Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are caused by a variety of factors, often involving injury or irritation to the delicate tissue inside the mouth. Common causes include:
- Minor injuries such as accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, damage from sharp teeth, braces, dentures, or rough dental work
- Irritation from certain foods (e.g., chocolate, peanuts, coffee, acidic fruits), toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, or mouthwashes
- Emotional stress, anxiety, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menstruation)
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamins B2, B9 (folate), B12, iron, and zinc
- Infections including viral (herpes simplex), bacterial, fungal infections, and diseases like hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Certain medical conditions such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, oral lichen planus, and Behçet’s disease
- Some medications, including NSAIDs, beta blockers, and others
- Other causes include burns from hot foods or drinks, irritation from toothbrushes, and immune system issues
Mouth ulcers are generally harmless and tend to heal within 10-14 days, but persistent or multiple ulcers may indicate underlying health issues and warrant medical evaluation
. In summary, mouth ulcers result from a combination of physical injury, irritation, nutritional deficiencies, infections, stress, and systemic health conditions
