Causes of ulcer in mouth

By Dr JK Avhad, MBBS MD [ Mumbai ]

Following are the common causes of mouth ulcer.

Trauma and irritation 

  • Cheek or tongue bite: Accidently biting your cheek or tongue.
  • Irritation from dentures or braces.
  • Brushing your teeth roughly.
  • Burning your mouth with hot food or drinks.
  • Sharp teeth 

Lifestyle and emotional factors

  • Stress and fatigue
  • Lack of sleep
  • Hormonal changes
  • Smoking
  • Addiction: Tobacco, betel nut chewing

Diet and nutrition

  • Sensitivity to certain foods, food products and spices.
  • Vitamin deficiency such as vitamin B12, folic acid
  • Mineral deficiency such as iron, zinc,
  • Dehydration 

Other causes

  • Infections
  • Medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, and antithyroid drugs 
  • Autoimmune disorders like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease

Rare but serious causes

  • Non healing ulcer in mouth could due to cancer specially in tobacco chewers, smokers.

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