Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Stress and Aphthous Ulcers

February 7, 2025Elce-Clinic-Admin treatment

Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Stress and Aphthous Ulcers

Introduction

Oral ulcers, commonly known as canker sores or stress ulcers, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth. These ulcers can appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth, making eating, drinking, and even speaking uncomfortable. While they are typically not serious, recurring or severe oral ulcers can significantly impact daily life. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of oral ulcers, including those triggered by stress and gastrointestinal issues.

What Are Oral Ulcers?

Oral ulcers are open sores that develop inside the mouth. They are usually round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border. These sores can range from small to large and may appear individually or in clusters. The most common types of oral ulcers are:

Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores)

These are the most common type and are typically shallow, round sores.
Often caused by minor injuries, stress, or a weakened immune system.
They can make speaking and eating painful but usually heal on their own in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Stress Ulcers

More likely to form when the body is under significant physical or emotional stress.
These ulcers can be more severe and might appear as larger, more painful sores.

Common Causes of Oral Ulcers

Several factors can contribute to the formation of oral ulcers. Some of the most common causes include:

Stress

Emotional or physical stress can weaken the immune system and trigger the development of oral ulcers.
Stress is a well-known factor that can lead to frequent outbreaks of mouth sores.

Injury or Trauma

Biting the inside of your cheek or tongue, brushing your teeth too hard, or eating hard or spicy foods can cause minor injuries inside the mouth, leading to the development of ulcers.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing aphthous ulcers.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation or pregnancy, can make some women more prone to developing oral ulcers.

Infections

Viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus, can sometimes cause sores in the mouth.
Bacterial and fungal infections may also contribute to oral ulcer formation.

Underlying Health Conditions

Certain conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and autoimmune disorders can increase the likelihood of recurrent aphthous ulcers.

Medications

Some medications, particularly those used for cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or those that affect the immune system, can cause oral ulcers as a side effect.

Symptoms of Oral Ulcers

The main symptoms of oral ulcers include:

Painful Sores: These sores can be very painful, especially when eating or drinking.
White or Yellowish Center: The ulcers usually have a white or yellow center with a red, inflamed border.
Swelling: The area around the ulcer may appear swollen and tender.
Difficulty Eating or Speaking: Ulcers can make it hard to chew, swallow, or speak comfortably.
Number and Size: Ulcers can vary in size and may appear individually or in groups. Larger or more frequent ulcers may require medical attention.

Treatment Options for Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, but there are several ways to reduce pain and speed up recovery:

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Topical Ointments: Medications like benzocaine or corticosteroid gels can be applied directly to the ulcer to reduce pain and inflammation.
Mouth Rinses: Saltwater rinses or antiseptic mouthwashes can help cleanse the mouth and promote healing.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter painkiller medications can help alleviate discomfort.

Home Remedies

Saltwater Rinse: Mixing salt with warm water and rinsing the mouth with it can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Honey: Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can soothe the ulcer.
Aloe Vera Gel: Applying aloe vera gel directly to the ulcer can help calm the pain and reduce inflammation.

Avoid Irritants

Avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods to prevent further irritation to the ulcer.
Use a gentle toothbrush to avoid injuring the inside of your mouth, which could trigger another ulcer.

Nutritional Supplements

If nutritional deficiencies are contributing to the formation of oral ulcers, taking supplements for vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron may help.

Prescription Medications

If ulcers are persistent or severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger treatments, such as topical steroids, to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Gel with local anesthetic action and antiseptic property like Zytee also will be helpful for quick healing.

Stomach and Intestinal Health and Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers

In addition to stress and trauma, gastrointestinal (GI) issues can also contribute to the formation of recurrent oral ulcers. If you have chronic digestive issues, it may be important to address the underlying cause. Below are some common GI problems linked to mouth ulcers:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a disorder that causes stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
People with IBS may experience more frequent oral ulcers, likely due to the gut-brain connection and the inflammation associated with IBS.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
This condition can damage the small intestine, leading to nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of oral ulcers.
A gluten-free diet is the most effective treatment for managing this condition.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the GI tract.
Mouth ulcers are a common symptom of Crohn’s disease and may appear during flare-ups of the disease.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which may contribute to oral ulcers.
The acid can irritate the mouth and throat, potentially leading to ulcer formation.

H. Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that infects the stomach lining and can lead to ulcers in the stomach and upper intestines.
This infection may also be linked to oral ulcers, as the chronic inflammation caused by H. pylori affects the entire digestive system.

Diagnosis

Endoscopy and Colonoscopy: These procedures help diagnose stomach and large intestine lesions of the above conditions and allow for biopsy collection.
CT Scan: Helps determine the extent of intestinal lesions.
Expert Consultation: ELCE hospital has a team of gastroenterologists who specialize in intestinal-related conditions.

Conclusion

Oral ulcers are common and usually not serious, but recurrent or severe ulcers can disrupt your daily life. While stress, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies are common causes, underlying gastrointestinal issues such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, or GERD can also contribute to the development of aphthous ulcers. Identifying and managing any digestive health issues, along with treating mouth ulcers with proper care, can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

If you experience frequent or persistent oral ulcers, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.