Mouth sores are considered as one of the common oral conditions that affect one or people at least once in their life. Typically, mouth sores are characterized as ulcerative lesions that form on the soft tissues of the mouth. The most common
Mouth sores are considered as one of the common oral conditions that affect one or people at least once in their life. Typically, mouth sores are characterized as ulcerative lesions that form on the soft tissues of the mouth. The most common areas in the mouth involve the gums, tongue, roof of the mouth and floor of the mouth, lips and inner cheeks.
Additionally, some different areas that may support the development of mouth sores include the lining of the esophagus and throat. Many dental conditions like gingivostomatitis, oral infections, cancerous lesions in the mouth, cold sore, and nutritional deficiencies are associated with the occurrence of mouth sores.
Several potential factors may cause this painful oral condition. The treatment depends on the type of cause. However, the symptomatic approach is the first line of treatment. Let’s read further to know more about the development of this unique oral condition.
What are mouth sores?
Mouth sores are characterized as small painful ulcerative lesions that develop on the oral tissues. The common sites of mouth sores formation include the tongue, lips, inner cheeks, palate, and the gums. Most of the mouth sores are self-healing and heal in a span of 7-14 days. However, some may be contagious and may require prompt treatment. (1) Typically, mouth sores can be characterized in to two types –
Canker sores are usually characterized by the formation of shallow, white to yellow lesions that are often surrounded by a red, inflamed border. Canker sores are generally non-contagious. These lesions are painful and tender even to touch. The most common sites for sore canker formation include the tongue, inner cheek, throat, lips, and gums.
Cold sores, on the other hand, form in clusters. These are characterized as fluid filled blisters commonly found on the lip or the skin surrounding the lips. Moreover, cold sores can breakout to form oozing, crusty ulcerative lesions. Cold sores may also develop under the nose or chin. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are highly contagious and often transmit the herpes simplex infection. The treatment for cold sore mainly includes anti-retroviral medication.
What are the different causes of mouth sores?
There is a wide range of potential causes that may lead to the formation of mouth sore. Some of the minor factors may include the following –
- Cut on the tongue, inner cheek or lip
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Traumatic injury to the oral tissues from a sharp object like orthodontic wire, retainer or dentures
- Improper brushing habits that include brushing too hard with the toothbrush
- A practice of smoking tobacco
- Incidence of herpes simplex infection
A deficiency in the health system or immunity of the body can also form the mouth sores. Some of these conditions include –
- The weak immune system caused by stress and illness
- Hormonal changes
- Vitamin deficiency foe example deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate (2)
- Presence of Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel movements
Other potential causes of mouth sores may include –
- Medication like sulfa drugs, phenytoin, and other over-the-counter drugs
- Impetigo may cause oozing, honey colored, crusted extremely painful mouth sores.
- Mouth piercings in the tongue, lip or cheeks
- Poorly fitted dentures
- Excessive stress
- Bleeding disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bacterial, viral or fungal infections
- Excessive radiotherapy and chemotherapy
What are the characteristic signs and symptoms of mouth sores?
Mouth sores are typically characterized as fluid filled blisters or ulcerative lesions in the mouth. The severity of the symptoms depends upon the size and location of the mouth sore. Some of the characteristic features of mouth sores are listed below.
Immediate signs and symptoms
Some of the immediate signs and symptoms of mouth sores include –
- Pain and discomfort
- Difficulty in eating, drinking and chewing
- Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
- Associated burning sensation of the mouth (3)
- Tingling sensation around the lesion
- Blister formation
- Red sores that may vary in size – small to more substantial than half an inch
- Frequent outbreaks of fluid filled blisters
- Joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms that may include fever, diarrhea, and nausea
Long term effects of mouth sores
Most cases of mouth sores do not have any long-term effects. However, as the severity of the condition increases, mouth sores may present with the following long-term effects –
- Mouth sores may reappear in case of herpes simplex infection or aphthous stomatitis.
- Often the mouth sores or blisters may break and leave a permanent scar on the tissue.
- Common reasons for the outbreak of mouth sores include stress, weak immune system, sun exposure, and break in the skin or mucosal layer of the mouth.
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