The appearance of sores on the tongue, mouth and throat usually happens due to the use of some types of medication, but it can also be a sign of infection by viruses or bacteria, so the best way to find out the correct cause is to consult a doctor. general or gastroenterologist.
Along with the wounds it is still common to develop other symptoms such as pain and burning in the mouth, especially when talking or eating.
1. Use of medicines
The use of some medications can cause a burning sensation in the mouth as a side effect, which usually causes a lot of pain in the tongue, palate, gums, inside the cheeks and throat, and can remain throughout the treatment. In addition, the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco can also cause similar symptoms.
How to treat: one must identify which medicine causes burning in the mouth and tongue and talk to the doctor in order to try to replace it. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs should also be avoided.
2. Candidiasis
Oral candidiasis, also known as thrush disease, is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans , which can occur in the mouth or throat causing symptoms such as white patches or plaques, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and cracks in the corners. from the mouth. This infection develops normally when the immune system is low, so it is very common in babies or immunocompromised people, such as those with AIDS, who are undergoing cancer treatment, with diabetes mellitus or the elderly, for example. See how to identify this disease.
How to treat: the treatment for thrush disease can be done with the application of an antifungal in the form of liquid, cream or gel, such as nystatin or miconazole, in the infected region of the mouth. Learn more about treatment.
3. Foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease is a non-contagious disease that causes thrush, blisters and mouth sores more than twice a month. Canker sores appear as small white or yellowish lesions with a red border, which may appear on the mouth, tongue, internal areas of the cheeks, lips, gums and throat. Learn how to identify foot-and-mouth disease.
This problem can arise due to sensitivity to some type of food, vitamin B12 deficiency, hormonal changes, stress or weakened immune system.
How to treat: Treatment consists of relieving symptoms of pain and discomfort and promoting healing of ulcers. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Amlexanox, antibiotics such as Minocycline and anesthetics such as Benzocaine are generally used, as well as mouthwashes to disinfect and relieve local pain.
4. Cold sores
Cold sores are a contagious infection caused by a virus, which causes blisters or crusts to appear, which usually appear on the lips, although they can also develop under the nose or chin. Some of the symptoms that can arise are swelling of the lip and the appearance of ulcers on the tongue and mouth, which can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. The blisters of cold sores can burst, allowing fluids to contaminate other regions.
How to treat: this disease has no cure, however it can be treated with antiviral ointments, such as acyclovir. See more treatment options for cold sores.
5. Leukoplakia
Oral leukoplakia is characterized by the appearance of small white plaques that grow on the tongue, which can also appear inside the cheeks or gums. These spots usually do not cause symptoms and disappear without treatment. This condition can be caused by vitamin deficiency, poor oral hygiene, poorly adapted restorations, crowns or dentures, use of cigarettes or infection by the HIV or Epstein-Barr virus. Although rare, leukoplakia can progress to oral cancer.
How to treat: The treatment consists of the removal of the element that causes the lesion and if oral cancer is suspected, the doctor may recommend the removal of the cells affected by the spots, through minor surgery or cryotherapy. In addition, the doctor may also prescribe antiviral drugs, such as valacyclovir or fanciclovir, or the application of a solution of podophyll resin and tretinoin, for example.
