Are Mouth Sores And Ulcers Problematic To Your Oral Health?
Have you ever experienced a mouth sore or ulcer? If so, you know that a sore or ulcer in your mouth can be extremely uncomfortable. Some people may only get mouth sores from time to time, while others are more prone to them and experience this problem regularly. You may be surprised to learn that mouth sores and ulcers can be a warning sign of a problem or complication with your oral health. Mouth sores and ulcers can appear on the cheeks, inside the lips, on the tongue, the gums, and on the floor and roof of the mouth.
What are Mouth Sores and Ulcers?
If you are unfamiliar, a mouth sore or ulcer can develop in the mouth and become noticeable when the soft tissue on the inside of the mouth is abraded. You will typically notice a spot that feels extremely sore and may appear red, yellow, or white. Some people only experience a sore from time to time, for example, when they bite the side of their cheek, while others may experience multiple sores at a time. These stores can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to complications with chewing and eating and make it difficult to drink. Over-the-counter medications can help numb the area and give some relief so you are able to eat and drink as usual.
What If My Sores Aren’t Healing?
If you notice that your mouth sores and ulcers are not healing within a week or two, you may be experiencing a complication with your oral health. As mentioned above, some sores can be caused by biting the inside of your mouth, while others may be due to irritation from orthodontic treatment or poor oral hygiene; however, some sores and ulcers can be an indication that you have a serious problem with your overall or oral health. Sores that do not heal as expected manner can indicate oral cancer or bacterial or fungal infection.
If you are in Spring Hill, Florida or the surrounding area and regularly experience mouth sores or ulcers, we recommend contacting our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We are more than happy to check your oral health to ensure you are not experiencing any complications. We look forward to hearing from you soon.