Are you experiencing painful sores in your mouth? At Amazing Smile Dentistry in Las Vegas, we understand how uncomfortable and concerning mouth ulcers can be. These common oral lesions affect up to 1 in 5 people, but with proper care and treatment, you can find relief.
What Are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that develop on the soft tissues inside your mouth, including your cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums. While typically harmless and healing within a few days without medical intervention, persistent or recurring ulcers may indicate underlying health issues that require professional attention.
If you’re experiencing mouth ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks, recur frequently, or are accompanied by new symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Joseph Gelo at Amazing Smile Dentistry for a thorough evaluation.
Common Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Many factors can trigger the development of mouth ulcers:
- Physical injury: Accidentally biting your cheek, irritation from sharp orthodontic wires, or ill-fitting dentures
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional factors can trigger canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
- Hormonal changes: Particularly during menstruation or pregnancy
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, or iron
- Certain medications: Some prescription drugs list mouth ulcers as a side effect
- Chemical sensitivity: Reactions to specific foods or dental products
- Medical treatments: Side effects of treatments like chemotherapy
Underlying Health Conditions Linked to Mouth Ulcers
Several health conditions may contribute to mouth ulcer development:
- Gastrointestinal diseases: Crohn’s disease and celiac disease often have oral manifestations
- Immune system disorders: Conditions like HIV or lupus can impair your body’s natural defenses
- Reactive arthritis: Joint inflammation that can affect mucous membranes
- Viral infections: Cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot, and mouth disease (common in children)
It’s important to note that sometimes, persistent mouth sores may be an early sign of oral cancer. At Amazing Smile Dentistry, we take oral cancer screening seriously and may recommend a biopsy when suspicious lesions are present. Early detection through regular dental check-ups at our Las Vegas office is crucial for favorable treatment outcomes.
How We Manage Mouth Ulcers at Amazing Smile Dentistry
Since mouth ulcers involve the loss or erosion of delicate oral tissue, they can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Our approach at Amazing Smile Dentistry focuses on addressing underlying causes and managing symptoms to promote healing and prevent complications.
Dr. Gelo recommends the following strategies to ease discomfort and speed up healing:
- Eliminate sources of ongoing irritation (sharp edges on teeth or dental appliances)
- Avoid hot, spicy, and acidic foods that can irritate the ulcers
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Use medicated mouth rinses as prescribed
- Maintain gentle but thorough oral hygiene
- Apply topical pain relievers specifically designed for mouth ulcers
For patients with recurring ulcers, we may recommend additional tests to identify underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care for Mouth Ulcers
While most mouth ulcers heal on their own, certain warning signs indicate you should visit our Las Vegas dental office:
- Ulcers lasting longer than two weeks
- Extremely painful or unusually large sores
- Fever accompanying mouth ulcers
- Spreading of ulcers to other areas of your mouth
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing
- Recurring ulcers in the same location
At Amazing Smile Dentistry, we provide comprehensive oral examinations to identify the cause of persistent mouth ulcers and develop appropriate treatment plans.
How Mouth Ulcers Relate to Other Dental Services
If you’re experiencing mouth ulcers related to dental appliances, we offer several solutions:
- Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®: These clear aligners may cause less irritation than traditional braces for patients prone to mouth ulcers
- Dentures: Properly fitted dentures reduce the risk of friction-induced ulcers
- Pediatric Dentistry: We provide gentle, specialized care for children experiencing mouth ulcers
- Laser Dentistry: Advanced laser treatments can help manage certain types of mouth ulcers with minimal discomfort
Preventing Mouth Ulcers: Tips from Dr. Gelo
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some expert tips from Dr. Joseph Gelo to reduce your risk of developing mouth ulcers:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid tissue injury
- Schedule regular dental check-ups at Amazing Smile Dentistry
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Avoid foods that have previously triggered ulcers
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth Ulcers
Are mouth ulcers contagious?
No, most common mouth ulcers like canker sores are not contagious. However, some viral infections that cause mouth sores, like cold sores (caused by herpes simplex virus), can be transmitted through direct contact.
How long do mouth ulcers typically last?
Most minor mouth ulcers heal within 7-14 days without treatment. If they persist longer, it’s advisable to seek professional dental care at Amazing Smile Dentistry.
Can children get mouth ulcers?
Yes, children can develop mouth ulcers. Our pediatric dentistry services at Amazing Smile Dentistry provide specialized care for young patients experiencing oral health issues.
What’s the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?
Canker sores occur inside the mouth and aren’t contagious, while cold sores typically appear on the lips or around the mouth and are caused by a contagious virus.
How can I distinguish between a normal mouth ulcer and something more serious?
While most mouth ulcers are benign, any sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks, appears unusual, or is accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated by Dr. Gelo through our oral cancer screening service.
Visit Amazing Smile Dentistry for Mouth Ulcer Treatment
Don’t let painful mouth ulcers impact your quality of life. At Amazing Smile Dentistry, Dr. Joseph Gelo and our experienced team provide compassionate care and effective treatments for all oral health concerns, including mouth ulcers.
📍 Visit Us: 6252 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89118
📞 Call: (702) 734-6252
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Trust Amazing Smile Dentistry to help you achieve optimal oral health and a pain-free smile!
