Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and Management

Introduction

Mouth ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that develop in the oral cavity. While they often resolve on their own within 10 to 14 days, they can significantly impact daily activities such as eating and drinking. Understanding their causes and effective treatment options is essential for managing discomfort and promoting healing.

1. Understanding Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small lesions that form inside the mouth. A mouth ulcer is a breakdown or erosion of the mucous membrane, which is the delicate lining tissue inside the mouth. Mouth ulcers don’t have a definite cause. They can arise from various factors like allergies, injuries, sensitivities, dehydration, and more.

 In most instances, they heal naturally within 10-14 days without the need for treatment. But they are usually painful and red and might affect your ability to drink or eat.

Therefore, it is better to use the best mouth ulcer medicines available in Pakistan.

For that, we have compiled some of the best mouth ulcer medicines in Pakistan. We have also highlighted some of the most common causes of mouth ulcers.

2. Common Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be due to a couple of reasons. One specific reason can’t define the cause of mouth ulcers. Some of the most common triggers for mouth ulcers include:

• Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek.
• Persistent rubbing against braces or dentures

• Persistent rubbing against sharp, broken, or misaligned teeth
• Dehydration
• Reaction to certain medicines
• Irritation from powerful antiseptics (Mouthwash)
• Burn from consuming hot food/beverage
• Viral infections like herpes simplex viral infection (cold sore virus)
• Aphthous ulcers
• Deficiencies in folate, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), or iron.
• Skin rashes in the mouth (Lichen planus)
• Underlying gastrointestinal conditions such as Coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease.
• Autoimmune diseases

Ulcers can become worse and painful due to stress, extreme fatigue, or illness.

3. Top 4 Best Mouth Ulcer Medicine in Pakistan

Typically, mouth ulcers heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, if they are irritating you and are painful, then you can use any of the best mouth ulcer medicines in Pakistan. Some of them are as follows:

1. Somogel

Somogel gel is a topical ointment used to treat mouth ulcers. It is an antiseptic and analgesic which is prescribed for external use only.

It has lignocaine which works by inducing a reversible blockage of nerve impulse propagation by providing localized numbness. It also has Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) which is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. It penetrates the bacterial cell membrane, leading to the leakage of cellular components and eventually causing cell death.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Somogel is lignocaine.

Manufacturer:

Somogel is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.

Somogel Uses:

Somogel is mainly used for mouth ulcers. Some additional uses of Somogel include:

• Inflammation of the Mouth, Tongue, and Gums

• Antiseptic Properties for oral hygiene
• Teething Troubles in Babies

Somogel Side Effects:

The common side effects of Somogel are as follows:

• Metallic taste
• Skin irritation
• Skin lesions
• Circumoral tingling
• Confusion
• Depressed respiratory rate
• Dizziness
• Convulsions

Dosage:

• You can apply a pea-sized amount of Somogel gel to the affected area 3-4 times daily.
•  Additionally, you should adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Somogel Price in Pakistan:

 The cost of Somogel 20mg gel in Pakistan is Rs. 104.

Caution:

• Do not apply gel on the nose or in the eyes.
• Practice caution in pediatric, hepatically, and geriatric impaired patients.

2. Daktarin Oral Gel

Daktarin Oral Gel is primarily used for the treatment of fungal infections of the mouth, gullet, or throat. It primarily contains Miconazole, which is an antifungal medication.

 It functions by preventing the proliferation of fungi responsible for infections.

Active Ingredient:

 The active component in Daktarin oral gel is miconazole.

Manufacturer:

The manufacturer of Daktarin oral gel is Janssen Company and marketed by Aspin Pharma in Pakistan.

Daktarin Oral Gel Uses:

 The applications of Daktarin Oral Gel include:

• Treat fungal infections of the mouth, gullet, or throat
• Treat mouth ulcers
• Treat throat infections (thrush)

Daktarin Oral Gel Side Effects:

 Some typical side effects of Daktarin Oral Gel include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Choking (specifically in children)
• Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Dosage:

• You can use Dartarin oral gel 3-4 times a day on the affected area.

Daktarin Oral Gel Price in Pakistan:

The price of Dartarin oral gel in Pakistan is Rs. 215.

Caution:

• The medicine is not for the use of infants below the age of 6 months.

3. Enziclor Dental Gel

 Enziclor dental gel is an oral gel designed to treat mouth and dental ulcers, as well as sore tongues and gums. It contains Benzydamine, which is primarily a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps alleviate swelling, pain, and inflammation.

 Enziclor is also available in other forms, including mouth spray, mouthwash, and lozenges, all of which can be easily purchased from pharmacies.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Enziclor Dental Gel is Benzydamine.

Manufacturer:

 Enziclor Dental Gel is manufactured by Platinum Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. in Pakistan.

Enziclor Dental Gel Uses:

 The applications of Enziclor Dental Gel include:

• Mouth ulcers
• Sore gums
• Dental ulcers
• Sore tongue
• Stomatitis (inflammation of mouth and lips)
• Aphthous ulcers (small and shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth)
• Gingivitis (inflammation of gingiva)
• Burning mouth syndrome (a sensation of burning in the mouth)
• Oral mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth)
• Denture sores (lesions resulting from poorly fitting dentures)
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)

Enziclor Dental Gel Side Effects:

Some of the common side effects associated with Enziclor Dental Gel are as follows:

• Numbness or a stinging feeling in the mouth
• Staining
• Alternation in flavor
• Tartar formation

Dosage:

• You can apply a thin layer of Enziclor dental gel to the affected area 2-3 times a day or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not use it more than 12 times a day.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 15 minutes after applying Enziclor Dental Gel.

Enziclor Dental Gel Price in Pakistan:

The price of Enziclor Dental Gel in Pakistan is Rs. 223.

Caution:

• This medicine should not be used for children under 2 years old due to the risk of possible side effects.

4. Bonjela Gel

Bonjela gel is an antiseptic pain-relieving gel. It functions as an anesthetic, providing numbness to the affected area. It contains Choline Salicylate, which is not safe for children under the age of 2.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Bonjela Gel is Choline Salicylate.

Manufacturer:

 Bonjela Gel is manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan LTD.

Bonjela Gel Uses:

 Bonjela Gel is used to treat several conditions, including:

• Oral Ulcers
• Stomatitis
• Gingivitis
• Cold sores
• Denture
• Sore spots
• Oral allergies and infections

Bonjela Gel Side Effects:

 Bonjela Gel may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Individuals with an allergy to salicylates may encounter breathing difficulties or asthma attacks. Other possible reactions include numbness, inflammation, stinging, and a burning sensation in the gums and mouth.

Dosage:

• A person should apply 1 cm of Bonjela gel to the affected area every 3 hours.
• One should not use the medicine for more than 4 times a day.

Bonjela Gel Price in Pakistan:

The Bonjela Gel price in Pakistan is Rs 42-50.

Caution:

• It is not recommended for children under 16 years of age.
• Individuals with active stomach ulcers or hypersensitivity to salicylates, NSAIDs, or aspirin should avoid using this medication.

4. When to Seek Treatment for Mouth Ulcers

 Mouth or oral ulcers are typically harmless and usually heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. However, they can sometimes indicate a more serious medical condition that requires attention. You should consult a qualified mouth ulcer specialist in Pakistan if you experience the following:

• Mouth ulcer lasting longer than 3 weeks
• Ulcer growing bigger than usual
• Ulcer located at the back of the throat.
• Ulcers keep coming back
• If the ulcer bleeds or becomes red and extremely painful, it may indicate an infection.

Conclusion

In summary, while mouth ulcers are typically harmless and self-limiting, they can cause considerable pain and irritation. Utilizing effective mouth ulcer medications available in Pakistan can help alleviate symptoms and expedite healing. However, persistent or severe ulcers warrant professional medical attention to rule out underlying health issues.