Ghowth/Ulcer In Mouth

Most mouth ulcers are benign and result from a variety of causes:
Trauma: From accidental bites, sharp teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or braces.
Aphthous Ulcers: Small, painful, recurrent ulcers often triggered by stress, minor injuries, or certain foods.
Infections: Viral (e.g., herpes simplex), bacterial, or fungal.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Especially iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency.
Systemic Conditions: Such as Crohn’s disease, Behçet's disease, or autoimmune disorders.
Medications: Including chemotherapy, NSAIDs, or beta-blockers.
Tobacco or Alcohol Use: Can irritate oral mucosa and delay healing.
In most cases, ulcers heal on their own or with simple treatment. But when ulcers persist for more than 2–3 weeks, particularly without an obvious cause, further evaluation is essential.

Yes—a persistent, non-healing mouth ulcer can be an early sign of oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma. Unlike benign
ulcers, cancerous ulcers often:
•   Last longer than 2–3 weeks
•  Are painless in early stages
•  Appear as red, white, or mixed patches
•  Are hard or indurated at the base
•  Occur on the tongue, floor of mouth, or inner cheeks
•  May bleed or be associated with a lump or difficulty in chewing or swallowing
High-risk factors include:
•   Tobacco use (smoked or chewed)
•  Alcohol consumption
•  Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
•  Poor oral hygiene
•  Age above 40
Early detection allows for simpler treatments and significantly improves survival rates. Any suspicious ulcer should be evaluated by a head and neck specialist, and a biopsy may be recommended.

Mouth ulcers are usually harmless—but a persistent, painless, or unusual ulcer should never be ignored. For individuals with risk factors like smoking, alcohol use, or age above 40, an ulcer may be an early sign of oral cancer. Early detection and timely cancer treatment offer the best chances for cure and long-term health. If in doubt, always consult an ENT or head and neck cancer specialist.