Mouth ulcers or canker sores are irritating and usually appear as small lesions that develop in the soft part of the lining of the gums, tongue, lips, palate, and inner cheeks. They usually target soft tissues found inside the mouth due to several factors. Mouth ulcers are not life-threatening but may hinder daily activities like eating, drinking, and talking.
Some people interchange mouth ulcers with cold sores due to their similarity in causes and symptoms. However, mouth ulcers and cold sores appear in different locations of the oral cavity. Cold sores usually appear around the lips, while mouth ulcers are generally found inside the mouth.
Mouth ulcers are common. The usual indicator consists of painful sores that appear yellow, red, or white, redness around the area surrounding the sores, and persistent pain that worsens when eating, drinking, and talking. Mouth sores usually heal independently, as treatment may not be needed. However, in some cases, intolerable pain demands a cure, like topical paste, baking soda, and ointments.
Cuts and Burns While Eating or Drinking
Accidental cuts and burns while eating and drinking are inevitable. The leading cause of mouth ulcers or canker sores is an injury or wound. These little cuts and burns may turn into wounds. Eventually, if left untreated, it will become a sore. These sores can lead to painful ulcers lasting 7 to 10 days.
There are several factors why accidental cuts and burns occur. One of them is eating hard foods. Hard foods are described as sharp and abrasive. Examples of hard foods are raw vegetables, toast, potato chips and crisps, and pretzels. Another is hot beverages, like tea and coffee, may damage soft tissues inside the mouth. This will irritate the cheeks and can cause mouth ulcers. Coffee also contains acid, a harmful chemical to the mouth, especially when taken in large quantities.
The general rule of thumb is that if it is hard to chew or eat or extra effort is needed to ingest it, it’ll probably leave minor cuts and burns.
