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Mouth ulcers

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Oral thrush
Oral thrush
Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)
Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa
Mouth sores
Mouth sores

Alternative Names    Return to top

Oral ulcer; Stomatitis - ulcerative; Ulcer - mouth

Definition    Return to top

Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions within the mouth, caused by various disorders. (See also mouth sores or canker sores)

Causes    Return to top

Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:

The skin lesion of histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer.

Canker sores are more common in young adults than in children or older adults.

Symptoms    Return to top

The appearance and exact location of lesions varies with the specific disorder.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer, based on the appearance and location of the lesion. Blood tests or a skin biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause of the problem.

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is relief of symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical (rubbed on) antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended for applying on top of the ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are benign and heal without specific treatment. Rarely, chronic mouth ulcers can develop into oral cancer.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your mouth ulcers persist for longer than 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers return frequently, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention    Return to top

Good oral hygiene may help in the prevention of some types of mouth ulcers. It may also help to prevent some complications from mouth ulcers. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth at least twice per day, flossing at least daily, and getting regular professional dental cleaning and examination.

Update Date: 1/18/2007

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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