Are Mouth Ulcers Self-Limiting?
Simple mouth ulcers are usually self-limiting and rarely present in general practice. However, severe, recurrent or persistent oral ulceration can be extremely painful and may result from an underlying systemic pathology.
Are mouth ulcers contagious?
No, they are not
What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?
In severe mouth ulcer attacks, what may the patient also experience?
What are the danger elimination/ red flag symptoms for mouth ulcers?
What age are mouth ulcers more common in?
More common in women and those under the age of 40.
Can mouth ulcers run in families?
Mouth ulcers run in some families. So, a genetic factor may play a part in some cases.
What are aphthous ulcers?
Aphthous ulcers are recurring ulcers with no known cause that affect around 20 percent of the population
What lifestyle advice can be given to someone who presents with ulcers?
What is the treatment time scale for mouth ulcers?
If it lasts more than 3 weeks then refer to GP.
What colour can mouth ulcers be?
they can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour and swollen.
What is the difference between mouth ulcers and cold sores?
Mouth ulcers shouldn’t be confused with cold sores, which are small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth. Cold sores often begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation around your mouth.
Which age is ulcers more common in?
Common in women between ages 10-40 years linked with menstrual cycle due to lack of iron
What lifestyle advice can be given to someone for ulcers and to prevent them?
What is the treatment timescale for ulcers?
7 days - if no improvement then refer to GP
Name a few products that can be used for ulcers?
Iglu pastilles, Bonjela, benzocaine- oralgel, antibacterial mouthwash-chlorhexidine
Is oral thrush self-limiting in babies vs adults?
Yes, in babies oral thrush is harmless and is self-limiting within a month from their first appearance.
Where as in adults if left untreated the symptoms will persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. If untreated can spread to body as an infection - serious.
What agent is oral thrush usually treated with?
Antifungals
What are the presenting symptoms of oral thrush in babies?
The main sign of oral thrush is a white coating on your baby’s tongue, although there may also be white patches elsewhere in the mouth. This coating may look like curd or cottage cheese and usually can’t be rubbed off easily. If it can be rubbed off easily it means its milk residues not thrush.
With babies with oral thrush what else may be associated at the same time that may need treatment too?
Associated nappy rash caused by the same infection that needs to be treated as well.
What are the presenting symptoms of oral thrush in adults?
What are the red flag symptoms for oral thrush?
what lifestyle advice can be given to someone with oral thrush?
What is the treatment timescale for oral thrush?
Usually with treatment it should clear within 2 weeks. In some cases it can last for longer.