Below, we look at what causes mouth ulcers and set out seven foods to avoid in order to prevent and ease the problem.
What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers can have a range of causes. Some of the main ones include:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate mouth hygiene leads to the proliferation of micro-organisms and to dental problems.
- Trauma: Accidental bites, vigorous tooth brushing, or movement of poorly positioned teeth.
- Stress or Anxiety: Emotional factors can trigger the appearance of ulcers.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Deficiencies in minerals (iron and zinc) or vitamins (B12 and folic acid) may be responsible.
- Unbalanced Diets: A lack of adequate nutrition can contribute to the appearance of ulcers.
- Weakened Immune System: Some illnesses, or a reaction to medication, can weaken the immune system and make ulcers more likely to appear.
7 Foods to Avoid
To prevent mouth ulcers, or stop them from getting worse, it is important to be careful with food. Here are seven foods that should be avoided:
- Spicy or Heavily Seasoned Foods: These can irritate the lesions further.
- Salty Foods: Snacks, peanuts or crisps can increase the discomfort.
- Citrus or Acidic Fruits: Oranges, lemons and strawberries are examples of fruits that should be avoided.
- Hard Foods: Toast and nuts can aggravate sores in the mouth.
- Hot Foods or Drinks: Coffee and other hot foods can increase the pain.
- Fizzy Drinks: The sugar in fizzy drinks can make the situation worse.
- Chocolate: It can irritate ulcers and should be avoided.
How to Prevent and Treat Mouth Ulcers
Although many mouth ulcers clear up on their own within one to two weeks, there are steps you can take to ease the symptoms and prevent new lesions:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush the teeth gently and floss regularly.
- Avoid Irritating Foods: As mentioned above, avoid spicy, salty and acidic foods.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Prioritise foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetable soups and purées, and cold drinks such as water and teas.
- Use Relief Products: Antiseptic solutions, protective gels for the oral mucosa and topical painkillers may be recommended.
When to Seek Medical Help
Although mouth ulcers are generally not a cause for great concern, it is important to watch for signs that medical care may be needed. See a health professional if the ulcers:
- Are very frequent, or last longer than two weeks.
- Are accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms.
- Cause intense pain that does not improve with basic care.
- Appear in large numbers.
Final Thoughts
Mouth ulcers can be quite uncomfortable, especially for children. Understanding what causes mouth ulcers, and knowing what to avoid, can help prevent and treat the problem effectively. If your child suffers from frequent mouth ulcers, it is a sign that there may be an underlying cause that needs investigating. Consulting a paediatric dentist can help identify the problem and decide on the best treatment.
Remember: good oral hygiene and a balanced diet are fundamental to children's oral and general health.
