Oral ulcers, or stomatitis, are an inflammatory condition affecting the mucosa of the mouth and lips, which may or may not be accompanied by ulcers. Although the term is quite broad, the causes of canker sores can be traced to a number of different sources. This article will delve into the main factors that affect oral ulcers, including nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions, infections, and chemotherapy.
There are many causes of oral ulcers, and the most common ones include:
Nutritional deficiencies are usually one of the primary causes of oral ulcers, especially deficiencies of nutrients such as iron, vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9 and B12.
As with many diseases, malnutrition is sometimes an important factor in causing mouth ulcers. When the body lacks essential nutrients, especially the vitamins and minerals mentioned above, inflammatory reactions are prone to occur.
A lack of iron can lead to a failure in cell replication and repair, particularly in the epithelial cells of the mouth and lips.
Ulcerative stomatitis is a common disease of the oral cavity. Although its cause is not fully understood, research shows that it may be caused by an immune response mediated by T cells. Individual ulcers recur periodically, may appear repeatedly in different parts of the mouth, and in some severe cases can affect the ability to eat, swallow, and speak.
Although there is no cure for ulcerative stomatitis, it can improve patients' quality of life by relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing.
Angular stomatitis refers to inflammation of the corners of the lips and is common in children and adults. In children, persistent lip licking behavior may be the main cause, while in adults it may be caused by iron deficiency anemia or insufficient vitamin B complex.
People who wear dentures often face denture-related stomatitis. The most common manifestation of this condition is red and swollen but non-painful mucosa under the dentures. This condition is most often associated with Candida infection, and treatment usually includes antifungal medications and improved oral hygiene.
Allergic contact stomatitis is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction that occurs in sensitive individuals when an allergen passes through the skin or mucous membranes. This condition is rare because the presence of saliva in the mouth washes away allergens and acts as a barrier.
Common allergens include spices, metals, etc. These substances may come from food, toothpaste, mouthwash and other sources.
There are many other variants of oral ulcers, including geographical glossitis, anorexic stomatitis, etc. These conditions often manifest as specific lesions of the oral mucosa, and further investigation may reveal their underlying causes.
Have you ever noticed that your oral health is closely related to your daily diet or lifestyle habits?
Strategies for treating canker sores often rely on identifying the underlying cause and treating it accordingly. Maintaining good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular medical check-ups can effectively reduce the incidence of oral ulcers.
Finally, although oral ulcers are common, their causes are complex and diverse. Understanding the causes behind them is crucial to improving our oral health. Do you pay enough attention to and understand your oral health?