Mouth Ulcers : Symptoms
Definition
Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth. A mouth or oral ulcer is an open sore in the mouth, or rarely a break in the mucous membrane or the epithelium on the lips or surrounding the mouth.
The types of mouth ulcers are diverse, with a multitude of associated causes including: physical abrasion, acidic fruit, infection, other medical conditions, medications, and cancerous and non specific processes.
Once formed, the ulcer may be maintained by inflammation and/or secondary infection. Two common types are aphthous ulcers (“canker sores”) and cold sores (fever blisters, oral herpes). Cold sores around the lip are caused by viruses.
Symptoms
- Open sores in the mouth
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth
The appearance and exact location of lesions varies with the specific disorder.