Ulcers, cracks and sores – what your mouth can tell you about your health

The Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium once said that we have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. It’s a sentiment many parents, grandparents – and US TV personality Judge Judy – are fond of repeating. And for good reason too.

But the mouth acts as more than a means of communication, or entry for food and drink. It’s also a way of identifying some internal diseases.

For example, many of us will be familiar with the pesky mouth ulcer.