If you have recurring issues of mouth ulcers, the reasons may be any of the following:
- Stress and anxiety in daily life
Eating certain foods - such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes or wheat flour
- Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
- Stopping smoking - when you first stop smoking, you may develop mouth ulcers
An allergic response to certain bacteria in your mouth
Impaired immune system
- Bechet's disease, that causes inflammation all over the body
- Celiac Disease- an intestinal disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten a protein found in grains
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
Next Steps
Antimicrobial mouthwash can hasten healing and prevent infection of the ulcer. However, children under the age of two shouldn't use this treatment.
- Painkillers are available in the form of mouthwash, lozenge, gel or spray. You must consult a dentist before taking these. Mouthwash shouldn't be used for more than seven days in a row.
Health Tips
Avoid eating particularly hard or sharp foods (eg. toast, potato crisps)
- Do not chew gum
- Use a small-headed, soft tooth brush for brushing your teeth
- Use toothpaste that doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulphate
- Try to reduce stress and anxiety as these may also be a trigger for some people