Mouth ulcers can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'worrying' to 'critical'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose mouth ulcers, we could:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Iron Need | 99% | Confirm |
Gluten Sensitivity | 21% | Unlikely |
Megaloblastic Anemia | 12% | Unlikely |
Scleroderma | 5% | Ruled out |
Food Allergies | 5% | Ruled out |
Increased Folic Acid Need | 1% | Ruled out |
Crohn's Disease | 0% | Ruled out |
Lupus (SLE) | 0% | Ruled out |
How often do you get Mouth Ulcers, also known as Canker Sores'? These are small, painful ulcers (not blisters) inside the cheeks, lips or under the tongue, usually lasting from 3 to 10 days.
Possible responses:
→ Don't know→ I have never had one → Less than once a year → I usually get one or more each year → I keep getting them! |
Foods including wheat, oranges, tomatoes, chocolate, nuts, eggplant, tea and cola were dietary allergens that have been found to trigger ulcer initiation. A study by Dr. Pelin Gürdal conducted in a dental university in Turkey concluded from previous studies [Oral Surg. 1984:57, pp.504-507] and his own that as many as 50% of RAS patients will improve when offending foods are identified and eliminated. Without laboratory testing or patient insights, identifying these foods for individual sufferers can be challenging. Food allergies continue to be a controversial cause of canker sores, and further research is necessary to resolve the issue.
Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the gut, leading to ulcers developing in both the stomach and mouth.
Vitamin B12, folate, zinc and iron have been shown to be effective in up to 60% of patients with canker sores when such a vitamin or mineral deficiency has been documented. [Dermatologic Clinics 1996:14, pp.243-256, British Dental Journal 1985:159, pp.361-367]
In a study of 15 patients, 7 patients responded completely and two partially to diets excluding gluten (3 patients), azo compounds (3), milk (2), azo and milk (1). Two failed to respond and three failed to complete the diet. Responses were confirmed by re-challenge. The patients in this study had relatively severe aphthous ulcers. Gluten enteropathy had been excluded by biopsy in the patients who responded to the gluten-free diet. [B Med J 1986; 292: pp.1237-8]
Any condition that attacks or suppresses the body's immune system can cause you to develop mouth ulcers.
Vitamin B12, folate, zinc and iron have been shown to be effective in up to 60% of patients with canker sores when such a vitamin or mineral deficiency has been documented. [Dermatologic Clinics 1996:14, pp.243-256, British Dental Journal 1985:159, pp.361-367]
Vitamin B12, folate, zinc and iron have been shown to be effective in up to 60% of patients with canker sores when such a vitamin or mineral deficiency has been documented. [Dermatologic Clinics 1996:14, pp.243-256, British Dental Journal 1985:159, pp.361-367]
Tissue damaged by canker sores has demonstrated an enhanced recovery rate with adequate zinc intake. Total prevention or reduced frequency also occurs when zinc is supplemented in those with zinc deficiency.
Mouth or nose ulcers have been reported by between 12% and 30% of lupus patients, depending on the study. They most often occur in the mouth on the hard or soft palate but may also be found on the nasal septum.