At what point do I say enough is enough and see a GP?

[quarkandmarmite]

I have had mouth ulcers for three weeks. They're on my tongue - tip and sides. They are sore and uncomfortable and affecting my speech. Do GPs even see people with mouth ulcers? Bonjela and mouth wash is having no effect except to numb the affected area briefly.

I started with the mouth ulcers 48 hours after I suffered a 'food additive' allergic reaction (GP diagnosed but won't actually test me) which resulted in a rash (like chicken pox which rapidly turned into hives) all over my body, swollen joints and burn sensations, in particular on the palms of my hands. I was already on cetirizine for chronic rhino-sinusitis but was put on fexofenadine instead. I also started with random tummy ache four days ago with frequent toilet trips. I was told mouth ulcers and tummy issues can be connected. the rash did disappear within 48 hours, at the onset of the ulcers but left with a slight itch everywhere.

Other than that, I feel 'okay' if a little tired. Not sure if mouth ulcers is serious enough to warrant a GP visit and the tummy problems are 'manageable' if a little bit of a nuisance because the aches and trips are so random!

Hi

Recurrent mouth ulcers can be a sign of B vitamin deficiency. I didn't know this until I mentioned to my GP a few years ago about being run down and mouth ulcers and she wanted to do blood test. Came back with low folic acid, low B12 and low ferritin(iron stores). They can also prescribe special paste that can be applied to them and stops the sting and helps them heal.

Don't suffer go and see about it xx

This might sound a bit weird but have you changed toothpaste recently? I get mouth ulcers if I use one with SLS.

Are you rinsing your mouth or waiting a while between cleaning your teeth and using mouthwash? (assuming it's corsodyl here)

Go and see your GP. It could be caused by a viral infection. I thought of hand foot and mouth when I saw the palms of your hands were also effected but you need a doctor to diagnose.

Or it could be an allergy to toothpaste as someone has suggested, or a nutrient deficiency.

But really you need to see your GP.

See your GP. And see your dentist too. any mouth lesion that doesn't heal after a couple of weeks MUST be seen by a professional

Now, you are good to go now.
DH has to change to toothpaste without SLS, too.

See gp

Thanks!

Went to GP. Need to have blood tests but didn't mention about deficiencies. Said to check 'liver and kidneys and all that'.

Told me to return in 2 weeks if ulcers are no better but didn't prescribe me anything. Tummy ache 'could' be caused by the fact he detected a urine infection and playing havoc with my bowels too.

I'll see what happens from that!

Oh and no, toothpaste has not been altered. Use colgate and have done for years.

DH used to use colgate fine, too. For years.

Just might be worth trying an SLS-free toothpaste. Consider it a scientific experiment. I think DH found a sensodyne one in Poundland.

Ask doc to do blood test for coeliac disease, as mouth ulcers are a symptom of that along with stomach problems.

Please see your dentist too.