What are aphthae?
Something has appeared on Marina’s cheek that was not there before. It is a small blister that bothers her when she speaks, eats or drinks. What Marina has in her mouth is called aphtha. There is no need for her to worry, because if she does not rub it all the time with her tongue, and she does not touch it, it will eventually disappear.
 |
Aphthae are small roundish wounds that appear in the mouth. They are also called sores or ulcers.
When we rub them with our tongue or our teeth we have the impression that they are spots, but they tend to be very small, tiny. Most of them heal by themselves without leaving any marks. |
Why do they appear?
Aphthae are small wounds that we cause ourselves inside the mouth. How? Well, in most cases when we bite our cheek or our tongue, as a result of using a toothbrush which is too hard, or rubbing with our braces. This does not mean that aphthae will necessarily appear if we bite ourselves, when we brush our teeth or if we wear braces.
To be nervous is also conducive to aphthae. That is why many students have them during exam periods.
How can we detect aphthae?
Before an aphtha appears, you may feel itchiness or a tingling sensation in your mouth. When the sore has already appeared it may be painful, and bothersome when you speak, eat or drink.
To have aphthae is no excuse to miss school. Usually they are small, and not so terribly painful to prevent you from doing anything. Therefore, one must be patient, and wait for them to go away. For a few days, the aphtha will go with you everywhere.
What can we do when we have aphthae?
| It is advisable to use a soft toothbrush, to eat soft things (yes, Swiss chard is soft…), to avoid hot, peppery or acid ingredients.
If you are very nervous, try doing some relaxing exercises. Your chemist can recommend useful products to reduce the pain. You only see your doctor when you have aphthae in very exceptional cases. |
 |
And remember…
Aphthae are not contagious among people. They do not appear after kissing somebody, or sharing the same glass.
