Non-Painful Oral Ulcer That Reduces in Size with Specific Foods
For nearly a year now, I've been dealing with an oral ulcer that seems to diminish when I consume certain items, although not with all types of food. Every morning, I have toast with butter for breakfast, and I'll notice its size decrease as I move my tongue around it within about a minute. However, there are times when I wake up or consume different foods that it appears to swell, becoming almost firm to the touch. This ulcer hasn’t caused me any discomfort and is located on the inner bottom part of my cheek, which is why it went unnoticed until last year. I'm curious if this could be related to a saliva gland issue or if it warrants further concern.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 8:30:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a persistent oral ulcer that has specific behaviors based on your diet and activities. Given that the ulcer is non-painful but changes in size, it's important to consider a few possibilities, including irritation or inflammation rather than a typical sore. However, monitoring and understanding your symptoms better is key.
Explanation
Oral ulcers can occur for various reasons, including minor injuries (like biting the inside of your cheek), irritation from certain foods, allergic reactions, or underlying conditions. The fact that your ulcer decreases in size with specific foods suggests that those items may help soothe or reduce irritation temporarily; possibly, they neutralize acidity or provide a soothing texture. It’s interesting, too, that some foods make the ulcer swell.
Factors such as stress, nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B12, folate, or iron), or sensitivity to certain foods could also play a role. Saliva glands usually are not involved unless you're experiencing dry mouth or other related symptoms.
Next Steps
-
Dietary Observations: Keep a food diary for about a week to note which specific foods cause the ulcer to swell or reduce in size. This could help identify potential triggers or soothing foods.
-
Hydration and Oral Care: Ensure good hydration and maintain oral hygiene with gentle brushing and possibly a saltwater rinse to soothe the area. Avoid spicy, acidic, and rough-textured foods, as they can irritate the ulcer.
-
Monitor Changes: Pay attention to any changes over time. Look for signs of increased irritation, redness, or if the ulcer starts to cause discomfort.
-
Limit Irritants: I recommend limiting your intake of known irritants like caffeinated beverages, tobacco, or any food that has previously caused swelling or irritation.
-
Regular Check-Ins: Since the ulcer has persisted for a year, if you notice any significant changes—like increased size, soreness, or new symptoms—you may want to consider seeking a professional opinion for further investigation.
It’s great that you are attentive to your health. Monitoring and adjusting your diet can lead to improved comfort and understanding of this ulcer. Please feel free to reach out if you notice any significant changes or need further advice!
Related Questions
Concerns After Exposure to Vehicle Exhaust
Hello doctors, I’m a 21-year-old woman in good health. This morning, as I was commuting to my job, I found myself driving behind a vehicle that emitted a potent smell of exhaust. Although I believe I’m going to be alright, I can’t shake off my extreme fear of carbon monoxide poisoning. Physically, I feel perfectly fine; I believe my reaction is mostly due to anxiety.
Persistent Rash on My 22-Month-Old Daughter's Arm
I am seeking advice regarding my daughter, who is 22 months old, measures 35 inches in height, and weighs 27 pounds. She is not on any medications, has no known allergies, and does not have any existing medical issues. Overall, she is in good health. For the past week, she has developed some spots on the inside of her arm. At her age, she is unable to communicate if the rash is causing any irritation, and we have not observed her attempting to scratch it. I would appreciate any insights into what this rash might be and suggestions for potential treatments or remedies.
Concerns About Leg Bruises
Hi there! I'm a 27-year-old woman living in the Netherlands. I've been on Fluvomaxine for two years and have recently started taking clomipramine for the last six months. While shaving my legs today, I noticed numerous bruises on my skin. Should I be concerned about this? Is there a possibility that it could indicate leukemia? For reference, I weigh 153 pounds and my height is 166 cm. I also want to mention a trigger warning regarding self-harm scars, but I want to reassure you that they have been healed for quite some time, and I’m actively seeking the support I need. So no need to worry about that!
Understanding the White Particles in My Stool
I'm a 28-year-old female and currently do not have any diagnosed medical conditions. For the past two months, I've been taking 20mg of citalopram daily. Recently, I’ve been experiencing frequent stomach problems, particularly watery diarrhea several times each week. On occasions when my stool is firm or merely soft, I've noticed these small white particles resembling tiny balls. Additionally, I’ve observed longer white strands that are similar in size to grains of rice. Upon wiping, I've found what appear to be seed-like particles on the toilet tissue. I may share images separately to provide a clearer idea of what I'm referring to, but please note that they are a bit unpleasant.
How to Eliminate Widespread Warts
Thirty years old and living in Hungary, I have a history with colitis and receive infliximab treatment for it. I lead a healthy lifestyle, steering clear of cigarettes and alcohol, and I have a fair complexion. Approximately a decade ago, I first observed several flat, skin-toned growths appearing on the backs of my hands and fingers. These growths do not itch or exhibit redness, and they seem to grow at a gradual pace. Upon consulting a dermatologist, I was informed that these were warts, although the specific type wasn't clarified. I’m assuming they are flat warts. The doctor prescribed Verrumal, which helped eliminate some of the warts; however, as time passed and my colitis became more problematic, I paid less attention to these skin issues. Fast forward ten years, and I’m now dealing with numerous warts all over my body. They have spread to my palms, chest, neck, lower arms, and even my feet. While not extremely noticeable, they create a rough texture on my skin that I find quite unappealing. Is there an effective method to completely remove all these warts? Spot treatments seem impractical given the extensive coverage of the warts on my body.