Common Types of Mouth Ulcers

Common Types of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are a common oral health issue that can cause significant discomfort. While there are several types of mouth ulcers, the most frequently encountered varieties include:

Minor Aphthous Ulcers:

These are the most common type of mouth ulcers, affecting about 80% of canker sore sufferers. Minor aphthous ulcers are typically small (less than 1 cm in diameter), oval-shaped, and have a white or yellow center with a red border. They usually appear on the inside of the lips, cheeks, or tongue. These ulcers are painful but generally heal on their own within 7-14 days without scarring.

Major Aphthous Ulcers:

These are larger and deeper than minor ulcers, often exceeding 1 cm in diameter. Major aphthous ulcers can be extremely painful and may take several weeks to heal, sometimes leaving a scar. They are less common than minor ulcers but can be more debilitating due to their size and duration.

Herpetiform Ulcers:

Despite their name, these ulcers are not caused by the herpes virus. Herpetiform ulcers appear as clusters of very small (1-2 mm) lesions that may merge into larger, irregular-shaped sores. They can be extremely painful and typically heal within 7-10 days.

Traumatic Ulcers:

These ulcers are caused by physical injury to the mouth, such as accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, burning your mouth with hot food, or irritation from dental appliances like braces or ill-fitting dentures. Traumatic ulcers usually heal within a few days once the source of irritation is removed.

Nutritional Deficiency Ulcers:

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid, can lead to the development of mouth ulcers. These ulcers may be accompanied by other symptoms related to the specific nutritional deficiency.

Ulcers Associated with Systemic Conditions:

Some mouth ulcers can be a symptom of underlying systemic conditions such as Beh?et's disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, or HIV/AIDS. These ulcers may be more persistent and recurrent than typical canker sores.

Viral Ulcers:

While not technically canker sores, viral infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause ulcers in the mouth. These are often referred to as cold sores or fever blisters and typically appear on the lips or around the mouth rather than inside it.

Medication-Induced Ulcers:

Certain medications, particularly those used in chemotherapy or drugs like nicorandil (used for angina), can cause mouth ulcers as a side effect.

When examining a mouth ulcer, it's important to note its characteristics:

Size and shape: Is it small and round, or large and irregular?

Color: Typically, the center is white or yellow with a red border.

Location: Where in the mouth is it located? On the tongue, inside the cheek, on the gums, etc.

Number: Is it a single ulcer or multiple ulcers?

Duration: How long has it been present? Is it recurring?

Associated symptoms: Is there fever, swollen lymph nodes, or other systemic symptoms?

While most mouth ulcers are benign and will heal on their own, it's important to seek medical attention if an ulcer persists for more than three weeks, is unusually large, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. In rare cases, persistent ulcers could be a sign of oral cancer, so it's crucial not to ignore them.

Treatment for mouth ulcers typically focuses on pain relief and promoting healing. This may include over-the-counter topical treatments, prescription medications for more severe cases, and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence.