Mouth Ulcers - Standard Treatment Guidelines

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has issued the Standard Treatment Guidelines for Mouth Ulcers. Following are the major recommendations:

Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:

• Canker sores


• Gingivostomatitis


• Herpes simplex


• Leukoplakia


• Oral cancer


• Oral lichen planus


• Oral thrush

The skin lesion of histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer.

Canker sores are more common in young adults than in children or older adults.

Symptoms

1. Open sores in the mouth

2. Pain or discomfort in the mouth

The appearance and exact location of lesions varies with the specific disorder.

Signs and tests

A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer, based on its appearance and location. Blood tests or a biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical (rubbed on) antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended for applying directly to the ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.

Guidelines by The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare :

Dr J M Hans Ex-HOD Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology Dr.RML Hospital New Delhi