Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers are painful areas that appear inside the motuh. They are usually red or yellowish in colour. Ulcers can be caused by trauma due to biting the cheek or tongue, poorly fitting dentures, sharp broken teeth or dental fillings. These areas heal spontaneously or when the cause of the ulcer is removed. 

If an ulcer does not heal within two weeks it is important to consult with a dentist. 

Common causes

• Sharp broken teeth
• Sharp broken fillings
• Broken or poorly fitting dentures

Other but less common causes of oral ulcers include viral infections, cancer, side effects of some drugs and other general diseases. 

Use of topical analgesics like gels can help manage oral ulcers. Treating the cause such as replacement of old broken fillings or adjustment of poorly fititng dentures will help heal the affected areas.