What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are painful sores that appear on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, or inside the lips or cheeks.
Mouth ulcers remove the top layer of the mouth’s lining, meaning that nerve cells become exposed.
Food, drink, air, and saliva can then irritate these exposed nerve endings, causing even more pain and slowing down the healing process. This is why ulcers can affect your ability to concentrate, eat, drink, and even speak as normal.
What do they look like?
Mouth ulcers are round or oval and usually white, yellow, or gray in the middle with a swollen red rim around the edge.
How common are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are very common: it is estimated that around 20% of the general population will suffer from them at some time in their lives
What causes mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers can appear after your mouth has been hurt in some way – perhaps by scalding hot food or drink, sharp teeth, an orthodontic appliance, or dentures. They can also be caused by stress, food, hormonal changes, and vitamin deficiencies.
Other health-related factors can play a role too.
How can I get rid of my mouth ulcer?
Left alone, mouth ulcers may get worse, so it is best to treat them before they become even more painful.
The fastest way to do this is to apply a protective layer over the ulcer. This will block out the external stimuli that can cause further irritation.
We have developed specific solutions to help ease the pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers and other small cuts or irritations in the mouth. The GUM® AftaClear™ range includes a gel, spray, and mouthrinse. With a unique combination of ingredients, they offer immediate and long-lasting pain relief and fast healing.
