Almost everyone experiences mouth ulcers—those small, painful sores inside the lips, cheeks, or tongue. They often seem harmless, usually caused by stress, minor injuries, or eating spicy foods. But here’s what most people don’t realize: repeated or persistent mouth ulcers can sometimes signal a more serious health issue.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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When a Mouth Ulcer Is More Than Just a Sore
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
Frequent mouth ulcers may indicate low levels of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid. These nutrients are essential for healthy blood and tissue repair. Deficiencies can weaken your immune system and cause recurring sores.
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2. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis often show early warning signs in the mouth. Ulcers may appear before digestive symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, or bloating begin.
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3. Autoimmune Diseases
Sometimes, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to chronic ulcers. Diseases like lupus and Behçet’s disease can show up as painful mouth sores before other symptoms develop.
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4. Viral Infections
Certain viral infections—including HIV—weaken the immune system and make mouth ulcers more frequent and difficult to heal. Persistent or unusually large sores should always be checked by a doctor.
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5. Oral Cancer Warning Sign
Though rare, a non-healing mouth ulcer lasting more than 2 weeks could be an early sign of oral cancer. If you notice bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or a lump in the mouth or neck, seek medical help immediately.
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How to Protect Yourself
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Maintain good oral hygiene.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Manage stress, which can trigger outbreaks.
See a doctor if an ulcer lasts longer than 2 weeks or keeps coming back.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
