which doctor treats mouth ulcers - #27112
I am really struggling with these annoying mouth ulcers. Like, they keep popping up, and it's super frustrating because they hurt like crazy and make eating a nightmare. I had a couple of these before, but now it’s like a never-ending cycle, and I'm not sure what’s going on. I went to my dentist, thinking he could help, but he just told me to rinse with saltwater, which, I mean, feels kinda useless when I'm in pain and can barely eat. I did some googling and found out there are different specialties that might help, but I’m confused — which doctor treats mouth ulcers specifically? Should I be seeing a specialist like an ENT or a dermatologist? Or is there someone else who’d be better to talk to? Another friend mentioned maybe getting my vitamin levels checked because that could be a reason for all this, which makes sense, I guess. Do I need to get a referral, or can I just go ahead and pick an oral surgeon? Like, shouldn’t everyone know who treats mouth ulcers? This is driving me nuts! Just want to figure this out before my next meal turns into a torture session. Any advice would be really appreciated.
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Doctors' responses
For persistent or recurrent mouth ulcers, a couple of specialists might be worth considering beyond your dentist. An oral surgeon is skilled in managing issues related to the mouth, including ulcers, but generally you might not need to start there. An oral medicine specialist would be more directly focused on diagnosing and managing oral lesions like ulcers. Alternatively, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor can also be helpful, especially if other symptoms suggest that there might be an underlying systemic issue. However, an initial step could actually involve seeing you primary care physician to run some blood tests. Checking for deficiencies such as vitamin B12, folate, or iron could be important since they sometimes contribute to the development of mouth ulcers. If your general practitioner finds these levels are out of balance, they can guide you on how to address it. For practical symptom relief in the meantime, besides saltwater rinses, you might also try over-the-counter topical remedies like an antimicrobial mouthwash or benzocaine gels which can numb the area temporarily and provide some comfort. Avoiding spicy or acidic foods, maintaining good oral hygiene without aggravating the areas, and managing stress can also help reduce the occurrence of ulcers. If the ulcers are particularly large, numerous, or persist beyond two to three weeks, follow up on those specialist referrals for more personalized care plans.
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