Overview of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth Ulcers, also known as Canker Sores, are small, pain lesions that develop in the mouth or at the base of the gums, due to the loss or erosion of the delicate lining tissue of the mouth. They are usually not dangerous, but they can make eating, drinking and talking uncomfortable. These ulcers are typically white or yellow with a red border and can appear on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or the floor of the mouth. 

Some common causes include minor mouth injury from an accidental bite or dental work, sensitivities to acidic food such as citrus fruits and coffee, hormonal changes, stress and certain nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B9, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. 

Why is it crucial to treat Mouth Ulcers?

Timely treatment of mouth ulcers is crucial to alleviate pain and discomfort, as well as prevent potential complications, such as secondary bacterial infections. With a reduction of the duration and recurrence of ulcers, individuals' overall quality of life, especially for those with frequent or severe outbreaks will be enhanced. 

Understanding Mouth Ulcers

There are three main types of mouth ulcers:

Type of ulcer	Rarity	Location	Appearance	Pain
Minor	Most common type 80-85% of all mouth ulcers	Found on the inner cheeks, lip, tongue, gums, or floor of the mouth	Less than 1 cm in diameter Round or oval with a white or yellowish centre and red border	Painful, often take up to 2 weeks to fully heal, no scar
Major	Less common but more severe 10-15% of all cases	Found on the inner cheeks, lip, tongue, gums, or floor of the mouth	1-3 cm in diameter Deeper lesions Irregularly shaped with a white or yellow centre and a red border	More painful than minor ulcers , often take up to 6 weeks to fully heal, scarring present
Herpetiform ulceration	Less common but distinctive form of mouth ulcers Named because lesions resemble herpes simplex virus infections. However, these ulcers are not caused by the herpes virus	Can occur anywhere in the mouth but are most commonly found on the underside of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, and the roof of the mouth.	Less than 1 mm in diameter, occur in clusters of 10 to 100 and can merge into larger Irregularly shaped lesions and have a white or yellowish centre with a red border.	Extremely painful, take about 2-4 weeks to heal

Common causes and triggers 

1. Injury: Biting the inside of the cheek, aggressive tooth brushing, or dental work is the most the common cause of mouth ulcers 
2. Stress: Emotional stress and lack of sleep can trigger mouth ulcers in some individuals 
3. Diet: Acidic foods like oranges, pineapples, and certain foods like nuts and chocolate can contribute to the formation of ulcers.
4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts, particularly in women during menstruation
5. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and vitamin deficiencies (B12, zinc, folate, iron) can cause recurrent mouth ulcers.
6. Medications: Certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-blockers, can lead to mouth ulcers as a side effect.

That being said, while mouth ulcers are often not life-threatening, it can significantly affect both daily life and overall oral health. The pain and discomfort from mouth ulcers can make eating, drinking and speaking difficult and uncomfortable. 

Furthermore, complications might develop compromising one's oral health. Secondary infections may occur when open ulcers in the mouth become infected with bacteria, leading to more serious infections that require medical attention. Recurrent or chronic ulcers can lead to long-term inflammation and scarring in the mouth, which can affect oral tissue health.

Oracort: A Premier Choice for Mouth Ulcer Relief

Introduction to Oracort

While most mouth ulcers heal on their own, there are medications to help relieve pain and swelling of it. 

Oracort is a leading treatment option for mouth ulcers, highly regarded for its effectiveness and ease of use. Oracort contains triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with mouth ulcers. When applied directly to the ulcer, Oracort forms a protective film over the lesion, promoting healing and providing symptomatic relief.

Detailed look at Oracort

Mechanisms and benefits 

Oracort is a triamcinolone acetonide oral paste used for treatment of mouth ulcers and it belongs to the class of medication called corticosteroids. 

Triamcinolone acetonide has anti inflammatory, antipruritic (anti-itch) and anti-allergic actions which may provide prompt relief or oral tenderness, pain, inflammation and ulceration. By acting as an adhesive, applying it to the mouth keeps the medicine in close contact with the lesion being treated while also providing protective covering. 

Application of Oracort 

This medication is only for adults and children 7 years old and above.

Oral paste

Dab or press a small amount of paste on the affected area using a clean, dry finger or cotton swab. Do not rub the paste in, as the paste will become crumbly, grainy, or gritty. Apply to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily after meals or at bedtime and do not eat or drink immediately after applying the oral paste.  Do not apply more than four times in 24 hours.  Do not use it for longer than 5 days without medical advice.

Some side effects of Oracort include burning, itching, dryness or redness of treated area. If you forget or miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed application and continue with the next dose at the usual time. 

Before using this medication, ensure that it is safe for you to use Oracort Paste. 

• Have you previously had an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing) to triamcinolone acetonide or any other ingredient such as gelatin, pectin, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, mineral oil, polyethylene?
• Have you currently got a fungal, viral or bacterial infection in your mouth, throat or skin? 
• Do you have tuberculosis, a stomach ulcer or diabetes? 
• Are you pregnant or intend to become pregnant? 
• Are you currently breastfeeding? 
• Are you taking any other preparation that is to be applied to the same area of the mouth? 

If you answer YES to any of the above questions or are not sure, do not start treatment. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or dentist first. 

With proven efficacy in clinical studies, Oracort is preferred by healthcare professionals and patients. It is effective for pain relief from discomfort, allowing patients to resume normal eating, drinking, and speaking activities more comfortably. Its ease of use also makes it a user-friendly option for patients. 

 

Treatment Options for Mouth Ulcers at Glovida-Rx

Glovida’s range of sores and ulcers products provide effective and targeted wound care. Designed for comfort and easy application, our products promote healing, relieve pain, and reduce infection risk, supporting improved overall health and quality of life.

Choosing the right treatment for mouth ulcers can be challenging, but our pharmacists at Glovida-Rx are here to help you make an informed decision. 

Advantages of using Glovida-Rx 

1. Convenience and accessibility: Getting your medications with Glovida is no hassle. With just a few clicks, you can browse and purchase healthcare products from the comfort of your home and have it delivered to your doorstep

Privacy and discretion: Glovida-Rx understands the importance of privacy and discretion when purchasing sensitive healthcare products. Whether you are buying treatments for mouth ulcers or other personal health issues, you can trust Glovida-Rx to handle your order with the utmost care for your privacy 

Wide selection of treatment: At Glovida-Rx, you will find a wide selection of treatments for various health conditions, including Oracort. The detailed product information as well as expert recommendations from our experienced pharmacists, ensures that you can make an informed decision for the best possible care. 

Safe online shopping with Glovida-Rx

1. Authenticity of products: When shopping for healthcare products online, ensuring their authenticity is crucial to your health and safety. Glovida-Rx takes this responsibility seriously and each item is approved by HSA.
2. Consulting with Healthcare Professionals: Before starting any new treatment, it is essential to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure it is suitable for your specific needs and medical history. Glovida-Rx offers access to experienced pharmacists and healthcare experts who can provide personalised advice and recommendations.
3. Navigating Product Descriptions and Reviews: Making informed decisions about your healthcare requires understanding the products you are considering. Glovida-Rx provides comprehensive product descriptions so you can select the most appropriate treatments for your needs. Additionally, customer reviews offer insights into the experiences of others who have used the products. 

Home Care and Prevention Strategies for Mouth Ulcers

Besides pharmacological management, non-pharmacological strategies can also alleviate the symptoms and promote healing:

• Diet: Avoid spicy (e.g. chilli, hot sauce, pepper) and acidic (e.g. oranges, lemons) foods as they aggravate ulcers. Instead, choose soft and bland foods such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt and oatmeal as they are easy to chew and less likely to irritate your mouth. Stay hydrated with plenty of water as keeping your mouth moist can aid in the healing process 
• Oral hygiene: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the sensitive tissues around and ulcers and brush at least twice a day to maintain cleanliness. Choose a toothpaste that is free from sodium lauryl sulphate, a foaming agent that can irritate ulcers. Instead, look for toothpaste formulated for sensitive mouths. 

While mouth ulcers are benign and heal on their own, certain signs warrant a consultation with a doctor:

1. Persistent ulcers that last for longer than 2 weeks without showing signs of healing 
2. Unmanageable pain from ulcer that is not relieved by pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments 
3. If ulcers are accompanied by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or gastrointestinal disturbances 

Don’t let mouth ulcers disrupt your daily life any longer. Take control of your oral health today and remember that change in diet, oral hygiene and maintaining overall health can go a long way in preventing and managing these pesky ulcers. 

With the extensive range of treatments for mouth ulcers at your fingertips, take the first step towards pain-free living. You can easily get a free consultation with our experienced pharmacists by sending us a WhatsApp at +65 81015555 or visiting our E-Pharmacy at glovida-rx.com.sg.

References 

1. InformedHealth.org. (2006). Overview: Canker sores (mouth ulcers). In StatPearls. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250/

2. Plewa MC, Chatterjee K. (2023, Nov 13). Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431059/

3. Canker sores and cold sores. (2005). The Journal of the American Dental Association, 136(3), 415. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2005.0185 

4. Lewis , M. A. O., & Wilson , N. H. F. (2023, May 11). Oral ulceration: Causes and management. The Pharmaceutical Journal. https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/oral-ulceration-causes-and-management 

5. Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. (2017, Apr 26). Triamcinolone Ulcer Preparations [PDF]. Health Sciences Authority. https://www.hsa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/announcements/reclassified-medicines/patient-information-leaflets/triamcinolone-ulcer-preparations-pil-20-05-2017.pdf