Mouth ulcers
Canker sores are mouth ulcers that cause discomfort and pain when eating, speaking, or brushing teeth. They are very common, usually less than 1 cm in diameter, and heal on their own in one or two weeks. They are not contagious, and although they are often associated with poor oral hygiene, this is not always the case. They can be caused by trauma, biting, orthodontics, allergies, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, menopause, puberty, or andropause, excess cortisol, stress, nutritional deficiencies, immune or genetic diseases that run in families, or be associated with the consumption of chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, and other foods.
There are three types of canker sores: minor, major, and herpetiform. Major canker sores are recurrent, deep, painful, slow to resolve, single or multiple, leave scars, and can become secondarily infected. They may be accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, and malaise (Sutton's disease).
Canker sores should be evaluated by a doctor when they are larger, when more than 6 outbreaks occur per year, or when they spread to the lips.
Canker sores can be a symptom of systemic diseases and are associated with other conditions such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease or the presence of Helicobacter pylori . Canker sores can also be caused by dysbiosis of the gut flora, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or immunodeficiencies resulting from debilitating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or medications (chemotherapy). Canker sores may be associated with other skin and mucous membrane lesions, such as genital ulcers.
Treatment should be individually tailored to the patient's specific condition and associated pathology. Local symptom relief should be sought through topical treatments and mouthwashes, or home remedies such as chamomile or salt water, black tea, milk of magnesia, or ice. Avoid applying harsh products to the mucous membranes, such as baking soda directly to the canker sore. Additionally, stress management is recommended, along with maintaining a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, good hydration, and oral hygiene . Hot, spicy, or acidic foods should be avoided. Probiotics, vitamin supplements (B1, B6, B12, folate), minerals (iron, zinc), and elderberry may also be beneficial. The doctor will prescribe the specific therapy, which will depend on the underlying cause of the canker sores.
Dr. Lucía Goncalves Jardím
Email: luciamgoncalvesj@gmail.com
Telephone: +351 939 056 458