Mouth Ulcers: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Mouth ulcers, or canker sores as they are often called, are painful but small lesions that form in the mouth or at the gum base. Even though they are generally benign and heal in one to two weeks, they can be irritating when eating, drinking, or speaking. Proper management and prevention are possible if the underlying cause, symptoms, and treatment methods are understood.

What Are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are open lesions that develop in the interior of the mouth. They are typically white, yellow, or grey with a red edge and may be any size. These sores can develop on the interior of the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, or the top of the mouth. Mouth ulcers are not contagious, and they are not caused by the herpes virus.

Types of Mouth Ulcers
1 Minor Ulcers: They are the most frequent. Small, oval in shape, and they tend to heal without a scar within 7–14 days.

2 Major Ulcers: Bigger and deeper, these ulcers will take weeks to heal and may leave a scar.

3 Herpetiform Ulcers: A group of many small ulcers that may join together to form a large sore. Not connected to herpes despite the name.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers
There are several factors that can lead to the onset of mouth ulcers:

1 Injury or Trauma: Chewing your cheek or tongue while eating, the use of a hard toothbrush, or braces on teeth cause ulcers.

2 Nutritional Deficiencies: Insufficiency of necessary nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, folate, and zinc.

3 Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress is known to interfere with the immune system and create mouth sores.

4 Hormonal Changes: Frequently observed in women during menstrual periods, pregnancy, or menopause.

5 Specific Foods: Acid or hot foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and chocolate can cause ulcers.

6 Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, lupus, or Behçet's disease.

7 Allergic Reaction: To toothpaste, mouthwash, or some food additives such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

8 Quitting Smoking: Some individuals develop ulcers upon quitting smoking since their body readjusts.

Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
1 A painful sore or sores in your mouth

2 Red or inflamed tissue surrounding the sore

3 Painful eating, drinking, or talking

4 Tingling or burning feeling before the sore forms

5 Swollen area around the sore

6 In bad cases: fever, swollen glands, or general pain

How to Cure Mouth Ulcers
Most mouth ulcers will go away by themselves, but there are a few treatments which will help speed healing and make it less uncomfortable:

Home Remedies:
1 Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth several times a day.

2 Baking Soda Paste: Combine baking soda and water and apply to the sore to counteract acids.

3 Honey or Coconut Oil: Both contain natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents.

4 Ice Chips: Sucking on ice chips can decrease pain and inflammation.

Over-the-Counter Treatments:
1 Antiseptic mouthwashes

2 Pain-relieving gels or creams (such as benzocaine or lidocaine)

3 Oral rinses with steroids (if there are severe ulcers)

4 Vitamin supplements if deficiency is diagnosed

When to See a Doctor
You should see a healthcare professional if:

1 Ulcers persist for more than three weeks

2 They continue to recur frequently

3 The pain is severe and cannot be controlled

4 There are other symptoms such as fever or skin rash

5 You have trouble eating or swallowing

Preventing Mouth Ulcers
1 Practice good oral hygiene

2 Avoid spicy, acidic, or salty foods that can irritate the mouth

3 Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

4 Do not use toothpaste and mouthwashes containing SLS

5 Minimize stress using meditation or exercise

6 Drink plenty of water and have a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals

Conclusion
Mouth ulcers, though typically harmless, may disrupt your day-to-day life because of the discomfort they cause. But happily, with proper care and attention to oral health, diet, and lifestyle, you can manage and prevent them effectively. However, if ulcers are recurring or persistent, it could be an indication of an underlying health issue—so don't delay in consulting the professionals. Keep in mind: a healthy mouth is a reflection of a healthy body!