What are the common causes of mouth ulcers, and when should I consult a doctor?
Asked by Female, 40 · 7 days ago
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that can appear on the tongue, inner lips, cheeks, or gums. They are very common and are often caused by stress, lack of sleep, acidity, dehydration, spicy or acidic foods, accidental cheek biting, sharp teeth, braces, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. In some people, repeated ulcers may occur due to vitamin deficiencies such as low vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid. Food allergies, hormonal changes, weakened immunity, or certain medical conditions may also contribute to frequent ulcers. Most simple mouth ulcers heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. To help reduce discomfort and speed healing, avoid spicy, salty, sour, or very hot foods, drink plenty of water, and maintain good oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush. Warm salt water rinses may soothe irritation, and ulcer gels may help reduce pain. Eating a healthy diet and managing stress may also reduce recurrence. However, you should consult a doctor, dentist, or ENT specialist if the ulcers are very large, extremely painful, keep returning frequently, last more than 2 weeks, cause difficulty eating or swallowing, or are associated with fever, weight loss, bleeding, swelling, or white/red patches in the mouth. Persistent or severe ulcers sometimes require medical tests to identify the underlying cause and provide proper treatment.
