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Mouth Sores May Indicate Stomach Issues: A Gastroenterologist Shares Why It Happens
A troubled stomach can make you uncomfortable. It can affect daily activities and, in the long run, can also impact the quality of your life. While in certain cases, patients often feel nothing or have no symptoms, some people may showcase certain signs that indicate a badly functioning digestive system. One of them is mouth sores that can occur on your gums, lips, tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of your mouth.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vibhu Mittal, Director - Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, explains the reasoning behind it and shares tips to manage the same.
Also Read: A Burning Stomach Pain Can Be A Sign Of Stomach Ulcer: Here Are Its Triggers
Why Stomach Issues Cause Mouth Sores"The link between stomach-related issues and mouth sores involves several factors," says Dr Mittal.
He explains, "Immune response plays a significant role, as conditions like celiac disease and Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) trigger the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, including the mucous membranes in the mouth, leading to sores."
"Nutritional deficiencies are another factor, as gastrointestinal disorders often lead to poor absorption of essential nutrients, weakening the oral mucosa and making it more prone to sores," he adds.
In some people, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori, or H. Pylori, can disrupt the balance in the gut and oral microbiome, resulting in inflammation and sores. A study published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery found that patients with ulcers were likely to have an H. Pylori infection, with a 10% prevalence among those with mouth and throat ulcers.
Gastrointestinal Conditions That Can Lead To Mouth SoresAccording to Dr Mittal, several gastrointestinal conditions can lead to the development of mouth sores. This includes:
While certain digestive issues can be diagnosed with symptoms, there are conditions that require regular monitoring and screening. Several diagnostic tests can help determine if mouth sores are linked to gastrointestinal problems. These include:
Dr Mittal says, "Managing these conditions (mouth sores) involves treating the underlying gastrointestinal issues with appropriate medications, such as immunosuppressants for IBD or antibiotics for H. Pylori. Addressing nutritional deficiencies through diet or supplements, like B12, iron, and folate, is crucial. Topical treatments, including over-the-counter gels and mouth rinses, can provide symptomatic relief for mouth sores."
He adds, "Nutritional therapy is also important; a gluten-free diet is essential for managing celiac disease, and supplementation with vitamins and minerals like B12 and iron can address deficiencies. Probiotics may support a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, maintaining good hydration and oral hygiene can help reduce the occurrence of mouth sores."
Addressing both the underlying gastrointestinal issues and the mouth sores themselves can significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals, the doctor concludes.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Keep Accidentally Biting The Inside Of Your Cheeks? Stress May Be To Blame, Or One Of These 5 Dental Issues
Imagine: You're enjoying a little snack break and all of a sudden, you're not biting down on your delish breakfast bar, but on the inside of your cheek. Ouch! It's annoying enough when it happens once, but if it keeps happening (especially in the same exact spot) you may wonder, "why do I keep accidentally biting the inside of my cheek?"Turns out, repetitive cheek biting may not always be an accident; it could point to an underlying oral health issue you didn't even know about.
Whether it's a tooth, jaw, or even psychological issue (did someone say stress?), constantly biting the inside of your mouth can be prevented. We tapped two dentists here to learn more about why cheek biting happens, and whether it's a harmless (or harmful) habit.
1. You have morsicatio buccarum (aka, chronic cheek biting)If nibbling the inside of your cheek is becoming a habit, you might have morsicatio buccarum. "Morsicatio buccarum is the Latin term for chronic cheek biting, i.E., when people habitually chew or bite the insides of their cheeks," says Chrystle Cu, DDS, a California-based dentist and founder of Cocofloss.
This chronic condition can develop for multiple reasons, says Marina Gonchar, DMD, orthodontist and founder of Skin to Smile. According to Dr. Gonchar, these can include the following:
Many people with this condition aren't even aware of their biting habit. The first step is to acknowledge the issue, so you can be conscious about stopping it. Beyond this, treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, if a chipped tooth is cutting into your cheek, your dentist can repair it, so it no longer catches the fleshy tissue inside your mouth.
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2. It's an accidentIn your haste to inhale a quick breakfast before work, you chew with reckless abandon, and crunch, you take a chunk out of your cheek. Yep, that hurts. "Accidental cheek biting is very common, especially if you are in a rush and not paying attention," Dr. Gonchar adds. It usually happens when you're talking or chewing (or while doing both at the same time), Dr. Cu says.
How to treat it:Accidental cheek biting is usually no biggie. But if you bite your cheek hard enough, you could end up with a mouth ulcer, Dr. Gonchar. These sores are usually harmless and take a few days to heal. In the meantime, you might need to be extra careful when chewing to avoid reopening the area. Slow, careful chewing is also just a good general rule; it can help prevent accidental cheek biting in the first place.
3.Your teeth aren't aligned properlyTurns out, straight teeth don't just create a beautiful smile. They're also important for your oral health. Case in point: they can prevent cheek biting.
"Chronic cheek biting is more likely if your bite [i.E., the way your upper and lower teeth fit together] is misaligned," Dr. Cu says. Here's why: "When the teeth do not meet properly, overlap too much, or are crowded, the oral tissues can easily get caught between the top and bottom teeth during routine tasks such as speaking or chewing," Dr. Gonchar says.
Misaligned teeth—also called malocclusion—can cause other problems, too. Symptoms can include the following, per Mount Sinai:
If you're teeth aren't properly aligned and they are causing problems, reach out to an orthodontist—a dentist who specializes in aligning your bite and straightening your teeth. They can take a look at your teeth and recommend treatments options, which may include the following, per Mount Sinai:
Jaw problems can cause tooth misalignment, too, Dr. Gonchar says. As we know, when your teeth don't fit correctly, you have a greater risk of cheek biting. On top of this, "significant jaw deviations are often accompanied by a clenching and grinding habit," she says. Both can result in chronic cheek biting.
Other possible jaw issues include the following, per Mount Sinai:
Your best bet is to see an orthodontist for this, too. They might recommend braces, a mouthguard (to protect your teeth if your grind them), or other dental appliances to manage your jaw problems. In severe cases, you might need surgery to lengthen or shorten the jaw, according to Mount Sinai.
5. It's psychologicalGnaw on your cheek when you're nervous? Stress or anxiety can exacerbate your cheek biting problem, Dr. Cu says. During periods of high stress or anxiety, cheek biting can serve as a coping mechanism for some people, Dr. Gonchar adds.
Cheek biting can also become a repetitive behavior. And it can happen with certain mental health conditions that involve compulsive behaviors, Dr. Gonchar says. Some examples she cites are:
If stress or anxiety is triggering your cheek biting, it's important to take stock of your mental health. You may want to open up to a trusted health-care provider or therapist about how you're feeling. With time, practice, and therapy, medication, or a combination of both, you can move through unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to cheek biting.
6. You have irregularities in the soft tissues of the mouthWhen the fleshy insides of your cheek become swollen or inflamed, they can grow larger and get in the way when you're talking or chewing. Translation: you're more likely to snag your tooth on these soft tissues. Possible irregularities in the soft tissues of the mouth can be the following, per Dr. Gonchar:
"In all scenarios, it is important to see your dentist for evaluation and treatment," Dr. Gonchar says. "Not only to eliminate the chronic cheek biting, but also to ensure the underlying condition is not a cause for concern."
Is cheek biting harmful?While "occasional cheek biting can be annoying and painful," it's usually not harmful in the long term, Dr. Cu says. "The soft tissue inside our mouths (aka, our oral mucosa) typically heals from injury within a couple of weeks," she says.
But habitual cheek biting is bad news. Repeated, frequent, or chronic cheek biting may cause ulcers, bleeding, infections, tissue scarring, and erosion, Dr. Gonchar says. These problems can damage your oral and, possibly, overall health, she says. This is why it's important to treat and prevent cheek biting (more on this next).
How to stop or prevent cheek bitingIf you want to put an end to your cheek biting habit, try these tips from Dr. Gonchar and Dr. Cu:
You don't need a trip to the dentist for the occasional cheek biting incident. But if you repeatedly bite your cheeks while stressed, eating, or talking, it might be time to make a dental appointment. It's worth having a dental professional take a look in your mouth if you have the following symptoms, according to Dr. Gonchar and Dr. Cu:
Your dentist will take a look at your teeth and jaws to figure out if an underlying condition (like malocclusion) is at play. Once they get a good look—and you explain your symptoms—they can help come up with a treatment plan to hopefully stop your cheek biting for good (or at least, make it happen less often).
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'I Had Canker Sores Regularly My Whole Life': Expert Says Crest Toothpaste Causes Canker Sores
If you've been periodically rocking canker sores on your inner lips, then it might have to do with the kind of toothpaste you're using.
Yes, it seems unfair that you, being a responsible oral caregiver, would be punished with an inner mouth lesion just for doing your due mouth-cleaning diligence.
However, TikTok account Twice Oral Wellness (@twiceoralwellness) accused toothpaste manufacturers, like Crest, of knowingly putting a detergent in its products that are linked to canker sores.
"All right if you've ever had a canker sore or if you have one right now, you have to listen up. What's a canker sore? Well, it looks like this," the TikToker says as he points to a section of a green-screened video showing a close-up photo of a canker sore.
"Canker sores can be caused from a long list of reasons, but one of the biggest ways that people don't realize is from an ingredient in your toothpaste," he claims. "If you turn your toothpaste over look at the ingredient list and look for an ingredient and see if they have sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)."
At this point in the video, another green screen image pops up for viewers to see: A package for Crest toothpaste and a list of different ingredients it contains.
"SLS is an irritant that causes canker sores. You gotta think twice switch to an SLS-free toothpaste hit in the link in our bio," he says to close out the video.
According to Seaglass Dental Care, SLS can contribute to the production of canker sores in one's mouth, calling the detergent "one of the most common culprits behind toothpaste-induced mouth sores. So why do toothpaste manufacturers put this agent inside of its products?
@twiceoralwellness Replying to @Michael Bennett you can be canker sore free by switching to our SLS free toothpaste #cankersore #sulfatefree #twicetoothpaste #oralwellness #walmartfinds ♬ original sound – Twice Oral WellnessWell, it's because this detergent is responsible for creating the lathering effect: "SLS is a detergent that is added to toothpaste to make it foam and create that satisfying lather," Seaglass Dental writes.
However, this effect, according to the dental entity, comes at a great price: "However, SLS can be harsh on the delicate tissues inside your mouth, causing irritation and inflammation that can lead to canker sores."
It doesn't just hurt one's mouth, either. According to the outlet, "SLS is also a known skin irritant and has been linked to other health issues, such as skin allergies and eczema." The same piece that decried the oral evils of SLS also said there's another agent commonly found in toothpaste that could be wrecking your gums: Propylene Glycol.
According to this list of SLS-free toothpaste posted by Amazon, several popular brands sport toothpaste devoid of SLS. Sensodyne, Tom's, Arm & Hammer Essentials, Hello, Verve, Burt's Bees Purely White, Biotene, David's…there are options for consumers to choose from that run the gamut of different price ranges.
Crest has penned on its website that every single variant of the toothpaste it produces actually comes packed with SLS, but the brand contends that it's safe to use and calls its products safe to use: "All versions of Crest toothpaste contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While we're aware of the rumors circulating on the internet, SLS/SLES is safe in consumer products when used as directed. These supposed safety concerns stem from some misquoted research and have no scientific basis. In fact, a search of scientific literature found nothing supporting these allegations. We've thoroughly tested our products to make sure they're safe."
Someone shared their own anecdote about their decision to switch from SLS toothpaste to products not containing the detergent: "This is TRUTH! Once I converted to SLS free toothpaste my life changed. No more sores.!"
The Daily Dot has reached out to Crest and Twice Oral Wellness via email.
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Jack AlbanJack Alban is a freelance journalist for the Daily Dot covering trending human interest/social media stories and the reactions real people have to them. He always seeks to incorporate evidence-based studies, current events, and facts pertinent to these stories to create your not-so-average viral post.
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