Mouth ulcers may signal hidden diseases: Health conditions they are linked to, who is at risk, and prevention tips

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful ulcers inside the mouth. While they are usually harmless, they can seriously affect eating and talking apart from daily comfort. Susceptible groups include people assigned female at birth, children, adolescents, and those with a familial predisposition to develop ulcers of the mouth. Triggers include minor injuries, food sensitivities, deficiency of important nutrients, hormonal fluctuations, and stress. In some cases, ulcers that flare up consistently or are particularly painful may require professional attention, which may even point out more serious general health issues. Further, an understanding of the causes, triggering factors, and early signs is important in easing discomfort and safeguarding oral cavity health and gene