From the Guidelines
Aphthous ulcers in the tongue and buccal area cause significant pain, discomfort, and interference with daily activities, and their effects can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. According to the expert consensus guideline for diagnosis of difficult and complicated oral ulceration 1, oral ulcerations, including aphthous ulcers, pose considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their complexity and diversity. The causes of oral ulcers are related to traumatic, infectious, allergic factors, and may be associated with skin disease, autoimmune disease, tumor, inflammatory bowel disease, and so on. Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) may be caused by disturbed immune response, genetic predisposition, nutrient deficiency, oral trauma, anxiety or stress, but the exact cause is unknown in some cases.
Some key effects of aphthous ulcers in the tongue and buccal area include:
- Significant pain and discomfort during eating and speaking
- Interference with daily activities
- Appearance of small, round or oval lesions as shallow white or yellowish spots with a red border
- Burning sensation before ulcer appearance
- Sharp pain that worsens with acidic, spicy, or salty foods
- Occasional swelling of lymph nodes
The diagnosis and treatment of oral ulcers, including aphthous ulcers, require a comprehensive assessment, including detailed clinical medical history inquiry, histopathological examination, and ulceration-related systemic diseases screening 1. Treatment options may include topical medications, protective pastes, antimicrobial mouthwashes, and pain management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Proper management of aphthous ulcers is crucial to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life, and patients should be advised to avoid irritating foods, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse with warm saltwater several times daily to help manage symptoms.
From the Research
Effects of Aphthous Ulcers in the Tongue and Buccal Area
Aphthous ulcers in the tongue and buccal area can cause significant discomfort and pain, interfering with daily activities such as eating, speaking, and swallowing 2, 3. The effects of these ulcers can be categorized into several areas:
- Pain and Discomfort: Aphthous ulcers can cause considerable pain, especially when they occur on the tongue and buccal mucosa 4, 5.
- Functional Impairment: The pain and discomfort associated with aphthous ulcers can lead to difficulties in eating, speaking, and swallowing, affecting the quality of life 3, 6.
- Emotional Distress: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) can cause emotional distress and anxiety due to the unpredictability and frequency of ulcer recurrence 2, 6.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: In severe cases, aphthous ulcers can lead to nutritional deficiencies due to difficulties in eating and swallowing certain foods 2, 3.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for aphthous ulcers in the tongue and buccal area are primarily palliative and symptomatic, aiming to reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence 3, 4, 5, 6. Some common treatment options include:
- Topical Corticosteroids: Triamcinolone acetonide and other topical corticosteroids can be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing 3, 4, 6.
- Local Anesthetics: Topical anesthetics such as lidocaine and benzocaine can provide temporary pain relief 3, 4, 5.
- Antiseptics and Anti-inflammatory Agents: Agents such as triclosan and diclofenac can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection 3, 6.
- Nutritional Supplements: Nutritional supplements such as iron, folate, and vitamin B12 can help prevent recurrence and promote healing 2, 5.