Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Mouth Ulcers---What's normal?? Help!

Does anyone here get mouth ulcers? I don't get them often, but often enough to notice. I've had three in the past few days, one that's gotten bad. They're very painful. I'm sure they're mouth ulcers, not canker sores. Apparently people confuse these often.

I've read that mouth ulcers are a symptom of auto-immune problems. I was wondering if I should tell my rheumy about these. What is normal, and what is a possible symptom? Any insight on this?

I get little ones somewhat frequently, and really bad ones a few times a year.

Thanks for any ideas! I don't want to bombard my rheumy if it's typical for people to get them this way.

Aly

I get them quite often as part of my Lupus problems. Have you had your dentist look at them? Next trip to the rheumy be sure and have him/her take a look. Not dangerous but certainly miserable.

Blessings.
Possi

I get them quite frequently, and at the first sign of one I gargle several times a day with Listerine mouthwash. They usually disappear quick-smart then. A few years ago I ignored some and got a full-blown gingivitis infection which was real bad - I ended up on 3 different antibiotics and couldn't eat a thing for nine days. Even watery soup was agony, so I NEVER want to go there again. Listerine really works!
Good luck! Jo.

Aly,

Yes those are something you need to let the doctor know about. I used to get those quite often and was told to use salt water to rinse my mouth with a few times a day. I found applying salt directly to the ulcer and let it set there for a while without spitting it out or drinking anything helped clear them up quicker. Even though they burn to start with the salt will heat them up even a bit more.

Brent

Texan
yes I have had some mouth sores a few weeks back when I started MTX. My doc said that was normal and not to worry unless they stayed around longer than a week. They went away and have not had anymore trouble with them since. that really is my only experience with them. I would give your doc a quick call and I am sure he will let you know what to do. As the others have said salt water and mouth wash is suppose to be good for it.

kelly

Hi Aly,

Ever since I was a little girl, I have had bouts of these off and on. For the past year or so, knock on wood, I have not had any. Seems to be related to my diet quite a bit, but I'm not entirely sure in what way, so I don't want to change anything! They are so miserable. I have an uncle who has to be on constant steroids for them, ever since he was little. Sounds like an auto-immune thing to me...

I hope you get some relief soon. I found a product that seems to help called "Doctor's Cold Sore Solution." It's only available online, but I carry it around with me ALL the time because I am afraid of getting one of these things again. The listerine, salt water, and peroxide routes never really helped me, but they seem to help others.

Good luck!
~Moll

Hi Aly,

I've had mouth ulcers in the past, however, come to think of it, not since I've been on mtx, from memory.....
My daughter also used to get them really badly as a child (she has UC).
We were given Kenalog in Orabase to use - normally you only need it for a few days. (You can buy it over the counter now I believe) It's brilliant o/night as it's like a paste, so it sticks well and doesn't get washed off with saliva too easily. The salt rinses are also good.
I think it's always worth mentioning anything "new" to your rheumy on your next visit.

Good luck,
Sue

Hi Aly,
I get them ALL the time and I hate them! I did tell my Rheumy eventually as a side comment and she was mad that I hadn't told her sooner! She said it is auto-immune related and for a bit, she was concerned I also had Lupus (tests turned out negative, thankfully!). So, I would definitely let your Rheumy know. I hope they go away for you soon.. I know how miserable they are (I have 3 right now ...) Renee

mouth ulcers are not normal, but are a good symptom of autoimmune disease (if they are a symptom of other diseases as well, i'm not familiar with the other things). i was wondering if that is what the sores in my mouth are? but i think my sores might be an allergy to hot peppers as i've stayed away from all capsium and haven't had sores since.

i would definitely have a doctor or dentist look at them when they are in a good flare. my dentist said i could just pop into the office the next time i get my sores. i figured that would be easier than trying to get a doctors appointment and then have them disappear before the appointment.

i'm kind of curious: where in the mouth do others have the sores?
mine are mostly on the roof of the mouth and along the inside skin
and i get inflamed tongue bumps too.

sue

I get them when I get the big lare ups. My rheumy said it is also auto immune related. They would give me some pasty stuff to help me out to apply to them. They hurt so bad. I get one or two big ones on the inside side of my mouths or roof of my mouth. Very painful!! I rinse with warm water several times a day. But I usually end up with just soft foods as to not irritate them even more so. Even with the meds they take 4-5 days to go away.

On a side note my 14 yr old who has Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis...she has had these before she gets sick. She never had them before she started showing symptoms with knee swelling, hands swelling, back, etc. She tested positive for JRA.

Hope this helps!
Buggy