Mouth Ulcers – Is it Due to Overheat or Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Many of us are still confused on these lines, whether mouth ulcers occur due to overheat of the body or due to vitamin B12 deficiency? Well, science has proved that mouth ulcers occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency. In this article, we have tried to clear your confusion on the myth and the fact about mouth ulcers and the real cause for it.

Myth:

Ulcers in the mouth are due to overheat of the body

Fact:

Ulcers in the mouth occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when stomach does not release protein (intrinsic factor) that binds with vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Mouth ulcers are frequently seen in people who have poor ability to absorb vitamin B12 and it is especially seen in vegetarians.

Mouth ulcers – How do they appear?

Mouth ulcers are formed on the gums, inner cheeks, tongue and lips. They are irregularly shaped and are small sores that appear white and raised. It is very painful.

Causes for mouth ulcers

• Deficiency of vitamin B12
• Burns from hot food or drinks
• Ulcers are also caused by irritation from broken or sharp tooth.
• Improper brushing of teeth or brushing roughly
• Using the same toothbrush for a long period
• When you accidentally bite your cheek/lips/tongue
• Patients getting radiation therapies done

Effects of mouth ulcers

• Mouth ulcers do not give any serious health effects, but they are very painful. Sometimes it is very difficult to eat or chew the food.
• No long-term effects are seen, they disappear within 2-3 days.

Treatment

• Vitamin B12 supplements are suggested to overcome deficiency and heal mouth ulcers.
• Vitamin B12 supplements are available in three forms:
  • Methylcobalamin
  • Hydroxocobalamin
  • Cyanocobalamin
• Supplements that contain methylcobalamin are very effective in healing mouth ulcers

Natural sources of vitamin B12

• Vitamin B12 is rich in animal foods like meat, egg, milk, yogurt and poultry. To some extent, fortified cereals contain vitamin B12.
• This is the reason that vegetarians are affected more with mouth ulcers.

Home remedies for mouth ulcers

• Take a spoon of salt and mix it in one cup of warm water. Gurgle the water for a few minutes and spit it out.
• Mix equal quantity of lemon juice and honey, and apply it on the ulcer.
• Use mouth wash that contains Benadryl allergy liquid. Do not swallow the mouth wash, you only need to gurgle.
• Mix a pinch of turmeric in one teaspoon of glycerin and apply it on the ulcer.
• Yogurt and ghee are also helpful in giving relief.

Care

• Practicing good oral hygiene
• Eating well balanced diet
• Avoid hot and spicy food
• Use brush that has smooth bristles
• Use toothpaste that has fluoride
• Take vitamin B12 supplements

Hope this information has helped you learn more about mouth ulcers and the actual cause of the problem. Take preventive measures and keep yourself away from mouth ulcers.