Why Do I Keep Getting Ulcers in My Mouth?

Why Do I Keep Getting Ulcers in My Mouth?

Mouth ulcers can be pretty painful, making talking and eating uncomfortable. Most often, they’re one-offs, representing little more than a passing annoyance. However, when they keep coming back, and in growing numbers, it’s hard not to wonder to yourself, “Why me?”

Around 20% of people get recurring mouth ulcers at some point in their lives, and when there’s no clear explanation as to why, it can get a little frustrating. Don’t worry, though, as there’s a reason for everything in dentistry.

For those of us who have to put up with the discomfort of regular mouth ulcers, this article looks at why they happen, how to manage them and when it’s time to speak to a dentist in Manchester.

Why Do People Get Mouth Ulcers?

A mouth ulcer typically happens when the delicate skin inside your mouth becomes damaged or irritated. Instead of just settling back down, the mouth’s immune response then attacks its own damaged tissue by mistake.

It might start as a tender patch that has a slight sting when your tongue moves past it. A day or two later, it develops that yellowness – which, by the way, isn’t pus.

It’s actually a layer of what’s called ‘fibrin’ that’s also used in blood clotting, which forms to protect the area and allow healing. Now, getting an occasional mouth ulcer isn’t anything to worry about, but what if they keep happening?

Getting recurring mouth ulcers isn’t always down to bad luck. Your lifestyle plays a big part in your oral health, so if you notice anything familiar when they happen, it might give you a few clues on how you might stop them.

Can You Prevent Mouth Ulcers?

Sadly, even with the perfect dental routine, you can’t stop every mouth ulcer from happening – which is one of the things that makes them so annoying. They show up despite you doing everything right, and you’re left hunting through kitchen cupboards and drawers for the Bonjela.

All that said, there are a few things that might make you get fewer of them. Let’s take a look at what you could be doing to tip the balance in your favour.

Be Gentle When You’re Brushing

Ever found yourself brushing your teeth a little mindlessly, particularly when you’re tired? It’s something most of us do, but it can lead to damage to your gums if you’re not careful enough. You might also be using a toothbrush that’s a bit too tough for your gums, and switching to an electric toothbrush is gentler for you.

Keep Your Mouth as Healthy as Possible

A mouth that’s generally in good shape tends to handle everyday irritation better. Keeping on top of brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups and hygienist appointments means small issues get picked up before they have a chance to affect the softer tissues and cause recurring mouth ulcers.

Keep an Eye Out For Repeat Patterns

If mouth ulcers are a regular occurrence for you, it’s worth thinking back to what was going on beforehand. You might start to notice they tend to follow certain meals, crop up during stressful stretches, or appear after something specific changes in your routine.

There’s no foolproof way to stop every ulcer before it starts, but most people find that if they give it a little thought, answers can be found. For instance, a patient we had recently found that vaping was causing dental issues, which came from just a little self-analysis.

Need Advice About Recurring Mouth Ulcers?

Most people can deal with the occasional mouth ulcer without giving it much thought, but that changes when you’re dealing with them all the time. The good news is that by working with your dentist, you can spot the triggers and keep your mouth healthier and more resilient.

At Ringway Dental, we speak to people with concerns like this all the time. A quick chat with our experienced dentists can often help you understand whether what you are experiencing is common or worth looking into further.

If you’d like advice on this or any other dental issue, get in touch with us today or book yourself a free online consultation.

FAQs

Q – Why do mouth ulcers hurt so much when they are so small?

A – Size has very little to do with it. The lining inside your mouth is genuinely sensitive tissue, and even a tiny break in it gets aggravated constantly with every sip, every mouthful of food, every time your toothbrush passes over it.

There’s no real rest period for it to settle, which is why something so small can feel so disproportionately painful.

Q – Why do ulcers sting more with certain drinks?

A – Acidic or fizzy drinks hit the raw surface of an ulcer and irritate it almost immediately. Something you’d normally drink without a second thought can suddenly feel quite sharp when there’s an ulcer in the way.

Q – Can toothpaste make mouth ulcers worse?

A – For some people, yes. Certain ingredients in toothpaste can aggravate the mouth, particularly when the tissue is already sore. If you keep noticing a connection between brushing and things feeling worse, it’s worth bringing up at your next appointment.

Q – Is it normal to get more than one mouth ulcer at a time?

A – Completely normal, even if it doesn’t feel it. Some people regularly get several at once, which makes eating and speaking genuinely uncomfortable. It can be miserable when it happens, but it’s not unusual.

Q – Why do mouth ulcers come back in the same place?

A – If one keeps returning to exactly the same spot, something is probably irritating that area repeatedly. A sharp tooth edge, a habit of biting your cheek, or a dental appliance that doesn’t sit quite right are all common culprits.

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