‘Possibility’ isn't only a word, it sounds more of a hope to many of us in this era of the pandemic. I believe, there is always the possibility of something good to happen in the midst of darkness and chaos. It's okay to be upset but with a pinch of hope and positivity one can reset it.
-By Dr. Faraha Tariq
A glimpse of optimism is what we need. Even the birds rest when it rains. Allow yourself to rest when things become difficult. Everything will normalize soon. Definitely not today, probably not tomorrow but it will eventually.
The Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has involved physicians and health professionals into a unique public health challenge. Being a dentist every now and then, I come across patients complaining about oral ulcers/sores. The exponential rise has been particularly of stress-induced oral ulcers. In the state of psychological and emotional stress people are subjected to sores. Social break-down, confinement of millions to their homes, unemployment and reclusiveness triggers anxiety. Under stressful situations a remarkable elevation of stress hormone-cortisol is observed that's a major immunosuppressant at raised levels.
A classical representation of an oral ulcer is the lesion with yellowish/gray base with puffy/edematous cherry red borders. Reddish edges observed are due to local inflammation. They are small and extremely painful. Mostly seen as a single but sometimes in a bunch of 4-5 starry spots. They often go away within 10-14 days. Here are a few Dos and Don'ts one must be religiously following to get rid of those small painful tyrants.
How to get rid of Oral sores?
- No need to panic.
- Observe exercise regularly( breathe in fresh air or do some yoga).
- Take care of your oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss your teeth once a day.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm normal saline rinses.
- Apply over the counter antiseptic and anesthetic gels.
- Eat a well balanced healthy diet.
- To reduce swelling apply ice packs.
- To relieve stress and maintain circadian rhythm add in your routine chamomile tea before you go to bed.
- Damp cold tea bags on sores. It works as an astringent due to its alkaline nature.
- Sodium bicarbonate mouth rinses.
Recommended dental guidelines for patients:
Patients suffering from oral sores can take use following treatment modalities after consulting from the dentist.
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2%.
- Topical covering agents.
- Corticosteroid therapy.
- Benzydamine hydrochloride rinses.
- Toothpastes containing polidocanol (adhesive).
- Antibiotic therapy (tetracycline).
- In case of nutritional deficiency: Vit-C, B-12, Zinc and folate supplements.
Things to avoid in oral sores
- Don't eat spicy foods.
- Don't poke on the lesion.
- Don't damage your gums by overbrushing.
- Don't keep any ill-fitting denture jagging oral mucosa ( tissue). Inform your dentist.
- Don't keep broken filling irritating tongue or other oral structures. Seek dental help.
- Don't keep your mouth dehydrated for long.
- Don't use beverages and other foods with higher acidic content.
It is advised to seek dental aid if the lesion persists longer than 14 days.
Dr Muattar Hanif
The author is Editor at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at newsdesk@medicalnewsgroup.com.pk
