This helps against the nasty blisters in the mouth

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Aphthous ulcers are painful and annoying. We explain how they develop and how you can quickly get rid of those annoying blisters in your mouth
Aphthous ulcers often come out of nowhere and usually disappear after a few days without a trace. Meanwhile, the nasty little spots in the mouth can make eating and everyday life a torture. This is usually not dangerous, but quite annoying. Our experts explain what you can do if you have a mouth ulcer and when you should see a doctor.
What is an aphtha?
An aphtha feels like a painful blister in the mouth. “Actually, it’s not a small blister, but rather a small, deepened crater in the oral mucosa,” explains dentist Dr. Alexander Engel.
In addition to normal aphthous ulcers, there is also what is known as mouth rot, also known as gingivostomatitis herpetica in technical jargon. The herpes infection causes similar blisters in the mouth and is often accompanied by fever. Almost everyone carries the virus, but the disease only breaks out in small children.
Why do aphthous ulcers hurt so much?
Damage to the mucous membrane or ulceration (ulceration) exposes the nerve endings underneath. That’s why the spot hurts so much when you touch it with your tongue. Because there are many bacteria in the mouth, there can also be a so-called superinfection, in which bacteria settle on the aphtha and inflame it.
Nattaro Ohe / Shutterstock.com
Aphthae look like milky-white blisters, but are actually small craters in the oral mucosa
When do mouth ulcers heal?
A sore throat hurts like hell, especially when eating, but it’s not dangerous and usually goes away on its own. “It is said that aphthous ulcers usually come in 3 days and go in 3 days, after 2 weeks at the latest they are completely gone,” explains Engel. Meanwhile, you can sometimes see a white spot on the spot, this is tissue that is healing over the ulcer. So don’t worry if you suddenly discover a white, sore spot in your mouth, it’s not bacterial or fungal, it’s a good sign.
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What causes damage to the oral mucosa?
It is not yet clear why some people get aphthous ulcers from time to time. “They are not contagious, and injuries in the oral mucosa area do not cause aphthous ulcers either,” emphasizes dermatologist Dr. Eric Senger. However, the dermatologist mentions some favorable circumstances, such as stress or a lack of B vitamins, folic acid, iron or zinc. If you have celiac disease, gluten can also cause the sore spots in your mouth.
But just because you have an ulcer doesn’t necessarily mean you’re missing something, and vice versa, not every deficiency leads to a mouth ulceration.
There are also links between canker sores and vascular diseases or autoimmune disorders. People with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, arthritis or HIV are often prone to painful blisters in the mouth. But don’t panic, having an aphthous ulcer every now and then is completely normal and by no means a sign of a more serious illness.
Are canker sores contagious?
No, canker sores are not contagious. Unlike herpes, which is caused by viruses and is therefore highly contagious, aphthae are damage to the oral mucosa and are not transferable.
Are there also dangerous aphthae?
“If you get a sore mouth a few times a year, but it goes away after 14 days, you don’t have to worry,” warns the dermatologist. In very rare cases, however, they can indicate another disease. Therefore, pay attention to the following warning signs with aphthous ulcers and, if in doubt, have them examined by a doctor:
- The aphthae are very large: Usually the spot is only a few millimeters in size, but in some cases it can get significantly larger, or it doesn’t heal within 14 days. The pain often severely limits you in everyday life, which is why many go to the doctor.
- You get aphthous ulcers very often: If you’re constantly struggling with the sore spots in your mouth, you should have a blood work done because you may have a deficiency or another systemic disease.
- You have ancestors from Asia: “People with roots from the area of the historic Silk Road, i.e. the Near and Middle East and East Asia, have a higher risk of what is known as Behçet’s disease,” explains Senger. This is an autoimmune disease of the vessels and initially manifests itself primarily in recurring aphthous ulcers, but can later also affect other areas such as the gastric mucosa or the eyes and have dangerous consequences. Behçet’s disease should therefore definitely be treated.
- The spots are on the gums: A normal ulcer is usually located in the front of the mouth, i.e. on the lips, tongue, cheeks or sometimes on the palate. “However, there is also mucosal necrosis on the gums or between the teeth, which can be a sign of HIV,” says dentist Dr. Angel. So these are not normal canker sores and you should get tested by a doctor as soon as possible.
What helps against aphthae?
Since the cause has not really been clarified, it is hardly possible to treat it, and it is difficult to accelerate the healing itself. However, there are some remedies that can reduce the annoying pain somewhat. To alleviate the symptoms of aphthous ulcers, doctors recommend the following things:
- Leave the spot alone: Yes, it’s tempting to run your tongue over the spot every few seconds to see if it really still hurts. If it is constantly irritated, however, the tissue cannot grow back together as quickly. So pull yourself together and leave the aphtha alone, and it will be gone in a few days.
- Home remedies for pain relief: There are some natural medicinal plants that can relieve pain and soothe inflamed areas, such as sage, chamomile, or myrrh. There are special tinctures that you can smear on the affected area (e.g. Osa Plant Tooth Gel), or slowly drink a (cooled) tea made from these plants.
- oral hygiene: If you notice that your palate is rough or sore, make sure bacteria don’t stand a chance. By using mouthwashes (e.g. Chlorhexamed) and using a mild toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate (e.g. from Weleda).
- Medicines: In the pharmacy there are anesthetic pastes, for example with lidocaine (e.g. in periodontal mouth ointment), or the anti-inflammatory cortisone. But first talk to your doctor, who can prescribe it for you in an emergency.
What foods should I avoid with canker sores?
If you have an aphthous ulcer, you will quickly find that acidic, hot or hard food and alcohol hurt a lot because it irritates the area. It is therefore better to switch to soft foods such as soup or rice. “Cigarettes particularly irritate the damaged mucous membrane and disrupt the body’s healing processes, so you should definitely switch down a gear,” advises Engel.
Cool foods also promise relief: cold can numb the pain somewhat, so eat cool yoghurt and drink a cold drink, for example. “You shouldn’t suck on ice cubes, they’re so cold that the blood flow and the pain get worse afterwards,” warns Engel.
Aphthous ulcers are annoying. They usually come and go as they please. If this only happens every now and then and if the spots stay rather small, you don’t have to worry. With our tips you can alleviate the pain a little. However, if blisters keep appearing, get very large or are accompanied by side effects such as fever or lethargy, have them checked out by a doctor.
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