65 Best Doctors for Mouth Sores available in Hyderabad

What are mouth sores?

Mouth Sores are very common ailments affecting many individuals at some point in their lives. Sores appear on the soft tissues in the mouth that includes lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth. Mouth sores can spread to the esophagus (tube leading to the stomach) as well. Mouth sores can cause minor irritation and last only a week or two. In a few cases, mouth sores indicate mouth cancer or infection from a virus such as herpes simplex.

Which conditions cause mouth sores?

Conditions causing mouth sores are:

• Cold sores
• Anemia
• Gingivostomatitis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Canker sores
• Folate deficiency
• Oral thrush
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Leukoplakia
• Oral lichen planus
• Celiac disease
• Mouth cancer
• Pemphigus vulgaris

What are the symptoms of mouth sores?

The symptoms of mouth sores are:

• Redness of the mouth
• Pain while eating and drinking
• Burning or tingling sensation around the sores
• Difficulty in swallowing, talking, breathing, etc.
• Development of blister

Few major symptoms are:

• Sores can be bigger than half an inch in diameter
• Outbreaks of mouth sores
• Fever
• Diarrhea 

What causes mouth sores?

Mouth sore may develop in the individuals who

• Bites the tongue, cheek or lip
• Burns their mouth
• Experiences irritation from sharp objects such as retainer, braces, dentures, etc
• Brushes their teeth too hard or uses a hard toothbrush
• Chews tobacco
• Have herpes simplex virus

An individual is more likely to get mouth sores due to:

• Weak immune system
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Vitamin deficiency such as folate and B12
• Crohn’s diseases or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

How to treat mouth sores?

Mouth sores with minor symptoms go away naturally within 10 to 14 days but can even last up to 6 weeks. Some home remedies can help in reducing the symptoms and speed up the healing process are:

• Avoiding hot, spicy, citrus-based, salty, and sugary foods
• Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided
• Saltwater gargle
• Consuming cold foods such as ice, popsicles, etc
• Taking pain medications such as acetaminophen
• Squeezing or picking of the sores should be avoided
• A thin paste of baking soda and water should be applied
• A solution of hydrogen peroxide and water should be dabbed on the sores

If an individual consults a healthcare provider then the treatment options are:

• Pain medication, an anti-inflammatory drug, or steroid gel.
• If the sores are due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infection then the doctor may prescribe the medications to treat the infection.
• In the case of mouth cancer, a biopsy will be taken first and later surgery or chemotherapy. 

How can mouth sores be prevented?

The absolute ways to prevent mouth sores are none, but certain steps to avoid them are:

• Very hot foods and drinks should be avoided
• One should chew food items slowly
• Using a soft toothbrush and regular dental hygiene
• Reduce stress
• Eating a balanced diet
• Eliminating the food irritants that may cause mouth sores
• Consume vitamins supplements
• Consume plenty of water
• Should avoid smoking and chewing tobacco
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption
• Use a lip balm with SPF15 when stepping out in the sun