Aphthous Ulcer is a form of mouth ulcer that is non-infectious but tends
to recur. It is commonly present on the oral mucosa of the cheeks, lips,
tongue and throat.
Aphthous Ulcer begins with a localised swelling of the affected oral mucosa
to form a small round or oval shaped blister. After a day, the blister
bursts and becomes a whitish or yellowish ulcer with a red margin. When
irritated by spicy, salty or sour food with strong taste, pain will be
felt and saliva secretion will be increased.
To date, the aetiology of Aphthous Ulcer has not been confirmed. However,
the predisposing factors are known as follows:
- Oral tissue trauma
- Stress
- Problem in endocrine system, i.e. hormonal
disturbance
- Immune system disorder
- Gut problems
- Malnutrition (especially the deficiency of
Vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, etc.)
- Wearing an unfit denture
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Aphthous Ulcer usually heals within 7 to 14 days. If the situation persists
for more than 3 weeks or there is recurrent formation of new aphthous ulcers,
you should consult a doctor for a body check-up to see if other treatments
are necessary.
Aphthous Ulcer usually heals up within 2 weeks. To avoid pain, you can:
- Avoid contacting the area when brushing
- Avoid eating hard, coarse, hot or spicy food
- Apply ointment prescribed by the doctor or
dentist onto the area to relief pain
- If you are wearing an unfit denture, you should
consult your dentist to make a new denture
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Since the aetiology of Aphthous Ulcer has not been confirmed, the only
way to prevent recurrence is by eliminating the predisposing factors. |