Mouth Ulcers

OUCH IN THE MOUTH

MOUTH ULCERS NORMALLY HEAL WITHOUT TREATMENT IN AROUND 1-2 WEEKS

Oral or mouth ulcers are one of the most common discomforts experienced by many, affecting about 20 percent of the population. It is more predominant among those who are 16 to 25 years old and rarely affects those over 55 years of age.It is a discomforting disorder, as it can get quite painful and may  cause difficulties in speaking and swallowing. Yet, it is not often considered an ailment which necessitates a doctor's consultation. Most victims would either bear the pain and related discomforts or resort to self treatment options.

Oral ulcers, also referred to as apthous ulcers, appear as open sores or lesions that are white or grey with a red border, accompanied by redness, inflammation and pain.

WHAT CAUSES MOUTH ULCERS?
Mouth ulcers can be attributed, but are not limited, to one or more of the following factors:

Mouth ulcer

1.  Trauma or injury
2. Microbial infections caused by certain fungi or viruses
3. Weak or compromised immune system
4. some other systemic or underlying disorder
5. Mucocutaneous disorder
6. Side effects of certain mediications
7. Disturbed metabolism
8. Allergic reactions
9. Gastrointestinal disorders
10. Unhealthy dietary habits
11. Nutrient deficiencies
12. Stress and anxiety
13. Hormonal changes

Stress and anxiety

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Thankfully, we cannot get mouth ulcers from someone else, which also means that we will not get it from kissing someone or sharing drinking glasses.

The following conditions can result in ulcers or sores in the mouth:

• Oral mucositis causes inflammation, swelling and ulcers and is mostly associated with an underlying disorder or treatment side effect.
• Oral thrush or candidiasis is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It appears as creamy white lesions or white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks,  gums or roof of the mouth.
• Leukoplakia is often characterized by small, thick, white patches under the cheeks, on the gums or tongue. One of its sub-types, called oral hairy leukoplakia, is common in people who are infected by HIV.
• Oral lichen planus often appears as thin white patches or dots or lines in the mouth or tongue. It can also go on to affect the gums, causing the external surface to peel off. leaving the sore open and red.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day

• Cold sores, also called fever blister or herpes sores, are caused by he herpes simplex virus (HSV). They usually appear as fluid-filled blisters around the lips or outside of the mouth. They are very contagious.
• Herpetifor ulcers are multiple (as many as 100)pinhead-sized sores that merge to form larger, irregular-shaped ulcers that can be very painful.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT MOUTH ULCERS?

1. Check your mouth at least once a day for any open sores, lesions or inflammation, so that a more accurate history can be given to your healthcare provider during consultation.
2. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using mild and non-abrasive toothbrush.
3. If you wear dentures, remove the dentures and clean them thoroughly, especially after meals.
4. Keep your lips moist using a lip balm or petroleum jelly or cocoa butter.
5. Drink plenty of water regularly
6. If you floss regularly, continue to do so. It is a healthy dental hygiene practice.

Floss regularly

      7. Avoid food that is too spicy, salty or sweet.

      8. Avoid acidic food and drink.

      9. Eat small and more frequent meals.

      10. Eliminate or reduce stress levels.

      11. Exercise regularly.

      12. Get regular oral check-ups.

Get regular oral check-up

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Mouth ulcers normally heal without treatment in around 1-2 weeks. You can use a homemade solution of salt mixed in warm water to rinse your mouth. You may also wish to try mouth sprays or gets which can be bought at pharmacies to lessen the pain, but take care to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this will further irritate the ulcer.

However, if your mouth sore or ulcer doesn't seem to be healing and there are other signs and symptoms such as fever, it is time to see your Pharmacist, dentist or doctor.

Here are type of medicine that we keep in Pantai Hillpark Pharmacy.

ALOCLAIR PLUS SPRAY (15ML)

•          HELPS GIVE FAST RELIEF FROM PAIN CAUSED BY MOUTH ULCER
•      DOES NOT STING, ACT LOCALLY, NO ALCOHOL
• SUITABLE FOR THE USE ADULTS AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
• USE 3-4 TIMES A DAY, OR AS A NEEDED

ORAL AID LOTION (6ML)

• AN ANAESTHETIC, ANTIBACTERIAL, AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENT
• USED IN MOUTH INFECTION OR ORAL LESIONS
•  IT HEALS AND RELIEVE PAIN
• APPLY TO THE AFFECTED AREA, UP TO EVERY 1-2 HOURS AS REQUIRED

KANOLONE ORAL BASE

•  IT IS FOR ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT
•  FOR THE TEMPORARY RELIEF OF SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH ORAL INFLAMMATORY LESIONS
• ULCERATIVE LESIONS RESULTING FROM TRAUMA
• APPLY A SMALL DAB OF KANOLONE TO THE LESIONS 3-4 TIMES A DAY PREFERABLY AFTER MEALS

DEXALTIN ORAL PASTE

•  INTRACTABLE STOMATITIS OR GLOSSITIS ASSOCIATED WITH EROSION OR ULCERATION
•  USUALLY APPLYAN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF DEXALTIN ORAL PASTE TO THE AFFECTED AREA 1 TO SEVERAL TIMES DAILY.

BONJELA

• FAST ACTING GEL FOR TEETHING AND MOUTH ULCER
• SSUGAR FREE
• PAIN RELEIVING GEL AND REDUCES INFLAMMATION
•  MASSAGE APPROXIMATELY ONE CENTIMETRE OF BONJELA ONTO THE SORE AREA. THIS CAN BE REPEATED AFTER 3 HOURS.

HURIX’S CREAM FOR MOUTH ULCER

• PLUS WITH ALOE VERA
• TRADITIONALLY USED TO RELIEVE MOUTH ULCER AND PAIN DUE TO BODY HEATINESS
• APPLY THIS CREAM ON THE AFFECTED AREA 3-4 TIMES DAILY

ICEZON BODYCOOL EFFERVESCENT

•  TO RELIEVE BODY HEATINESS
• MOUTH ULCER AND SORE THROAT
• ADULT : USE 1 SACHET EACH TIME , 3 TIMES A DAY FOR
•  CHILDREN ABOVE 6 YEARS : USE 1 SACHET A DAY

BACTIDOL MOUTHWASH 250ML

•  RELIEVES MOUTH ULCERS AND SORE THROATS
• PROTECTS AGAINST ORAL BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL INFECTIONS
• THOROUGHLY RINSE THE MOUTH OR GARGLE WITH AT LEAST 15ML  FOR 45 SECONDS, 2-3 TIMES DAILY. DO NOT DILUTE.
• FOR THE BEST RESULTS DO NOT RINSE MOUTH WITH WATER AFTER USING BACTIDOL.

ORADEX ANTIBACTERIAL MOUTHWASH

• ORAL AID FOR MOUTH ULCERS, SORE THROAT, GINGIVITIS, DENTAL PLAQUE AND AFTER ORAL SURGERY
• LONG LASTING ACTION
• ALCOHOL FREE
• HOLD OR SWIRL AROUND THE MOUTH GENTLY WITH 15ML OF UNDILUTED MOUTHWASH FOR 30 SECONDS,THEN GARGLE A FURTHER 10 SECONDS TWICE A DAY.

ATTENTION!!

Please do refer to your doctor or pharmacist for further consultation. 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Editor : Marketing / Advertising (Shakila)

Check : Pharmacist & Assistant Pharmacist Farmasi Pantai Hillpark  

References : HT(HealthToday) edition August 2018 - page 26 & 27 from column Health, Picture from google, All product details from Farmasi Pantai Hillpark