Treatment for Mouth Ulcers

Most mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves in a few days. Other types of mouth ulcers, such as the apthous variety or those caused by herpes simplex infection, need medical treatment. There is no cure in the treatment of ulcers but the symptoms can be managed and the risk of complications reduced.

The range of treatment options includes:

• Avoid spicy and sour foods until the ulcers heal.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Regularly rinse your mouth out with warm, slightly salted water.
• Keep your mouth clean.
• Take pain-killing medication
• Apply antiseptic gel to the ulcers.
• Use a medicated mouthwash.
• Use steroid gels or tablets where indicated especially in an auto immune condition
• Treat apthous ulcers with anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Treat ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus with anti-viral drugs.
• Treat oral thrush with anti-fungal drugs.
• Immunosuppressant drugs are sometimes required.

Use of lasers in the treatment of mouth sores is emerging but the science behind this modality is yet to be substantiated says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

Mouth Sores

Canker Sores

The specific cause of canker sores is unknown, but many things may contribute to their development, such as certain medications, trauma to the mouth, poor nutrition, stress, bacteria or viruses, lack of sleep, sudden weight loss, and certain foods such as potatoes, citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate, cheese, and nuts.

Canker sores may also be related to a temporarily reduced immune system because of a cold or flu, hormonal changes, or low levels of vitamin B12 or folate. Even biting the inside of the cheek or chewing a sharp piece of food can trigger a canker sore.

Canker sores may result from a genetic predisposition and are considered an autoimmune disease; they are not contagious. 

About 20% people in the U.S. will have canker sores at some point during their lifetime -- women more often than men.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex type 1. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are contagious from the time the blister ruptures to the time it has completely healed. The initial infection often occurs before adulthood and may be confused with a cold or the flu. Once the person is infected with the virus, it stays in the body, becoming dormant and reactivated by such conditions as stress, fever, trauma, hormonal changes and exposure to sunlight.

When sores reappear, they tend to form in the same location. In addition to spreading to other people, the virus can also spread to another body part of the affected person, such as the eyes or genitals.

Look for treatment options in my blog next week.- Dr. Cherukuri

Stress and Oral Health

How Stress Affects Your Oral Health

Excess stress may give you a headache, a stomachache, or just a feeling of being "on edge." But too much stress could also be doing a number on your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall health.
The potential fallout from stress and anxiety that can affect your oral health includes:

• Mouth sores, including canker sores and cold sores
• Clenching of teeth and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating routines
• Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease

So how can you prevent these oral health problems?

Mouth Sores

Canker sores -- small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red -- appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even greater numbers. Although experts aren't sure what causes them -- it could be immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses -- they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of getting them. Canker sores are not contagious.
Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief from the irritation, try over-the-counter topical anesthetics. To reduce irritation, don't eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin area.
Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.

Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in a week or so. Treatment is available, including  laser therapy, over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask  Dr. Cherukuri about faster healing with laser treatment.. It's important to start treatment as soon as you notice the cold sore forming.

Teeth Grinding

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth -- during the day or at night, and often unconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.
If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. And, grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.
Ask Dr Cherukuri about what can be done for the clenching and grinding. She may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.

For more information, visit www.chinosmiles.com