What causes mouth ulcers?
Although they are generally harmless, mouth ulcers are quite common and affect both adults and children.
Several factors can contribute to the development of mouth ulcers.
Firstly, certain foods can trigger mouth ulcers in some people. This is the case with coffee but also nuts, almonds and cashew nuts. As for fruit: strawberries, citrus fruits (lemons, grapefruit, oranges, clementines, etc.) and pineapples can trigger mouth ulcers, as can hard cheeses (Comté, Gruyère, Gouda, Parmesan, etc.).
The stress caused by giving up smoking can lead to mouth ulcers. Cigarette smoke also causes the oral mucosa to thicken, making it less sensitive to irritants – particularly those found in food – but this protective effect on the mucosa disappears when a person gives up smoking.
Other factors that contribute to the development of mouth ulcers include:
• Minor injuries inside the mouth caused, for example, by biting the cheek or poorly-fitted braces
• Hormonal changes, such as those during periods or pregnancy
• Stress and fatigue
• Food sensitivities
• A dietary deficiency in vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid or iron
• A reaction to taking certain medicines, particularly aspirin
• Fixed or removable dentures, orthodontic appliances, dental treatment
• Trauma (bites, burns, mechanical injuries, etc.)
• Anaemia
• Or a genetic predisposition.
Identifying the main causes of mouth ulcers helps you to prevent them in your day-to-day life. However, this may not be enough; there are other measures you can take to prevent mouth ulcers from developing.
How to prevent mouth ulcers from developing
You now know the causes, but what can you do to prevent mouth ulcers? Generally speaking, simply following these few recommendations is enough to avoid having to deal with these unwanted guests.
Avoid eating certain foods
Certain foods can trigger the development of mouth ulcers. As for dried fruit, to minimise the risks, you can soak them in water for 30 to 60 minutes before eating them.
If you know you’re prone to mouth ulcers, avoid eating these foods.
Make sure you practise good oral hygiene
To prevent recurrent mouth ulcers, it is important to practise good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth for 2 minutes three times a day. If you are prone to mouth ulcers, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulphate. If you suffer from recurrent mouth ulcers, you can also use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Don't abuse your oral mucosa
You should also avoid biting the inside of your cheeks and brushing your teeth too hard. Furthermore, if you have a dental prosthesis that is causing pain or is poorly fitted, please do not hesitate to contact a dentist.
Reduce stress and fatigue
To reduce stress and tiredness, make sure you get enough sleep by sticking to a regular sleep schedule, take breaks during the day, and take part in regular physical activity. Also remember to set aside some time for rest and relaxation.
How to treat a mouth ulcer
In most cases, mouth ulcers can clear up on their own within 10 days on average, but this can be a long and painful process.
There are over-the-counter medicines available to relieve pain (such as paracetamol) and help the mouth ulcer to heal. This is the case with films that are applied to mouth ulcers, which help to protect the sore and thus promote healing. During the healing period, avoid eating hot or hard foods, as these may increase the pain. Instead, opt for cold foods (raw vegetables, ice cream, etc.) which will provide temporary pain relief. If your mouth ulcers do not seem to be healing, or if you suffer from frequent flare-ups, you should consider seeing a doctor. They will be able to help you identify the causes, if there are any, and prescribe suitable treatments.
Also consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, or if you have any other concerns or questions:
• Fever,
• Unusual fatigue,
• A mouth ulcer larger than 1 cm in diameter,
• Numerous mouth ulcers,
• Diarrhoea,
• Joint pain,
• Headaches,
• No change in the sores after two weeks,
• Other mouth ulcers or skin lesions on the body.
Furthermore, unlike cold sores, mouth ulcers are not caused by an infection and are not contagious. There is therefore no risk of passing a mouth ulcer on to your partner through kissing or to other people through sharing objects. There are effective and easy-to-use treatments available to help manage your mouth ulcers.
The URGO product you need: URGO Filmogel® Mouth ulcers and minor oral wounds
URGO, a comprehensive range of products for oral ailments
URGO has developed a range of solutions to relieve oral ailments. URGO Filmogel® Mouth ulcers and minor oral wounds provides effective pain relief, even while eating. Its formulation helps the mouth ulcer to heal.
URGO Oral wounds spray is a spray containing hyaluronic acid that soothes and promotes the healing of mouth ulcers and sores. It protects, moisturises and helps to restore the mucous membrane. Its spray formula is also suitable for more extensive conditions such as gingivitis or burns.
And how do you treat a mouth ulcer in a child? URGO Junior Mouth Ulcer Gel is a sugar-free, alcohol-free solution made from natural ingredients and extracts, suitable for children aged 3 and over. This gel creates a protective barrier for mouth ulcers and minor mouth sores, and what’s more, it doesn’t sting!
You now know how to treat a mouth ulcer and prevent it from occurring. By avoiding certain foods and adopting good oral hygiene habits, you will no longer have any reason to be bothered by these unwanted and painful intruders.
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