Traumatic injuries involving the oral cavity may typically lead to the formation of surface ulcerations. The injuries may result from events such as accidentally biting oneself while talking, sleeping or secondary to mastication. Other forms of mechanical trauma, as well as chemical, electrical, or thermal insults, may also be involved. In addition, fractured, carious, malposed, or malformed teeth, as well as the premature eruption of teeth, can contribute to the formation of surface ulcerations.Nocturnal parafunctional habits, such as bruxism and thumb sucking, may be associated with the development of traumatic ulcers of the buccal mucosa, the labial mucosa, the lateral borders of the tongue, and the palate.
Surface ulcerations usually heal within 10-14 days, but occasionally, they may persist for a significantly longer time due to systemic factors. Healing of the ulcerated mucosa is usually delayed when the lesions overlie the bony areas of jaws.
Treatment modalities for ulcerations include the following:
Removal of the irritants or cause
Use of a soft mouth guard
Use of sedative mouth rinses
Consumption of a soft, bland diet
Use of warm sodium chloride rinses
Application of topical anesthetics and medications
TEETH Care Centre Dental Hospital, Ahmedabad
