It is an open sore inside the oral cavity.
Once formed, it may be maintained by inflammation and/or secondary infection.
The ominous
oral ulcer.
SymptomsThe symptoms preceding it may vary according to the cause of the ulcerative process.
Some oral ulcers may begin with a sharp stinging or burning sensation at the site of the future mouth ulcer. In a few days, they often progress to form a red spot or bump, followed by an open ulcer. Sometimes this takes a little bit longer, depending on the cause of the ulcer.
The oral ulcer appears as a white or yellow oval with an inflamed red border. Sometimes a white circle or halo around the lesion can be observed. The grey, white, or yellow coloured area within the red boundary is due to the formation of layers of fibrin, a protein involved in the clotting of blood. The ulcer, which itself is often
extremely painful, especially when
agitated, may be accompanied by a painful swelling of the lymph nodes below the jaw, which can be mistaken for toothache.
CausesThere are many processes which can lead to ulceration of the oral tissues. In some cases they are caused by an overreaction by the body's own immune system.
Factors that appear to provoke mouth ulcers include:
- stress
- fatigue
- illness
- injury from accidental biting
- hormonal changes
- menstruation
- sudden weight loss
- food allergies
- deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron and folic acid.
I think my current condition fulfills almost half of the listed factors.. =(TreatmentTreatments based on antibiotics and steroids are reserved for severe cases, and should be used only under medical supervision.
Some doctors may also prescribe a local anaesthetic, such as lidocaine, for cases of multiple or severe oral ulcers.
Some people benefit from using the over-the-counter topical gel Bonjela, which contains choline salicylate -- choline salicylate is a local analgesic that helps to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with oral ulcers.
But personally, I recommend SANJIN Watermelon Frost in powder form. Significantly less painful than Bonjela and direct salt applications. =)Much thanks to a friend who introduced this to me when I really couldn't take the pain anymore...
