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
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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.
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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.
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Monitor Changes: Pay attention to any changes over time. Look for signs of increased irritation, redness, or if the ulcer starts to cause discomfort.
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Limit Irritants: I recommend limiting your intake of known irritants like caffeinated beverages, tobacco, or any food that has previously caused swelling or irritation.
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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!
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