What are Mouth Irritations and Oral Lesions?
Mouth irritations and oral lesions are swellings, spots or sores on your mouth, lips or tongue. Although there are numerous types of mouth sores and disorders, among the most common are canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis (thrush). If you have a mouth sore, you're not alone-around one third of all people are affected at some point. Nonetheless, mouth sores, irritations and lesions can be painful, unsightly and can interfere with eating and speaking. Any mouth sore that persists for a week or more should be examined by your dentist. A biopsy (tissue taken for testing) may be advised and can usually determine the cause, ruling out such serious diseases as cancer or HIV.
How do I Know if I Have a Mouth Sore or Oral Lesion?
Canker sores are small white swellings or sores surrounded by an area of redness. While canker sores are not contagious, they are often confused with cold sores, which are caused by the contagious herpes virus. It may help to remember that canker sores occur inside the mouth, while cold sores usually occur outside the mouth.
Canker sores are common and often recur. Although the exact cause is uncertain, some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved. Factors such as stress, trauma, allergies, cigarette smoking, iron or other vitamin deficiencies, and heredity may also make one susceptible.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes simplex, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are usually caused by a type of herpes virus and are very contagious. The first infection often occurs in children, sometimes without symptoms, and may be confused with a cold or flu. Once a person is infected, the virus stays in the body, occasionally causing recurrent attacks. For some people, however, the virus remains inactive.
How are Mouth Irritations and Oral Lesions Treated?
Treatment varies according to the type of condition you have.
Canker Sores usually heal after seven to 10 days, although recurrent outbreaks are common. Non-prescription topical ointments and pain relievers can provide temporary relief. Rinsing with antimicrobial mouth rinses may help reduce the irritation. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to reduce secondary infection
For Cold Sores, the blisters usually heal in about a week. Because there is no cure for herpes infections, the blisters may reoccur during times of emotional upset, exposure to sunlight, allergies or fever. Non-prescription topical anaesthetics can provide temporary relief. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections — ask your dentist or physician.
Good oral hygiene is essential.
If you would like more information, we welcome you to visit or contact our office, or visit our website at www.dentistryatmain.com. Evening and Saturday hours available. New patients are always welcome.
