What Are Mouth Irritations And Oral Lesions?

The following signs may indicate a mouth sore or oral lesion:

• Mouth ulcers are small white swellings or sores surrounded by an area of redness. Mouth ulcers may be the result of minor trauma in the mouth such as slipping with the toothbrush, biting the lip or cheek or sharp food scraping the gums.
• Aphthous ulcers are common and often recur. They can be minor (small), major (larger) or herpetiform (multiple, in groups or clusters). 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 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. However, for some people the virus remains inactive.
• Leukoplakia looks like a thick, white patch on the inner cheek, gums or tongue. It is often associated with smoking and smokeless tobacco use, although other causes include badly fitting dentures, broken teeth and chewing on one's cheek. It is estimated that 5 per cent of leukoplakia cases progress to cancer*.
• Candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, is a fungal infection caused by candida albicans (yeast). It can be recognised by the creamy or yellow-white patches that occur on moist surfaces in the mouth. Tissues under the patch, are red and can be painful. Thrush is most common among denture wearers, newborns, those debilitated by disease, and those whose immune system is not functioning properly. People who have a dry mouth, or who are taking or have just completed antibiotic treatment, are also susceptible.

Treatment varies according to the type of condition you have. For the most common types of oral lesions and disorders, described above, treatment is as follows:

• Mouth ulcers usually heal after seven to ten days. Non-prescription topical ointments and pain relievers can provide temporary relief. Rinsing with antimicrobial mouth rinses may help reduce the irritation.
• Cold sores and resulting 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 dental professional, doctor or pharmacist.
• Leukoplakia treatment begins by removing the factors causing the lesions. Smokers should be encouraged to quit smoking. For others, it means removing ill-fitting dentures and replacing them with properly fitting ones. Your dentist will monitor your condition, examining the lesion at three to six month intervals, depending on its type, location and size.
• Candidiasis treatment consists of controlling the conditions that cause the outbreaks.
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  • Cleaning dentures is important in preventing denture-induced problems. Removing dentures at night can help.
  • If antibiotics or oral contraceptives are the cause, reducing the dose or changing the treatment may help, in consultation with your healthcare professional.
  • Anti-fungal medications may be recommended by your health care professional.
  • Good oral hygiene is essential.

Cold sore	Mouth ulcer

* The Complete Guide to Better Dental Care, Jeffrey F. Taintor, D.D.S., M.S., and Mary Jane Taintor, 1997