Why Did I Develop a Bump Inside My Mouth?
Causes and Treatments of Mouth Sores
Just like other parts of our body, our mouths are prone to various conditions, some of which can be challenging to diagnose. In daily life, some people may find that they have developed sores inside their mouths, often accompanied by intense pain that can hinder speaking and eating. Naturally, understanding the underlying causes becomes a concern. Let's explore the reasons behind these mouth sores and their treatments.
What Causes Mouth Sores?
Mouth sores are typically caused by mouth ulcers, commonly known as "aphthous ulcers" or "canker sores." These are painful, open sores that develop on the mucous membranes inside the mouth, particularly on the inner lips, tongue, under the tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and soft palate. These areas lack a strong keratinized layer, making them more susceptible to ulcers. Tongue ulcers specifically refer to those occurring on the tongue or its underside.
When mouth ulcers occur, they can cause severe localized burning pain, significantly impacting eating, speaking, and daily life. In severe cases, they may lead to systemic symptoms such as halitosis, chronic pharyngitis, constipation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, irritability, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Treatments for Mouth Ulcers
- Vitamin B2: Grind vitamin B2 into a powder and apply it to the ulcer four times daily for 2-3 days. This can quickly alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Vitamin C: If vitamin B2 is unavailable, use vitamin C powder in the same manner. It effectively reduces pain, especially for smaller ulcers. For larger ulcers, gently remove surface exudate with a cotton swab before applying the powder.
- Vitamin E Capsules: Simply puncture the capsule and apply the oil directly to the ulcer four times daily for 3-4 days, especially after meals and before bed.
- Tea Water: Rinse your mouth with brewed tea, preferably strong tea, as it contains vitamins and has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for ulcer healing.
- Ginger Water or Freshly Squeezed Radish and Lotus Root Juice: Rinse your mouth with ginger water or freshly squeezed radish and lotus root juice three times daily for 3-4 days. These are cost-effective and simple remedies.
Prevention is key to avoiding recurrent mouth ulcers. Maintain a healthy diet, avoiding spicy, fried foods, and pungent condiments like chili, vinegar, ginger, onions, and star anise. Also, limit intake of fruits that can cause heatiness, like lychees and durians, as they may exacerbate symptoms. Instead, opt for nourishing and cooling foods, balancing nutrition, and practicing moderation in work and rest for overall health and well-being.
