Oral ulcer (patient information): Difference between revisions
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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Oral ulcer|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Oral ulcer|here]]''' | ||
{{Oral ulcer (patient information)}} | {{Oral ulcer (patient information)}} | ||
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth. | |||
==What are the symptoms of Oral ulcer?== | ==What are the symptoms of Oral ulcer?== | ||
Symptoms vary and depend on the specific cause of the mouth ulcer. In general, symptoms may include: | |||
* Open sores in the mouth | |||
* Pain or discomfort in the mouth | |||
==What causes Oral ulcer?== | ==What causes Oral ulcer?== | ||
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include: | |||
* Canker sores | |||
* Gingivostomatitis | |||
* Herpes simplex (fever blister) | |||
* Leukoplakia | |||
* Oral cancer | |||
* Oral lichen planus | |||
* Oral thrush | |||
The skin lesion of histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer. | |||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
People with decreased immunity are at higher risk of getting oral ulcer | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your mouth ulcers don't go away after 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers return frequently, or if new symptoms develop. | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer, based on its appearance and location. Blood tests or a biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause. | |||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical (rubbed on) antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended for applying directly to the ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers. | |||
==Where to find medical care for Oral ulcer?== | ==Where to find medical care for Oral ulcer?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Oral ulcer}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Oral ulcer] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Oral ulcer}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Oral ulcer] | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are harmless and heal without treatment. There are types of cancer, however, that may first appear as a mouth ulcer that does not heal. | |||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
* Cellulitis of the mouth, from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers | |||
* Dental infections (tooth abscesses) | |||
* Oral cancer | |||
* Spread of contagious disorders to other people | |||
==Prevention== | |||
Good oral hygiene may help prevent some types of mouth ulcers, as well as some complications from mouth ulcers. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth at least twice per day, flossing at least daily, and getting regular professional dental cleanings and examinations. | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001448.htm | |||
{{WH}} | |||
{{WS}}{{WH}} | |||
[[Category:Infectious disease patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Otolaryngology patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Overview complete]] | |||
[[Category:Disease]] | |||
[[Category:Template complete]] | |||
Latest revision as of 22:09, 9 December 2011
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Oral ulcer |
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Oral ulcer On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.
What are the symptoms of Oral ulcer?
Symptoms vary and depend on the specific cause of the mouth ulcer. In general, symptoms may include:
- Open sores in the mouth
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth
What causes Oral ulcer?
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:
- Canker sores
- Gingivostomatitis
- Herpes simplex (fever blister)
- Leukoplakia
- Oral cancer
- Oral lichen planus
- Oral thrush
The skin lesion of histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer.
Who is at highest risk?
People with decreased immunity are at higher risk of getting oral ulcer
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your mouth ulcers don't go away after 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers return frequently, or if new symptoms develop.
Diagnosis
A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer, based on its appearance and location. Blood tests or a biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause.
Treatment options
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical (rubbed on) antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended for applying directly to the ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.
Where to find medical care for Oral ulcer?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Oral ulcer
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are harmless and heal without treatment. There are types of cancer, however, that may first appear as a mouth ulcer that does not heal.
Possible complications
- Cellulitis of the mouth, from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers
- Dental infections (tooth abscesses)
- Oral cancer
- Spread of contagious disorders to other people
Prevention
Good oral hygiene may help prevent some types of mouth ulcers, as well as some complications from mouth ulcers. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth at least twice per day, flossing at least daily, and getting regular professional dental cleanings and examinations.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001448.htm Template:WH Template:WSTemplate:WH