To identify various organisims present within mouth ulcers.

Author: Agna Azmin , Meenakshi V P , Namshi Nazar , Rizwa Nourin , Thanveera Thasneem

Under Graduate students, Department of General microbiology, Royal Dental College, Palakkad, Kerala

The oral cavity is colonized by wide range of micro organisms which may be harmless or harmful to respective individuals based on the level of immunity. Recurrent oral ulceration is a common condition , experienced by most of the people which causes transient soreness and consequently may lead to prolonged ulceration in the mouth, It causes difficulty. Many patients with recurrent oral ulceration maintain a good health but some may have pre-existing medical problems which may be of relevance that includes anaemia, blood dyscrasias, autoimmune disease and diabetes. The medical history will include ascertaining medication taken by the patient. “Ulcer is a complete breach of the epithelium”, this becomes covered by fibrin slough and it appears to be a yellow /white lesion surrounded by erythema . It is more common in women than men of 10 to 40 years of age. Mouth ulcer is more common in individuals who are under the pressure of physical or emotional stress for example: during exams, also occurs due to Trauma during dental procedure , aggressive tooth cleaning, eating more spicy food, biting of tongue or cheek accidentally , due to deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid , due to some hormonal changes andin eating and speaking. sodium lauryl sulfate found in toothpaste also causes ulceration. Prolonged ulceration may leads to aphthous ulcer. Aphthous ulcer are canker sores occurring in the mucous membrane of the mouth including gums, tongue and throat which may vary insize from 1-2mm to 1cm. It will be very painful , open mouth sores are in white or yellow colour with bright red surrounding area. It occurs in individuals of poor immune system Selection of Patients The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology. A total of 10 samples were collected from mouth ulceration in outpatients royal dental college .The patients presented with pain in the ulcer and redness of the surrounding area of the ulcer. They were registered at the General out patients department and their personal records: name, age, sex, and other relevant information were taken.