- Trauma from cheek/lip biting or irritation from a chipped tooth,
- Allergies to certain foods,
- Nutritional deficiencies(iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid) and
- Stress: Many tend to develop mouth ulcers around an examination period due to the stress of preparation.
- Physical stress: either at work or school during examinations.
- Emotional/Psychological stress: dealing with a struggling relationship, a break up or demise of a loved one.
- A weak immune system caused by an illness/infection.
Stress sores are commoner in females than males and are non contagious i.e, they can not be contacted by sharing cutlery.
Presentation
Sores are associated with pain and discomfort when chewing or drinking. The severity depends on the area of the mouth the sore is. Pain could also affect talking or swallowing.
Treatment.
Sores heal within 7-14days without any treatment. However, the following will reduce pain and prevent it from worsening:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene
- Avoid touching/rubbing sores with tongue/fingers
- Avoid peppery/salty food
- Avoid acidic fruits
- Drink fluids
- Use warm water and salt mouth rinse
- Numbing gels sold over the counter can be applied on the surface to reduce pain.
- Pain relieving medications such as paracetamol will reduce pain and discomfort.
For warm water and salt rinse, see Warm water and salt rinse Benefits
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