Ulcers, cracks and wounds – what your mouth can tell you about your health

Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium he once said that we have two ears and one mouth, so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. It’s a feeling shared by many parents, grandparents – and an American television personality Judge Judy – they like to repeat. And for good reason.

But the mouth acts as more than a means of communication or an entrance for food and drink. It is also a way to identify some internal diseases.

For example, many of us are familiar with the troublesome mouth ulcer. They are very common and often occur on the inner lining of the mouth, the tongue, or the gums – the gums. And through the gums they are irritating.

The most common type are aphthous ulcersround or oval, swollen sores that usually start out yellow and then turn grayish. They often have a red border or “halo” around them.

They don’t last very long, and any soreness or irritation can be treated with elementary painkillers or over-the-counter remedies like mouthwashes or sprays. It’s also a good idea to avoid piquant, salty, or acidic foods, which can be irritating and painful when you have a canker sore.

We are not sure what causes ulcers but connections have been drawn between physical damage caused by biting the inside of the cheek or tongue. Other possibilities include hormonal fluctuations, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and stress.

A few words of caution, though. Diminutive canker sores are short-lived and should clear up within three weeks. Be vigilant for sores that last longer than three weeks, are located near the back of the throat, or are larger than one centimeter in diameter. This is because growing, non-healing sores may indicate oral cancerOral cancer can also present as discolored patches or lumps in the mouth or throat, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or speaking, and hoarseness, among others.

It is vital to get these types of symptoms checked out by a doctor or dentist as soon as possible. Also be alert for bleeding ulcers, which could suggest cancer or infection.

Ulcers and sores in the mouth can also be caused by diseases affecting multiple organs. Crohn’s disease AND celiac disease The disease can cause recurrent ulcers – and patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Condition Behçet’s disease can cause painful, swollen joints and sores that appear not only in the mouth but also on the genitals. Ulcers can also be a sign of a weakened immune system.

So if you notice that you keep getting canker sores in your mouth – or you notice ulcers in other places or other accompanying symptoms – be sure to see a doctor.

Viral causes

Viruses can cause a variety of dots and spots to appear in and around the mouth.

Take for example the herpes simplex virus, which causes blisters called herpeswhich usually covers with a scab and heals after a week or two. Avoid skin-to-skin contact (e.g. kissing) the affected area during this time to prevent transmission of the virus.

Then there is hand, foot and mouth diseasea viral disease that occurs especially in children. It causes a rash of sores and blisters on the hands, feet, and in and around the mouth.

Even measles The virus can cause a rash inside the mouth known as Koplik’s stains. Koplik’s stains are always associated only with measles. They are white spots that look like grains of sugar or salt on the inner lining of the cheeks. They usually appear before a skin rash that starts on the head and then spreads to the body.

Cracks on the corners

Have you ever noticed pain or cracks appearing at the corners of your mouth – the areas that are pulled up when you smile? angular stomatitisalso known as inflammation of the corners of the mouth Or pearls.

This is a common condition caused by chapped or droughty lips, either due to a viral illness or frosty weather. But suppose instead of healing, the cracks continue to hurt, blister or bleed.

The causes of angular stomatitis are: extensivefrom conditions like Crohn’s and celiac disease to ill-fitting dentures and infections like thrush. Cracks in the corners of the mouth can also indicate various vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Iron deficiency is possible or low levels of zinc, folate and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) or B12.

The general rule is that if you notice any sores, ulcers, or cracks in or around your mouth that last longer than a few weeks, bleed, and don’t heal, you should see a doctor immediately.