Mouth Ulcers and Bleeding Gums. How to treat them.

Although they can be very painful, most mouth ulcers will heal on there own within 7-10 days. Non healing ulcers or oral lesions present for more than 3 weeks should be assessed by a dentist or a doctor.

Bleeding gums can often be a sign of gum disease and can often be present with no pain at all. If left it can become more severe and lead to bad breath, sore gums and loose teeth.

Excellent Cleaning

This is the main priority keeping your mouth as clean as possible. Warm salty mouth rinses are still the best for this. To make a saltwater rinse, add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Swish the rinse around your mouth for ten to twelve seconds, then spit it out. Make sure you don’t swallow the saltwater, as all that salt can be dehydrating and isn’t healthy to ingest!

Even if it is painful to brush, the mouth must be kept clean to encourage healing and prevent more ulcers occuring. Be gentle and use a soft brush.

Difflam (Benzydamine) spray or mouthwash

Use only as required.

Difflam Spray is an oral pain-relief product which targets the pain at the source. For the treatment of painful and sore mouth and throat conditions. The spray contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called benzydamine hydrochloride which reduces swelling and relieves pain, and can usually be found in pharmacies and chemists.

Soft Diet

Having a soft diet for a few days will help avoid causing trauma to the ulcer when biting down. Stay away from crisps, crusty bread etc.

Painkillers

Ibuprofen (Anti inflammatory) if you can or Paracetamol.

Painkillers should always be taken in accordance with instructions on the packet. Taking too many tablets, or taking medications incorrectly will not improve your symptoms, and can cause serious stomach and liver injury which can be life threatening.

Dentures

Rubbing dentures could be the cause of the problem in some cases. Using denture adhesive like fixodent may help secure a loose denture. Any sharp edges can be removed using an emery board . If the trauma persists remove dentures when possible, to give the skin a chance to heal.

Corsodyl Mouthwash

This is a medicated mouthwash and is only to be used for short periods when needed. It is an excellent treatment for bleeding gums and gum disease, but generally you should avoid using it more any longer than one week, as it can begin to stain your teeth and affect your taste buds.