NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Oral ulcer

An oral ulcer (from Latin ulcus) is the name for the appearance of an open sore inside the mouth caused by a break in the mucous membrane or the epithelium on the lips or surrounding the mouth. The types of oral ulcers are diverse, with a multitude of associated causes including: physical or chemical trauma, infection from microorganisms or viruses, medical conditions or medications, cancerous and sometimes nonspecific processes. Once formed, the ulcer may be maintained by inflammation and/or secondary infection. Two common oral ulcer types are aphthous ulcers (canker sores) and cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus.^[1]^[2] Taken 21 April 2005. ... Taken 21 April 2005. ... Endoscopic images of a duodenal ulcer. ... The mucous membranes (or mucosae; singular: mucosa) are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, and are involved in absorption and secretion. ... For other uses, see Mouth (disambiguation). ... Endoscopic images of a duodenal ulcer. ... A microorganism or microbe is an organism that is so small that it is microscopic (invisible to the naked eye). ... Stop editing pages god ... An aphthous ulcer or canker sore is a type of mouth ulcer which presents as a painful open sore inside the mouth, caused by a break in the mucous membrane. ... Species Herpes simplex virus 1 (HWJ-1) Herpes simplex virus 2 (HWJ-2) This article is about the virus. ...

Causes

There are many processes which can lead to ulceration of the oral tissues. In some cases they are caused by an overreaction by the body's own immune system. Factors that appear to provoke them include stress, fatigue, illness, injury from accidental biting, hormonal changes, menstruation, sudden weight loss, food allergies and deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron and folic acid. Oral ulcers are also a common result of ceased cigarette smoking, affecting about two out of five quitters. ^[3] Some drugs, such as nicorandil, have also been linked with oral ulcers.^{[citation needed]} Some recreational drugs cause mouth ulcers.^{[citation needed]} Stress (roughly the opposite of relaxation) is a medical term for a wide range of strong external stimuli, both physiological and psychological, which can cause a physiological response called the general adaptation syndrome, first described in 1936 by Hans Selye in the journal Nature. ... Hormone is also the NATO reporting name for the Soviet/Russian Kamov Ka-25 military helicopter. ... Not to be confused with Mensuration. ... A food allergy is an immunologic response to a food protein. ... Cobalamin or vitamin B12 is a chemical compound that is also known as cyanocobalamine. ... General Name, symbol, number iron, Fe, 26 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 8, 4, d Appearance lustrous metallic with a grayish tinge Standard atomic weight 55. ... Folic acid and folate (the anion form) are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9. ... Nicorandil is a drug used to treat coronary heart disease. ...

Trauma

Minor physical injuries

Trauma to the mouth is a common cause of oral ulcers. A sharp edge of a tooth, accidental biting (this can be particularly common with sharp canine teeth), sharp or abrasive food (particularly if left overnight), poorly fitting dentures, dental braces or trauma from a tooth brush may injure the mucosal lining of the mouth resulting in an ulcer. These ulcers usually heal at a moderate speed if the source of the injury is removed (for example, if poorly fitting dentures are removed or replaced).^[1] In mammalian oral anatomy, the canine teeth, also called cuspids, dogteeth, fangs, or (in the case of those of the upper jaw) eye teeth, are relatively long, pointed teeth. ... Braces Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces) are a device used in orthodontics to correct alignment of teeth and their position with regard to bite. ...

Sugar injuries

Eating large amounts of sugar can also lead to oral ulcers. These are not a general worry because these subside within a day or two unless large volumes of sugar continue to be present in a person's diet. This article is about sugar as food and as an important and widely-traded commodity. ...

Chemical injuries

Chemicals such as aspirin or alcohol that are held or that come in contact with the oral mucosa may cause tissues to become necrotic and slough off creating an ulcerated surface. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), one of the main ingredients in most toothpastes, has been implicated in increased incidence of oral ulcers. This article is about the drug. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS or NaDS) (CH3(CH2)11OSO3Na) (FW 288. ...

Infection

Viral, fungal and bacterial processes can lead to oral ulceration.One way to cause oral ulceration by this is to touch your chapped lips without washing your hands first.^[1]

Viral

The most common is Herpes simplex virus which causes recurrent herpetiform ulcerations preceded by usually painful multiple vesicles which burst. Herpes Zoster (shingles), Varicella Zoster (chicken pox), Coxsackie A virus and its associated subtype presentations, are some of the other viral processes that can lead to oral ulceration. HIV creates immunodeficiencies which allow opportunistic infections or neoplasms to proliferate.^[2] Species Herpes simplex virus 1 (HWJ-1) Herpes simplex virus 2 (HWJ-2) This article is about the virus. ... Shingles redirects here, for other uses of the term, see Shingle. ... Chicken pox, also spelled chickenpox, is a common childhood disease caused by the varicella_zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpes virus 3 (HHV_3), one of the eight herpesviruses known to affect humans. ... Coxsackie (virus) is a cytolytic virus of the Picornaviridae family, an enterovirus (a group containing the polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses). ...

Bacterial

Bacterial processes leading to ulceration can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis) and Treponema pallidum (syphilis).^[2] Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or Tuberculosis) is a common and deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ... Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum spirochete. ...

Opportunistic activity by combinations of otherwise normal bacterial flora, such as aerobic streptococci, Neisseria, Actinomyces, spirochetes, and Bacteroides species can prolong the ulcerative process.^[4]

Fungal

Coccidioides immitis (valley fever), Cryptococcus neoformans (cryptococcosis), Blastomyces dermatitidis ("North American Blastomycosis") are some of the fungal processes causing oral ulceration.^[2] Coccidioidomycosis, also called Valley Fever, is caused by the fungus Coccidioides spp. ...

Protozoans

Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic protozoan is sometimes known to cause mouth ulcers through formation of cysts. For the infection and disease caused by this parasite, refer to Amoebiasis. ... A cyst is a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a cavity or structure of the body. ...

Immune system

Many researchers view the causes of aphthous ulcers as a common end product of many different disease processes, each of which is mediated by the immune system.^[2] An aphthous ulcer or canker sore is a type of mouth ulcer which presents as a painful open sore inside the mouth, caused by a break in the mucous membrane. ...

Aphthous ulcers are thought to form when the body becomes aware of and attacks chemicals which it does not recognize. The presence of the unrecognized molecules garners a reaction by the lymphocytes, which trigger a reaction that causes the damage of an oral ulcer.^{[citation needed]}

Immunodeficiency

Repeat episodes of mouth ulcers can be indicative of an immunodeficiency, signaling low levels of immunoglobulin in the oral mucous membranes. Chemotherapy, HIV, and mononucleosis are all causes of immunodeficiency with which oral ulcers become a common manifestation. In medicine, immunodeficiency (or immune deficiency) is a state in which the immune systems ability to fight infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent. ... Chemotherapy, in its most general sense, refers to treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells, specifically those of micro-organisms or cancer. ... Species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Human immunodeficiency virus 2 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS, a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections). ... Infectious mononucleosis (also known as mono, the kissing disease, Pfeiffers disease, and, in British English, glandular fever) is a disease seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults, characterized by fever, sore throat and fatigue. ...

Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity is also a cause of oral ulceration. Mucous membrane pemphigoid, an autoimmune reaction to the epithelial basement membrane, causes desquamation/ulceration of the oral mucosa. Autoimmunity is the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts (down to the sub-molecular levels) as self, which results in an immune response against its own cells and tissues. ... Mucous membrane pemphigoid is an autoimmune reaction that occurs at the level of the basement membrane. ... ... Desquamation is the shedding of the outer layers of the skin. ...

Allergy

Contact with allergens can lead to ulcerations of the mucosa. An allergen is any substance (antigen), most often eaten or inhaled, that is recognized by the immune system and causes an allergic reaction. ...

Dietary

Vitamin C deficiencies may lead to scurvy which impairs wound healing, which can contribute to ulcer formation.^[2] Similarly deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron^{[citation needed]}, zinc^[5] and folic acid^{[citation needed]} have been linked to oral ulceration. This article is about the nutrient. ... Scurvy (N.Lat. ... Cobalamin or vitamin B12 is a chemical compound that is also known as cyanocobalamine. ... General Name, symbol, number iron, Fe, 26 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 8, 4, d Appearance lustrous metallic with a grayish tinge Standard atomic weight 55. ... General Name, symbol, number zinc, Zn, 30 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 12, 4, d Appearance bluish pale gray Standard atomic weight 65. ... Folic acid and folate (the anion form) are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9. ...

A common cause of ulcers is Celiac disease, in which case consumption of wheat, rye, or barley can result in chronic oral ulcers. If gluten sensitivity is the cause, prevention means following a gluten-free diet by avoiding most breads, pastas, cakes, pies, cookies, scones, biscuits, beers etc. and substituting gluten-free varieties where available. Artificial sugars, such as those found in diet cola and sugarless chewing gum, have been reported as causes of oral ulcers as well. Coeliac disease (also termed non-tropical sprue, celiac disease and gluten intolerance) is an autoimmune disease characterised by chronic inflammation of the proximal portion of the small intestine caused by exposure to certain dietary gluten proteins. ... 4 different commercial forms of Triticeae cultivars. ... A gluten-free diet, recommended in the treatment of celiac disease, is a diet completely free of ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat (including Kamut and spelt), barley, rye, oats and triticale. ... Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Scones with honey. ... For other uses, see Biscuit (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Beer (disambiguation). ... Wheat - a prime source of gluten Gluten is an amorphous mixture of ergastic (i. ... For other uses, see Cola (disambiguation). ... Chewing gum Chewing gum is a type of confectionery designed for fun and chewing. ...

Cancer

Oral cancers can lead to ulceration as the center of the lesion loses blood supply and necroses. Squamous cell carcinoma is just one of these. Biopsy of a highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. ...

Medical conditions associated with mouth ulcers

BehÃ§et disease (BehÃ§ets syndrome, Morbus BehÃ§et, silk road disease) is a chronic condition due to disturbances in the bodyâ€™s immune system. ... Bullous pemphigoid, also referred to as BP, is a chronic autoimmune skin disease, involving the formation of blisters below the surface of the skin and antibodies against collagen XVII. It can also (albeit only rarely) involve the mucous membranes, and has been shown to afflict dogs, cats, pigs, and horses... Coeliac disease (also termed non-tropical sprue, celiac disease and gluten intolerance) is an autoimmune disease characterised by chronic inflammation of the proximal portion of the small intestine caused by exposure to certain dietary gluten proteins. ... Crohns disease (also known as regional enteritis) is a chronic, episodic, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is generally classified as an autoimmune disease. ... Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. ... Leukoplakia is a condition of the mouth that involves the formation of white leathery spots on the mucous membranes of the tongue and inside of the mouth. ... Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and the oral mucosa. ... Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be fatal, though with recent medical advances, fatalities are becoming increasingly rare. ... Neutropenia (or neutropaenia, adjective neutrop(a)enic) is a hematological disorder characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophil granulocytes (a type of white blood cell). ... Oral thrush is an infection of yeast fungus, Candida albicans, in the mucous membranes of the mouth. ...

Prevention

The majority of the types of ulceration require treatment of the underlying cause of the oral ulceration for successful prevention; controlling imbalances in vitamins and minerals related to ulceration, managing or restricting the disease processes has shown to reduce the ulcerative process. For trauma related cases, avoiding the offending source will prevent ulceration, but since such trauma is usually accidental, this type of prevention is not usually practical.

Individuals who have a high incidence of opportunistic bacterial infections subsequent to an accidental oral injury (biting etc.) can prevent the injury from becoming infected by directly bathing the wound with an anti-bacterial mouthwash for one minute every 12 hours for 2 days^{[citation needed]}; it is important to use a small vessel to contain the solution as most antibacterial mouth washes that remain in the mouth for a full minute will have detrimental effects such as a prolonged impairment to the sense of taste and the potential loss of otherwise desirable flora. Quantities around 1ml are more than sufficient. Ideally, the first treatment should occur within 3 hours. For the Addie Cyr song see Mouthwash (song) For the ska-punk band, see Mouthwash (band) Mouthwash or mouth rinse is a product used for oral hygiene. ... Taste (or, more formally, gustation) is a form of direct chemoreception and is one of the traditional five senses. ... In microbiology, flora (plural: floras or florÃ¦) refers to the collective bacteria and other microorganisms in an ecosystem (usually an animal host or a single part of its body). ...

Treatment

Treatments based on antibiotics and steroids are reserved for severe cases, and should be used only under medical supervision.

Some doctors may also prescribe a local anaesthetic, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, for cases of multiple or severe oral ulcers. Lidocaine (INN) (IPA: ) or lignocaine (former BAN) (IPA: ) is a common local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug. ... Benzocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used as a topical pain reliever. ...

Some people benefit from using an over-the-counter topical gel, like Bonjela, which may contain substances such as choline salicylate to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with oral ulcers. Bonjela is an oral gel, aimed to cure mouth ulcers and denture sores and relieve the pain associated with these ailments. ...

Also, putting baking soda directly on the sore and taking l-Lysine has been shown to help with healing and pain^{[citation needed]}.

Holding milk in the mouth over the sore can have a temporary soothing effect upon the sore^{[citation needed]}.

Brushing the teeth and rinsing the mouth with Euthymol toothpaste provides relief for a period of a few hours^{[citation needed]}. Euthymol is a brand of antiseptic toothpaste distributed by Pfizer. ...

Hydrogen peroxide applied locally reduces infection and often improves healing (recommended by Mayo Clinic for cancer patients who's treatment increase the occurance of cold sores). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a very pale blue liquid which appears colorless in a dilute solution, slightly more viscous than water. ...

Licorice extract has been used and is now commercially available as "CankerMelts" Species Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa Glycyrrhiza aspera Glycyrrhiza astragalina Glycyrrhiza bucharica Glycyrrhiza echinata Glycyrrhiza eurycarpa Glycyrrhiza foetida Glycyrrhiza glabra Glycyrrhiza iconica Glycyrrhiza korshinskyi Glycyrrhiza lepidota Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora Glycyrrhiza triphylla Glycyrrhiza uralensis Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis Ref: ILDIS Version 6. ...

In Australia, Vegemite is a common remedy used, directly applied to the ulcer as well as being eaten regularly. Vegemite on toast. ...

See also

Also, sufferers should be aware of some foods which can lead to ulceration. These comprise acidic, spicy foods and some snacks with crunch-like attributes in excessive quantities which can cause abrasion and break down of the mucous membrane of the tongue, causing irritation and oral pain from ulcers. An aphthous ulcer or canker sore is a type of mouth ulcer which presents as a painful open sore inside the mouth, caused by a break in the mucous membrane. ... Primary syphilis is manifested after an incubation period of 10-90 days (average 21 days) after exposure with a primary sore. ... Species Herpes simplex virus 1 (HWJ-1) Herpes simplex virus 2 (HWJ-2) This article is about the virus. ... Biopsy of a highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. ... Endoscopic images of a duodenal ulcer. ... Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. ...

References

Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Mosby can refer to: John S. Mosby, a Confederate partisan ranger in the American Civil War, leader of the famed Mosbys Rangers. Mosby, Missouri Mosby, Eric, Billiards player Mosby, Norway Mosby (Mosbyd)- euphemism for ejaculation. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 16th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

The Open Directory Project (ODP), also known as dmoz (from , its original domain name), is a multilingual open content directory of World Wide Web links owned by Netscape that is constructed and maintained by a community of volunteer editors. ... For other uses, see Mouth (disambiguation). ... A renal cell carcinoma (chromophobe type) viewed on a hematoxylin & eosin stained slide Pathologist redirects here. ... Oral pathology, also known in the United States of America as oral and maxillofacial pathology is the specialty of dentistry and pathology which deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. ... In dentistry, anodontia, also called anodontia vera, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the congenital absence of all primary or permanent teeth. ... In dentistry, hypodontia is the condition of naturally having fewer than the regular number of teeth. ... This does not cite its references or sources. ... Concrescence is a condition of teeth where the cementum overlying the roots of at least two teeth join together. ... In dentistry, tooth fusion is the joining of two teeth, resulting in a single large tooth. ... Gemination is when, during development, a tooth splits to form what appears to be two teeth. ... Dens envaginatus is a condition found in teeth where the outer surface appears to form an extra bump or cusp. ... A talon cusp, also known as an eagles talon, is an extra cusp on an anterior tooth. ... Dens invaginatus, also known as dens in dente, is a condition found in teeth where the outer surface folds inward. ... An enamel pearl is a condition of teeth where enamel is found on locations where enamel is not supposed to be, such as on a root surface. ... Macrodontia is a condition in which the teeth appear larger than normal. ... Microdontia is a condition in which teeth appear smaller than normal. ... Taurodontism is a condition found in teeth where the body of the tooth and pulp chamber is enlarged. ... It is a developmental disturbance in shape of teeth. ... Regional odontodysplasia is a developmental abnormality of teeth, usually localized to a certain area and nonhereditary. ... Turners hypoplasia is an abnormality found in teeth. ... Amelogenesis Imperfecta is an inherited condition that presents abnormal formation of the enamel or external layer of teeth. ... Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder of tooth development. ... Dentin dysplasia is a genetic disorder of teeth, commonly exhibiting an autosomal dominant inheritance. ... Attrition is the loss of tooth structure due to by mechanical forces from opposing teeth. ... Abrasion is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from a foreign element. ... Ankylosis, or Anchylosis is a stiffness of a joint, the result of injury or disease. ... Denticles are body surface structures found on some fish and insects. ... Erosion is the loss of tooth structure due to chemical dissolution by acids not of bacterial origin. ... External resorption is a condition of a tooth where the root surface is lost. ... Picture of a mild case of fluorosis. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A medical condition that can occur mainly in reptiles when they consume something that they cannot digest. ... Internal resorption is an unusual condition of a tooth when the dentin and pulpal walls begin to resorb centrally within the root canal. ... Periodontitis, formerly known as Pyorrhea alveolaris, is the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. ... Pulpitis is an inflammation of the dental pulp. ... A malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth and/or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. ... Micrognathism (or Micrognathia) is a condition where the jaw is undersized. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Retrognathism (or retrognathia) is a type of malocclusion which refers to a mandible which is further posterior than would be expected. ... Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. ... Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium (ameloblasts, or outside portion, of the teeth during development) much more commonly appearing in the mandible than the maxilla. ... Cherubism is a rare genetic disorder that causes prominace in the lower portion in the face. ... An odontogenic keratocyst is a benign but locally aggressive developmental odontogenic cyst. ... These are an example of large mandibular tori. ... This is an example of palatal torus. ... The salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth and other parts of the digestive system moist. ... Drooling (also known as ptyalism) is when saliva flows outside the mouth. ... Benign lymphoepithelial lesion is a type of benign enlargement of the parotid and/or lacrimal glands. ... Necrotizing sialometaplasia is an ulcer which feels as if it causes part of the hard palate to fall out. ... A ranula is a type of mucocele found on the floor of the mouth. ... Sialadenitis is inflammation of a salivary gland. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. ... Xerostomia is the medical term for a dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. ... An aphthous ulcer or canker sore is a type of mouth ulcer which presents as a painful open sore inside the mouth, caused by a break in the mucous membrane. ... For other uses, see Lip (disambiguation). ... The mucous membranes (or mucosae; singular: mucosa) are linings of ectodermic origin, covered in epithelium, and are involved in absorption and secretion. ... A condition where there are deep cracks and splits at the corners of the mouth. ... Erythroplakia is a flat red patch or lesion on the oral or pharyngeal surfaces. ... Hairly leukoplakia is a white patch on the side of the tongue with a corrugated or hairy appearance. ... Leukoplakia is a condition of the mouth that involves the formation of white leathery spots on the mucous membranes of the tongue and inside of the mouth. ... For other uses, see Tongue (disambiguation). ... Geographic tongue (Migratory glossitis) is a medical condition that affects the tongue. ... Fissured tongue is a benign condition characterized by deep grooves (fissures) in dorsum of tongue. ... Glossitis is inflammation or infection of the tongue. ... Glossodynia or burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition characterized by a burning or tingling sensation on the lips, tongue, or entire mouth. ... A picture of Black hairy tongue. ...

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