Mouth ulcers are common but often overlooked. This interview with Dr Pooja Siwach (BDS, MDS), explores mouth ulcers — their causes, types, prevention, and treatment. She clarifies common myths, explains when to seek medical care, and shares practical advice on oral hygiene, diet, and stress management. The discussion emphasizes addressing root causes for lasting relief, not just symptomatic treatment.
Could you explain what mouth ulcers are, their main types, and which are most common in India?
Dr Siwach: Mouth ulcers are erosions or loss of the mucous membrane lining inside the mouth, exposing underlying tissues. This causes pain and discomfort. They are classified by cause. The most common type in India is aphthous ulcers, also called canker sores. Causes include trauma (e.g., biting the cheek, sharp tooth edges, dentures), hot liquids, hard food, certain medications, toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, or allergies. Rare causes include oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, or oral cancer. Stress can also contribute. Aphthous ulcers can occur on gums, lips, or inner cheek lining. External trauma is the main trigger.
How long do mouth ulcers take to heal naturally, and when should one consult a doctor?
Dr Siwach: Most mouth ulcers (90–95%) heal within 1–2 weeks without treatment. Consult a doctor if an ulcer persists beyond two weeks, increases in size, becomes more painful, bleeds frequently, or does not respond to over-the-counter remedies. Persistent ulcers may indicate underlying conditions such as lichen planus, hand-foot-mouth disease, Crohn’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, which require diagnosis and treatment.
What approaches are used by experts to treat mouth ulcers, and can over-the-counter products or home remedies help?
Dr Siwach: Most ulcers heal naturally. Key steps include avoiding stress, hydrating, and removing the root cause (e.g., sharp tooth, denture irritation). Over-the-counter topical anesthetics such as benzocaine gels can relieve pain. For ulcers caused by immune reactions, topical or oral steroids may be prescribed. Home remedies such as applying ice, baking soda paste, or damp tea bags may provide symptomatic relief. Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, folic acid, iron) can cause ulcers, so supplements may help in such cases. Ultimately, treatment should address the underlying cause.
Can dietary or lifestyle changes prevent mouth ulcers or help them heal faster?
Dr Siwach: Protect the oral mucous lining by brushing gently with a soft toothbrush and avoiding trauma from hard or hot foods. Avoid overly crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that may irritate the lining. Maintain good oral hygiene. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, drink plenty of fluids, and be mindful of what you eat to protect the oral lining and support healing.
How can stress management reduce recurrence of mouth ulcers?
Dr Siwach: Stress affects overall health, including oral health. Physical activity such as walking, swimming, or sports helps reduce stress. Maintain a balanced diet, limit screen time, and spend time offline with family and in nature. Gratitude practices and journaling can also help. These lifestyle habits improve immunity and reduce ulcer recurrence.
Are mouth ulcers contagious, and can they cause serious health problems if untreated?
Dr Siwach: Typical mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers) are not contagious. They are often confused with cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Ulcers may indicate underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or diabetes, which require treatment. Persistent ulcers can signal deeper health issues.
What are common myths about mouth ulcers, and how do they affect treatment?
Dr Siwach: Common myths include:
Myth: Mouth ulcers are contagious
Fact: False, except cold sores, they are not.
Myth: Every ulcer is cancerous
Fact: False; oral cancer is rare.
Myth: Only adults get ulcers
Fact: False; ulcers can occur at any age.
Myth: Ulcers will heal on their own regardless of duration
Fact: False; persistent ulcers need evaluation.
Myth: Spicy food causes ulcers
Fact: False; it may aggravate pain but does not cause ulcers.
Myth: Do not brush if you have ulcers
Fact: False; poor oral hygiene worsens the problem.
Believing such myths delays proper care and may aggravate conditions. It’s best to consult a dentist if ulcers persist.
How does misinformation about mouth ulcers affect health outcomes?
Dr Siwach: Misinformation spreads largely through social media, leading people to adopt incorrect practices that delay treatment. This can worsen ulcers or mask underlying conditions. Consulting a dentist or doctor promptly is important to address the cause rather than knowing the symptoms.
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