Tongue ulcers are not serious and are not contagious, but they do have one drawback: They are often painful. How can you see it? Can you make it disappear? We answer all your questions on this subject.
Definition: What is tongue cancer?
“Mouth ulcers are ulcers of the oral mucosa,” explains Dr. Christophe Lequart, dentist and national spokesperson for the French Oral Health Association (UFSBD). “In addition to the tongue, especially the tip, it can also affect other parts of the mouth, such as the floor, lips, gums, roof of the mouth or the inside of the jaw.”
It usually starts with a stinging or burning sensation. Redness will then soon appear, followed by a small, round ulcer. It is round or oval in shape, with a yellow base (doctors call it “fresh butter”) and a red halo around it. It is usually small, less than 5 mm in diameter. It can be very painful, especially in the first few days.
“We don’t know what causes cancer,” Dr. Lequart said. “But there are many things.”
That’s why certain foods are often viewed with suspicion:
“olives, nuts, hard cheeses (like Gruyère), citrus fruits, and chocolate.”
Stress or fatigue can play a role in weakening the body.
Biting your tongue can cause injury and lead to oral infections. Quitting smoking can also lead to cancer due to the protective effects of nicotine. Be careful, smoking is also deadly, it is shameful to use it as an excuse to continue smoking…
Heavy menstrual bleeding in some women.
Some drugs.
Wear artificial or denture teeth. Brush your teeth too hard.
Symptoms of mouth ulcers
Cancers can cause varying degrees of pain, depending on the size and location of the sore. Lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen. Chewing can also cause discomfort and even pain.
Although painful, canker sores do not bleed. Most are benign. Complications are rare and often result from the disease.
How do you soothe and eliminate mouth ulcers?
“The oral cavity in the tongue will heal in about ten to fifteen days,” says Dr. LeQuarte. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to do this quickly. At the same time, the canker sores lose their regularity, deteriorate in structure and eventually disappear. It takes one to two weeks for the cancer to heal completely.
“Without specific treatment for the tongue, the symptoms can be reduced.” You can apply a gel or cream to the cancer before eating, which will make the area a little more beautiful and create a protective film. “But be careful, there are no miracle products. In conclusion, contrary to popular belief, there is no point in using mouthwash. Alcohol in particular can be very painful!
How to fix masks: 6 good ways
Some natural remedies can relieve the pain of canker sores.
Honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It can be mixed with a few drops of essential oil of the leaf. Thyme oil is also recommended especially for the treatment of mouth ulcers. Use a cotton swab to apply honey to the sore after each meal.
Lemon is an excellent anti-inflammatory and can quickly cure cancer. However, its acidity will cause a strong stinging sensation. So you need to be a little brave before you start. If you are afraid to use pure lemon for canker sores, you will prefer to gargle with lemon juice in a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth twice a day.
Cloves contain anesthetics that help relieve mouth and tooth pain. First, you should take a clove of garlic, put it in your mouth and apply it to the wound.
Salt water has antiseptic, antibacterial and healing properties. To reduce pain, gargle with coarse salt or salt water and rinse 3 to 4 times a day. Cold compresses have a pain-relieving effect. Therefore, you can put ice cubes on the canker sore and let it melt.
In homeopathy, Borax 9CH or Arsenic 9CH (3 tablets 3 times a day, until the pain is gone) can relieve the pain.
Prevent mouth ulcers on the tongue
To prevent uninvited guests from coming back, “we must identify the contributing factors and avoid them better.”
oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is also recommended.
Brush your teeth twice a day, morning and evening, for two minutes each time. A soft toothbrush will help prevent irritation to the tongue. Sodium lauryl sulfate is an ingredient in many toothpastes (it’s what makes toothpaste foam when it’s mixed with water) and while it’s not proven to be the culprit, sometimes I think it is. If you’re in doubt and you experience frequent mouth sores, it’s best to choose a toothpaste that doesn’t contain these ingredients. Annual visits to the dentist can help maintain oral health. It’s important to check your teeth several times a day and use mouthwash if you have any cavities or decay. Causes stress and fatigue
Avoid stress and fatigue, both of which are encouraging;
regular exercise and a healthy diet can restore energy, as can getting a good night’s sleep. To reduce stress, you must accept the accumulated burden of your often busy days and learn to let go. Allow yourself to spend time that is good for us and only good for us (reading a good book, walking in the woods, baking a cake, etc.), yoga, cardio work, or simply “fun” for ourselves.
When to see a doctor?
If your canker sore is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, severe fatigue, or headache, it’s best to talk to your doctor. If the pain lasts more than two weeks, doesn’t heal well, or you have trouble eating, you need medical attention.
Finally, if your mouth ulcers reoccur, it’s best to seek counseling. “If your canker sore keeps coming back, be sure to see your doctor. They can look for conditions that may weaken your immune system (the cause of recurring mouth ulcers) and examine your overall health. Behcet’s disease.
How long do mouth ulcers last?
In most cases, mouth ulcers heal without scarring within a few days. This is a benign condition. If there are no symptoms, you do not need to see a doctor.