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A mouth ulcer is also known as a canker sore. They are often a round or oval irritation that affects the soft tissues of the mouth. The soft tissues include the gums, under the tongue, and the inside of the lips. The lesions usually have red borders with a white or yellow center and are a painful experience that usually decreases in occurrence as people age. Most often they appear for a couple weeks as small and minor lesions. However, they may also last for varying amounts of time as large sores or clusters. A canker sore is not the same as a cold sore or fever blister which are caused by a herpes virus. For the most part canker sores are not contagious, but any bacterial cause might be.

Causes and the risk of getting one
Women tend to suffer from them more than men, as well as anyone with a family history of their occurrence. They are sometimes caused by spicy or salty foods irritating the lining of the mouth. Other causes include acidic fruits such as citrus, infection with the bacterium associated with peptic ulcers called Heliobacter pylori, a suppressed immune system as in the case with HIV infection, and certain gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or Behcet's disease. Avoiding the irritating foods or treating the underlying cause can help clear up the outbreak.

Standard Self-care
Minor eruptions tend to disappear on their own without intervention, though some simple steps can be taken to help alleviate the pain and aid in healing. A baking soda paste covering the area, dabbing milk of magnesia on the irritations, using over-the-counter numbing agents, or rubbing the area with ice chips are all options. Avoiding abrasive foods and brushing the teeth gently will also help speed up the healing process. Several mouth rinses may also be beneficial including the use of salt water, water containing a small amount of baking soda, diluted hydrogen peroxide, or benadryl. It is important to remember to spit out the rinses and to not swallow!

Treating Major Outbreaks
When pain is severe, the lesion is large, the irritation prevents eating, or there is bleeding it is best to seek a professional medical opinion. For more severe occurrences, a doctor or dentist may recommend mouth rinses containing an antibiotic, over-the-counter or prescription topical pastes, steroid medications to decrease the inflammation, or Debacterol, a chemical that is used to cauterize wounds. Zinc lozenges as well as Vitamin B and C complex or acidophilus supplements are also believed to be beneficial and are an alternative to medications.

Preventing Mouth Ulcers
Prevention consists of good dental hygiene and maintaining a healthy and non-irritating diet. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing after every meal as well as protecting the lining of the mouth from orthodontic appliances and chewing carefully to avoid biting the inside of the mouth. Avoiding toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate may also be beneficial. It is recommended to limit the intake of irritating foods such as citrus acid as well as particularly spicy or salty foods. As with any other health problem it is important to choose foods high in essential vitamins such as folate, zinc, and B12. Also, follow any professional medical advice for preventing recurring canker sores.

References:
MayoClinic.co m
MedLine Plus

Learn more about this author, Alicia M Prater PhD.
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