1. The Common Canker Sore
The most common type of mouth ulcer is the canker sore, which affects up to 20 percent of the population at any given time. These types of mouth ulcers are caused by a variety of irritations, such as brushing teeth too hard, ill-fitting dentures or braces, burns from hot food or drink, acidic food, biting the inside of the mouth and a rough tooth.
These types of ulcers last for a week or more, unless the damage continues happening, in which case they will not disappear until the cause--for example, a rough tooth--is treated.
2. Herpes is Contagious
Herpes simplex virus I is another common cause of mouth ulcers. These types of ulcers, often called fever blisters or cold sores, last from 1 to 2 weeks, and can be located around the mouth or on the roof of the mouth or the gums. This condition is contagious, so kissing a person who has a mouth ulcer caused by the herpes simplex virus I can result in contagion.
This type of herpes infection usually occurs during infancy or childhood, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. People usually get it from close contact with family members or friends who carry the virus. It can be transmitted by kissing, sharing eating utensils or by sharing towels.
3. Stress-Caused Ulcers
Stress is a trigger for mouth-ulcer eruption. According to research by the Academy of General Dentistry, mouth ulcers are a common complaint of stressed-out students. The sores seemed to appear less frequently after graduation when stress levels were lower.
4. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) also causes mouth ulcers. HFMD is a common illness of infants and children, but can also affect adolescents and adults. This disease is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth and a rash with blisters.
5. More Serious Causes
Many types of triggers can lead to mouth ulcers, including genetics, trauma, medications, hormonal changes and food allergies. Sudden weight loss can also be a cause of mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers can be a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease, immune disorders, a deficiency in iron, vitamin B12 or folate, oral cancer, leukemia or gingivostomatitis (a viral infection of the mouth and gums).
Unless you know your mouth ulcer is a simple canker sore, see your physician for a diagnosis to rule out a more serious cause.
