The Implications of Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are very unpleasant infected blisters or wounds that can occur on the inside or the outside of the mouth. At best they can make eating and drinking very painful while at worst, they can be a sign of an underlying illness that affects the immune system such as lupus or an inflammatory bowel disease.

Statistics show that certain types of people prove to more susceptible to mouth sores. For example, they tend to run in certain families. Also women are more prone to suffer from them due to the hormonal fluctuations which women experience every month.

Studies have also shown that people who live stressful lives and do not get enough sleep are more likely to get them. There is good reason for this. High stress levels and sleep deprivation is going to cause the immune system to weaken.

Bacteria exist in the mouth all the time. In fact the mouth is like an intricate eco-system. Any disruption to that eco-system can cause mouth sores to flare up.

High stress levels will cause dehydration leading to a reduction of saliva in the mouth. When this happens, bacteria are not properly washed away which can lead to infection. If the immune system is weak, it will be difficult to fight this infection therefore causing mouth sores.

If a person wears dentures or has orthodontic braces or even jagged teeth, it is important to keep an eye on them. Denture can come loose causing an abrasive rubbing between the gum and the cheek. This kind of harsh rubbing can cause lesions or cracks to appear on the gum or cheek.

This lesion or crack is apt to get infected if not treated and that will lead to mouth sores. Orthodontic braces or jagged teeth can have the same effect. In fact, it is possible to cause this kind of lesion by biting down on the lip or cheek. When this happens it is best to gargle with salt water to avoid infection.

There are simple things a person can do to reduce the chances of developing mouth sores. A good start is to practice relaxation methods like yoga or meditation to reduce stress levels in the body.

It’s also advisable to visit the dentist regularly and use a soft bristle toothbrush if there is a history of mouth sores. Another good tip is to avoid hot drinks, too much alcohol and to also chew food slowly. These are just some of the ways to avoid mouth sores.