps in the healing process.
- Eat plenty of food rich in vitamin B, especially like whole grains, unsweetened cereals and whole meal breads. Vitamin B along with folic acid helps in the repair cells along with the formation of red blood cells.
- Consuming sweet potatoes, kale and kiwi fruit daily is suggested which has vitamin C, which helps in the strengthening of cells. Citrus fruits also contains vitamin C like oranges and limes, but should be avoided till the time the ulcers heal, as it causes sting and burning in the ulcers.
Although mouth ulcers are not that serious but if it occurs repeatedly and you notice few of the following signs as mentioned below you should see a medical practitioner for better treatment as there could be some serious underlying conditions associated with your mouth sores.
- Does not heals within 2 – 3 weeks of its occurrence.
- Often bleeds.
- A lot of smaller ulcers combining to become a large one.
- Arrives with sore throat and rashes.
- Often painless.
- Larger than 1 cm round.
- Occurs with diarrhea.
By: Sheela Seharawat
