If you have ever had a mouth ulcer, you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. Whilst there is no definite cause for these small sores, there are some factors that can contribute to triggering them, explaining why some people suffer from them more than others. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help soothe your mouth ulcers and prevent them from reoccurring.
Eat soft, bland food
Whilst you can’t avoid all triggers of mouth ulcers, it can be useful to know what foods may irritate your mouth.
Try to avoid eating any rough, crunchy food such as crisps that are going to cause irritation of the lining of your mouth and possibly lead to an ulcer. Choosing softer foods that are easy to chew and swallow such as soups or stews is a great option to help soothe your mouth and give it a break from anything too harsh. Also, avoid spicy, salty and acidic foods like tomatoes as they can also open sores in your mouth.
Avoid stress
Stress is one of the biggest causes of mouth ulcers and can be a major trigger for an outbreak. Whether you’re already suffering from an ulcer or are prone to recurrent ones, your mental and oral health goes hand and hand, so try to introduce some relaxation activities into your daily routine, such as going on a brisk walk or doing some meditation.
Use a soft toothbrush
Using a softer toothbrush is an easy way to take care of your mouth and reduce irritation. After all, a toothbrush is meant to clean your mouth, not make it worse, so opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles and a smaller head to avoid disturbing your ulcer. It’s also a good idea to avoid toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulphate, as this can increase the frequency of mouth ulcers.
Get regular check-ups
The best way to take care of your mouth is by getting regular check-ups. Mouth ulcers are, in most cases, not serious and usually heal on their own within a couple of days. However, if you’re concerned about a mouth ulcer, then speaking to a professional can help to remove any worries you may have that could be making your mouth ulcer worse. Medical attention should be sought for mouth ulcers that persist for more than three weeks.
Book an appointment
If you have a mouth ulcer that is causing you pain or stress, it’s worth talking to an ENT specialist who can help ease your mind. Book an appointment with ENT Sheffield today.