Causes of mouth ulcers

Introduction

An ulcer, in the simplest terms, it an open sore that is usually created in the lining of the stomach, small intestines or esophagus. Sometimes they occur on the mouth as well. Though many believe it to be so, ulcers are actually not caused mainly by infectionsCauses

If someone has a mouth ulcer, for example, a person cannot get one as well by kissing that person or by sharing a glass with them.

Most minor mouth ulcer are caused by damage that directly affected the mouth. Sometimes, a person can damage their mouth by biting on the inside of their cheek by accident when eating. It can also occur if someone is not brushing their teeth correctly and is doing too harshly.

Recurring mouth ulcers can also be a result of stress and anxiety, oral trauma such as chewing sharp or hard foods or hormonal changes.

There are certain foods that are more likely to influence the development of mouth ulcers and increase the risk of having regular mouth ulcers develop. These foods include chocolate, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour.

Also, some 40 percent of people who have recurring mouth ulcers have a family history of this condition, so there are some hereditary factors as well.

If a person has a mouth ulcer and is a smoker, it is recommended that they quit immediately. However, it should be noted that when a person stops smoking, it is possible that mouth ulcers will develop more regularly at the beginning. This is a normal reaction of the body, which is dealing with the chemical changes it is going through since the person has stopped smoking cigarettes and consuming large amount of nicotine on a daily basis.

This increase in mouth ulcers will only be temporary however, and the long term benefits are a lot greater than the short term problems.

If a person has recurring mouth ulcers, it is possible that they also have an underlying medical condition that is causing these ulcers.

Sometime a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause mouth ulcers. Vitamin B12 helps to make blood cells and keeps the body’s nervous system health, and when the body lacks it, tiredness, shortness of break and mouth ulcers can result.

Iron deficiency can also be a problem that leads to mouth ulcers.

Celiac disease, which is caused by intolerance to protein, can lead to ulcers as well.

Other conditions that can also lead to ulcers include reactive arthritis, immunodeficiency, herpes, anemia, iron deficiencies, chickenpox, and bacterial infections.