Mouth ulcers (patient information)

Mouth ulcers

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Mouth ulcers?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Mouth ulcers

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Contents

* 1 Overview
* 2 What are the symptoms of Mouth ulcers?
* 3 What causes Mouth ulcers?
* 4 Who is at highest risk?
* 5 Diagnosis
* 6 When to seek urgent medical care?
* 7 Treatment options
* 8 Where to find medical care for Mouth ulcers?
* 9 What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
* 10 Possible complications
* 11 Prevention of Mouth ulcers
* 12 Sources

## Overview

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Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.

## What are the symptoms of Mouth ulcers?

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Symptoms vary and depend on the specific cause of the mouth ulcer. In general, symptoms may include:

* Open sores in the mouth
* Pain or discomfort in the mouth

## What causes Mouth ulcers?

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Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:

* Canker sores
* Gingivostomatitis
* Herpes simplex (fever blister)
* Leukoplakia
* Oral cancer
* Oral lichen planus
* Oral thrush

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

## Who is at highest risk?

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Individuals who have been diagnosed with these conditions may have a higher risk:

* Canker sores
* Gingivostomatitis
* Herpes simplex (fever blister)
* Leukoplakia
* Oral cancer
* Oral lichen planus
* Oral thrush

## Diagnosis

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

## When to seek urgent medical care?

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Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your mouth ulcers don't go away after 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers return frequently, or if new symptoms develop.

## Treatment options

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The goal of treatment is to relieve 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 directly to the ulcer.

Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.

## Where to find medical care for Mouth ulcers?

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Mouth ulcers

## What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

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The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are harmless and heal without treatment.

There are types of cancer, however, that may first appear as a mouth ulcer that does not heal. See: Squamous cell carcinoma

## Possible complications

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* Cellulitis of the mouth, from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers
* Dental infections (tooth abscesses)
* Oral cancer
* Spread of contagious disorders to other people

## Prevention of Mouth ulcers

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Good oral hygiene may help prevent some types of mouth ulcers, as well as 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 cleanings and examinations.

## Sources

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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001448.htm

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