At Emirates Hospital, we understand that recurrent mouth ulcers can be painful and disruptive, affecting eating, speaking, and overall comfort. While occasional ulcers are common, frequent or persistent mouth ulcers may indicate underlying health conditions that require medical attention.
Causes of Recurrent Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers or canker sores, can result from nutritional deficiencies, immune responses, infections, or systemic diseases. Identifying the cause helps in effective management.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid can contribute to frequent mouth ulcers.
- Stress & Hormonal Changes: Emotional stress or hormonal fluctuations (e.g., menstrual cycle changes) can trigger ulcer outbreaks.
- Trauma & Irritation: Biting the inside of the cheek, sharp teeth, braces, or ill-fitting dentures can cause recurrent sores.
- Food Sensitivities & Allergies: Certain spicy, acidic, or citrus foods can aggravate or trigger ulcers.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions like autoimmune diseases (Behçet’s disease, lupus) can lead to chronic mouth ulcers.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis may contribute to persistent oral ulcers.
- Viral or Bacterial Infections: Conditions like herpes simplex virus (HSV), hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or Helicobacter pylori infection can cause recurrent ulcers.
Diagnosis of Recurrent Mouth Ulcers
A thorough evaluation helps determine the cause and severity of recurrent mouth ulcers for appropriate treatment.
- Physical Examination & Medical History: Assesses ulcer patterns, frequency, and possible triggers.
- Blood Tests: Checks for nutritional deficiencies, infections, and autoimmune markers.
- Oral Swab & Biopsy: Helps rule out viral infections or precancerous lesions.
- Gastrointestinal & Immune System Assessment: Identifies underlying conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Treatment for Recurrent Mouth Ulcers
Treatment focuses on pain relief, healing support, and preventing recurrence.
- Topical gels and mouth rinses (antiseptic, steroid-based, or numbing agents) help reduce pain and promote healing.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements correct nutritional deficiencies contributing to ulcers.
- Stress management and lifestyle modifications minimize triggers like anxiety or poor diet.
- Medications for underlying conditions (immune disorders, gastrointestinal diseases) manage chronic ulcer formation.
- Avoiding irritants and maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent ulcer recurrence and speed up healing.
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