The Student Room Group

Mouth ulcers

About a month ago I had an incredibly painful sore throat and literally couldn't eat anything for nearly a week, talk or even cough. It turned out to be a big ulcer on my uvula (that thing between the tonsils). It was really awful and I was so happy when it finally went away. Only now I have another one on my soft palate! I've never really had mouth ulcers before and these ones that are far back in the mouth are unbelievably painful. I hate the thought they might keep coming back - that's like a week of agony every month. Might it just be stress since I'm under an enormous amount of pressure at the moment? Is there anything I can do? Corsodyl mouthwash seems to work quite well but prevention is better than cure etc

Reply 1

IzzyWizzy
About a month ago I had an incredibly painful sore throat and literally couldn't eat anything for nearly a week, talk or even cough. It turned out to be a big ulcer on my uvula (that thing between the tonsils). It was really awful and I was so happy when it finally went away. Only now I have another one on my soft palate! I've never really had mouth ulcers before and these ones that are far back in the mouth are unbelievably painful. I hate the thought they might keep coming back - that's like a week of agony every month. Might it just be stress since I'm under an enormous amount of pressure at the moment? Is there anything I can do? Corsodyl mouthwash seems to work quite well but prevention is better than cure etc

I got an ulcer like your first one, and I too was told to gargle corsodyl, which worked well, but I feel your pain, it hurt sooo much!
Are you stressed at them mo? I often find I get ulcers when I'm stressed out. The doctor told me that vit C was good for preventing though, so make sure you're getting enough fruit and veg. :smile:

Reply 2

Yeah I'm in final year, which is being made 100 times worse by the fact my dissertation supervisor is an alcoholic who can't be bothered helping me and never turns up for the class he's supposed to teach. I normally handle stress well but I'm freaking out that I might end up without the 2:1 I need. These ulcers are the worst, aren't they? I've had them from time to time inside my lip and stuff but these are a million times more painful. Orange juice actually seems to bring them on, do you think I should take vitamin tablets?

Reply 3

You need to go to the pharmacy and get some mouth ulcer cream thing (I have it, can't remember the name of it) but they get rid of it fast. I get mouth ulcers alot, got one now. But this stuff is amazing lol.

*goes checks the name*

ADCORTYL in ORABASE for MOUTH ULCERS

Reply 4

My orthodontist was always on it me that mouth ulcers indicate a lack of vitamin B - so maybe something like berocca that has high doses of B and C vitamins would help.

Mouth ulcers are a bitch.

Reply 5

Stress is probably causing them, however if you experience them for a prolonged amount of time, you really should get them checked out with your GP/dentist if you havent already, because they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious (I know in your case they probably arent but my dad had mouth cancer a few years ago and it started with an ulcer, so Im more aware of these things).

Reply 6

I did used to get them from time to time but wasn't that bothered by them. For some reason they're appearing around my soft palate now, which is really painful when you swallow and also it's too far back to apply Bonjela or anything. I hope it isn't anything more serious - it probably is just stress.

Reply 7

When you're under a lot of stress, your sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the 'fight or flight' mechanism) is active much more than the parasympathetic (which encourages the 'rest and digest' mechanisms). The sympathetic nervous system will encourage salivation, and as saliva is acidic, it can have an inflammatory effect on the soft tissues of your mouth. Combine this with the fact that sympathetically-produced saliva is much thicker and therefore any bacteria will be suspended in your mouth for longer, plus the fact that prolonged sympathetic stimulation can depress your immune system, and you've got pretty optimal conditions for ulcers to occur.

My advice would be to gargle a few times over the next week or so with hydrogen peroxide to kill off any of the crap living in the back of your throat, use a normal antibacterial mouthwash twice a day when you brush your teeth and avoid acidic foods like fruit juice. Cheese is alkaline so may help to neutralise some of the acid. You can also suck antibacterial throat lozenges, some of which have local anaesthetic in and will help with the pain. If you're still having problems, don't hesitate to see your doctor for a course of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories. Alternatively (or additionally) you can see your dentist to see if they have any recommendations. Try and get plenty of sleep, make sure your intake of fruit and veg is up to scratch and do some exercise when you can, as these things will all boost your immune system. Lastly, try and relax whenever you can. I know it's tough in your final year but I'm sure you're going to do really well and you don't need to make yourself ill over your work. Even if it's only a couple of hours a week where you can just forget about work and do something completely unrelated, it'll be worth it.

Reply 8

omg me too! im a final yr student too! i never have had them in my life until last couple months i suddenly got 3 or 4 in the space of a few weeks. i thnk its stress. i also now have tonsillitis and the flu.

brush teeth often - 2wice a day everyday, or even after eat time you eat. also vv helpful to use a antibacterial mouthwash like TCP or boots oral antiseptic. will go in about 7-10 days. also chemists sell oral anaesthetic throat spray , and take asprins if they hurt too bad

Reply 9

I believe that drinking grape juice is supposed to be good for mouth ulcers and general gum problems. :smile:

Reply 10

IzzyWizzy
About a month ago I had an incredibly painful sore throat and literally couldn't eat anything for nearly a week, talk or even cough. It turned out to be a big ulcer on my uvula (that thing between the tonsils). It was really awful and I was so happy when it finally went away. Only now I have another one on my soft palate! I've never really had mouth ulcers before and these ones that are far back in the mouth are unbelievably painful. I hate the thought they might keep coming back - that's like a week of agony every month. Might it just be stress since I'm under an enormous amount of pressure at the moment? Is there anything I can do? Corsodyl mouthwash seems to work quite well but prevention is better than cure etc

I *think* it could be vitamin deficiencies - either B2 or B12. (Can't remember) At any rate, a multi vitamin will help you. My daddy's got sorted that way.