LIFESTYLE NEWS - With exams and other end of year pressures you may find you are more prone to mouth ulcers, which often occur during times of stress or when you’re run down.

Oral hygiene expert Dirna Grobbelaar of IVOhealth says that whilst ulcers can be uncomfortable, they should not be a cause for too much concern. “Mouth ulcers are not contagious and usually clear up by themselves in a few days.”

She does however warn against neglecting one’s oral care routine. “Mouth ulcers can be painful because they expose sensitive nerve endings. This can make drinking, eating, talking and cleaning your mouth uncomfortable. However, maintaining good oral hygiene at this time can promote quicker healing and will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

“After eating and before going to bed, rinse with salt water or an anti-bacterial mouthwash such as GUM Paroex to help prevent the ulcer becoming infected. Continue to brush your teeth correctly twice a day, using a soft-bristled or child’s toothbrush if necessary. If your toothpaste stings try a non-foaming toothpaste like GUM Paroex Gel or all-natural Olgani Herbal Toothpaste.

“Avoid acidic, spicy or salty foods and drinks, which may burn. Drinking with a straw can help, but be careful that hot drinks do not burn the throat.”

There are various products available at pharmacies to relieve the pain of mouth ulcers. Grobbelaar recommends Aloclair gel, rinse or spray. “A rinse is great if you have several ulcers or if they are situated at the back of the mouth. The spray and gel are easy to apply in a young child’s mouth.” Aloclair contains soothing aloe vera and forms a barrier over the sensitive nerve endings to give immediate pain relief.

Most mouth ulcers will last up to 10 days before clearing up naturally. If an ulcer does not heal within two to three weeks consult your doctor or dentist - oral cancer rates are on the rise globally and predicted to treble in the next generation. An ulcer can be an early indicator and it is important to rule this out.