Ulcers
are found on the "loose" tissues of
the mouth; i.e. the cheek, inner lip, tongue,
soft palate, floor of mouth, and sometimes the
throat. They are usually small, less than one
half centimetre in diameter. Trigger reasons
are stress, acidic foods, specific foods for
the individual, trauma and chemical sensitivities.
There is no specific cure for aphthous stomatitis.
Good oral hygiene, rinsing with antibacterial
rinses (chlorhexidine). Topical steroid treatments
are useful.
Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is a common fungal infection. Cracked
and painful fissures appear at the corners of the
mouth. Anti fungal ointment is effective, healing
occurs in a few days.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a benign dermatological condition,
which often occurs in the mouth, sometimes with no
apparent skin involvement. Often the mouth lesions
will occur prior to generalized skin involvement.
The cause is unknown. It is a autoimmune reaction.
Oral lichen planus has a lacy, white pattern of various
sizes and can occur anywhere in the mouth, mostly
the inner cheek. It is a symptomatic and patients
often do not know they even have it unless their
dentist points it out to them. The lesions change
in size constantly from near remission to full mouth
involvement. Erosive lichen planus is the form where
ulcers form within the lesion and can be quite painful
but this form is rare. A very small percentage of
chronic oral lichen planus may develop into an oral
cancer lesion, so this condition needs to be checked
regularly by your dentist. Triggers are stress, poor
nutrition, and galvanic reactions to amalgam fillings.
There is no specific treatment. The ulcerative form
can be controlled with the application of topical
steroids. Good nutrition and stress reduction can
help reduce frequency of ulcerative episodes.
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