Oral health

Question 1

7.1 mouth ulcers

Answer 1

symptoms:
• minor apthous ulcers
• white/yellow centre with outer inflamed
red ring
• appears on tongue, lips and cheeks
• occurs in crops of one to 5 and up to
5mm in size
referral:
• >3 weeks
• painless
• >10mm in diameter
• crops of >5 ulcers
• associated weight loss
• associated recurrent diarrhoea
• medications - NSAIDs, sulfasalazine, mtx
OTC product:
• chlorhexidine - prevents bacterial
infection (mouthwash 12+)
• local analgesics - pain relief
1. benzydamine (difflam oral rinse 12+)
2. choline salicylate (bonjela adult 16+)
• local anaesthetics - pain relief
1. lidocaine, benzocaine (iglu, bonjela,
oragel)
• topical corticosteroids - anti-
inflammatory: hydrocortisone buccal pellets 12+
advice:
• avoiding spicy, salty, acidic or hot food
and drink until the ulcer heals
• iron, folate, zinc, B12 deficiency
• brush teeth before chlorhexidine