What is a gum ulcer? The best medical center for dental treatment and beauty

Gum Ulcers, among the most widespread dental issues are gum ulcers, and many inquire about the difference between gum ulcers and cold sores? This article will answer this question, exploring the types of gum ulcers, their prevalence, associated symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.

Gum Ulcer

Gum Ulcer

Gum ulcers, scientifically known as canker sores, are small lesions that appear on the mouth’s lining tissues or the gums surrounding the teeth. These non-contagious sores do not spread to other parts of the gum or mouth, nor do they appear on the lips, distinguishing them from cold sores. Unlike cold sores, which are caused solely by the herpes virus, gum ulcers result from various viruses and bacteria. They are accompanied by severe pain, hindering the ability to speak and eat. Typically, these ulcers heal on their own within a week or two, but if they persist longer, it’s advisable to consult a specialist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Types of Gum Ulcers

There are several types of gum ulcers, essential to recognize for appropriate management upon affliction. The types of gum ulcers include:

• Minor or simple ulcers: These are the most common, accounting for 80% of all cases. They are small, not exceeding 8 millimeters in diameter, and heal on their own within two weeks without treatment, leaving no scars.
• Major ulcers: These are larger, randomly or irregularly shaped ulcers exceeding 1 cm in diameter. Recovery from this type takes longer, potentially several weeks, and may leave scars after healing.

The prevalence of gum ulcers

The Prevalence of Gum Ulcers

Gum ulcers are among the most common oral diseases, prevalent across all age groups, from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly, each with age-specific causes. Studies have shown that everyone has suffered from gum ulcers at least once. However, they only affect 20% of the population.

Women and young people are more susceptible to gum ulcers, which are non-contagious, thus posing no risk of transmission through kissing or sharing utensils with an affected individual.

Accompanying Symptoms of Gum Ulcers

Gum ulcers come with several secondary symptoms, summarized as follows:

• Ulcers turn into round or oval shapes.
• They change color to yellow or gray.
• Inflammation around the edges, for more on gum inflammation and its treatment in Cairo, read this article.
• Discomfort while eating or speaking.

When to Worry About Gum Ulcers?

Gum ulcers typically occur in teenagers, young children, and women due to ongoing hormonal changes. However, some individuals may experience worsened conditions due to a family history of autoimmune disorders or environmental changes affecting food sensitivity.

Large, recurrent, or persistent ulcers, especially those causing severe pain that interferes with eating, drinking, and speaking, are concerning. High fever, sharp tooth surfaces, or artificial fixtures that aggravate the sores are serious indicators, necessitating immediate medical consultation

to identify and treat the issue before further complications arise.

Causes of gum ulcers

Causes of Gum Ulcers

Gum ulcers are a widespread oral disease, yet researchers and dental specialists have not pinpointed the definitive causes. However, various potential factors have been identified, including:

• Injuries during teeth cleaning, prioritize your gum health! At The Dental Center, we educate patients on the causes and treatments of gum bleeding, offering professional care needed.
• Overbrushing with a toothbrush.
• Collisions during sports activities.
• Cheek biting while eating.
• Using tooth-cleaning products containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Food allergies to items like chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, some nuts, cheese, spicy foods, and citrus fruits.
• Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins B12, zinc, folic acid, and iron.
• Autoimmune attacks on certain types of bacteria in the mouth.
• Gastrointestinal infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, later transferring to the mouth.
• Hormonal changes.
• Stress.
• Digestive system diseases like gluten sensitivity and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Vasculitis affecting the mouth, known as Behçet’s disease.
• Infections by diverse fungi and bacteria, maintain oral and dental hygiene with saltwater solutions to eliminate harmful germs and bacteria.
• Immune system disorders attacking healthy mouth cells instead of infections.
• HIV infection.

Diagnosis of Gum Ulcers

Gum ulcers can generally be diagnosed through a simple visual examination. However, in complex cases where ulcers persist for long periods without healing, the doctor may request additional medical tests to identify other health issues causing the ulcers and address them with suitable medical techniques.

Treatment of Gum Ulcers

Simple gum ulcers do not require treatment as they typically disappear on their own within a week or two. However, severe and complex cases that last longer and recur frequently necessitate consultation with a specialist for prescription of appropriate medical treatments, such as:

• Mouthwash: Medical solutions containing dexamethasone steroids are most effective in controlling gum ulcers.
• Topical gel or cream: The pharmaceutical market offers various topical products that expedite the healing of ulcers upon application, such as benzocaine and its derivatives, fluocinonide, or hydrogen peroxide.
• Chemical medications: Sucralfate, used for treating gastric ulcers, has proven effective for gum ulcers as well, among many other medical products for treating gum ulcers.
• Steroid medications: These drugs have numerous side effects, thus are used only when absolutely necessary in complex cases unresponsive to other treatments.
• Cauterization: Some dentists use chemicals like Debacterol and silver nitrate, known for their ability to hasten the healing of ulcers and alleviate associated pain.
• Vitamins and minerals: Folic acid, vitamins B12, B6, and zinc are essential supplements for oral health. Learn more about treating gum inflammation by reading this article.

Tips to expedite the healing of gum ulcers

Tips to Expedite the Healing of Gum Ulcers

Several medical guidelines can be followed at home to alleviate pain and accelerate healing, such as:

• Rinsing the mouth thoroughly with warm salt water.
• Magnesia solution is effective in treating gum ulcers and speeds up healing within a few days.
• Avoiding acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the ulcers.
• Applying ice cubes to the ulcers to soothe irritation and pain.
• Cleaning teeth well with a soft brush and fluoride-rich toothpaste daily.

Prevention Methods for Gum Ulcers

Adhering to certain guidelines can prevent the recurrence of gum ulcers, including:

• Avoiding mouth-irritating foods like nuts, fried potatoes, spices, pickles, acids, or any food causing allergies.
• Maintaining a diet rich in vitamins and minerals by consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Regularly cleaning teeth with a soft brush and sensitive toothpaste, and using dental floss to remove food remnants from small gaps between teeth.
• Choosing a suitable mouthwash.
• Cleaning any mouth fixtures such as implanted teeth, dentures, or braces.
• Avoiding stress and practicing meditation and visualization to reduce pressure.

Best Medical Center for Dental Care and Cosmetics

The Dental Center, in Nasr City is among the most renowned medical centers offering various dental services to all patients, featuring the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques at special prices. Veneer costs start at 1000 Egyptian pounds, braces range from 7000 to 20000 Egyptian pounds, teeth whitening at 2300 Egyptian pounds, implant costs between 8000 and 14000 Egyptian pounds, and surgeries for correcting protruding teeth start from 3000 Egyptian pounds. The center also offers the latest treatment technologies for all dental diseases using state-of-the-art medical equipment. For more details, visit the official website through this link.