Pimple In The Mouth - What is it?

 

Pimples in the mouth are not possible...

As we have discussed in "What are mouth pimples? “, it is not possible to get a pimple in your mouth. Since pimples are a byproduct of pores becoming clogged with dead skin, natural oils in your body or other microscopic agents, and since your mouth doesn't really have the same type of follicles as your face and back, it isn't acne. It is most likely a mouth sore. We’ll specifically talk about canker sores in the majority of this article but you should also check out “Is it mouth pimples or herpes?” in order to full cover your bases about pimples in the mouth.

We can’t go any further without speaking about cold sores, the estranged relative of the canker sore. These two can typically be distinguished visually but there are also more specific tests for this type of infection. Cold sores are caused by a form of the herpes virus.  Herpes is infectious and can be spread to other people making it very important that you find out which one you have as soon as possible. In any case, always consult your physician.

In any case, don't fret. Typical reports state that over 20% of the population has recurring canker sores. Women are more likely than men in getting them and outbreak rates during pregnancy are likewise increased. It may appear like a pimple but it isn’t. They are not contagious. It might be raised and take on a whitish color surrounded by a border of red and can appear anywhere: within the mouth, inner cheeks, tongues, gums, lips and palate. In less common instances, canker sores may appear on the tongue and in the throat as well. They are painful to the touch and can be a particular nuisance when eating because of their heightened sensitivity.

What causes canker sores? What are the symptoms?

Basically, if you’re stressed out, you’re more likely to get what appears to be a pimple in the mouth (but it’s a canker sore). After the sore appears, you’ll begin to feel a slight tingling in the affected area along with an itching sensation. After a few days, the affected area swells into a red bump in your mouth, and the largest symptom you’ll have during the duration of its lifespan will be an annoying pain in your mouth. They can become more than a nuisance and truly become very painful if they are touched repeatedly by your tongue. Expect for this confused “pimple in the mouth” to last for roughly one to two weeks.

As far as the medical community is concerned, the cause behind canker sores is largely unknown. Most scientists agree that it is a localized immune reaction; whiles other believe that it could be caused by a number of different things:

  •  
  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Food Allergies
  • Scrapes in the mouth caused by your toothbrush


What can you do about treatment?

Avoid all food types considered spicy or acidic. If they become too painful you can always use a topical anesthetic, but most cases generally clear up on their own, a unique self-healing property of the canker sore. If this isn’t fast enough, consider asking a professional for corticosteroid ointments to reduce recovery time.

 

If you are open to herbal remedies, consider these three herbs:

  • Calendula - native to Macaronesia
  • Myrrh – native to Jordan
  • Goldenseal – native to southeast Canada

Purchase leaves from any online retailer. Compress them into a small tea bag and apply directly to your sores. When steeped with hot tea, tannic acid develops and dries up the affected area safely.


Prevention is equally important

There are several ways to prevent your canker sores from forming. First, avoid any unnecessary trauma caused by toothbrushes or foods that are difficult to eat. At night, before you go to bed, brush your teeth as you normally do but avoid any paste that includes sodium lauryl sulfate. When you eat, don’t try to talk. Wait until after you've eaten to converse. If you are stressed or your hormonal levels are fluctuating naturally do to menstrual cycles, outbreaks are more likely. Finally, the the basic defense against canker sores is to eat a healthy diet and make sure you are receiving vitamins in either the foods you consume or as supplements. Vitamin B12, iron and folic acid are a few you should keep an eye on.

 

If you are at all in doubt, seek professional help

Mouth pimples remain one of the most divisive of all specific acne breakouts. What you believe to be pimples in the mouth turn out to be something else entirely: the dreaded canker sore. We encourage you to continue to educate yourself about this subject. We recommend going to a healthcare professional when in any doubt and following up with relevant Google searches if further information is necessary.