Mouth ulcers are common and should clear up on their own within a week or 2. But see a GP or dentist if you have a mouth ulcer that lasts longer than 3 weeks.
Mouth ulcers are rarely a sign of anything serious, but may be uncomfortable to live with.
They need time to heal and there's no quick fix.
Avoiding things that irritate your mouth ulcer should help:
- speed up the healing process
- reduce pain
- reduce the chance of it returning
Do
use a soft-bristled toothbrush
drink cool drinks through a straw
eat softer foods
get regular dental check-ups
eat a healthy, balanced diet
Don't
do not eat very spicy, salty or acidic food
do not eat rough, crunchy food, such as toast or crisps
do not drink very hot or acidic drinks, such as fruit juice
do not use toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
A pharmacist can recommend a treatment to speed up healing, prevent infection or reduce pain, such as:
- antimicrobial mouthwash
- a painkilling tablet, mouthwash, gel or spray
- corticosteroid lozenges
- a salt (saline) mouthwash
You can buy these without a prescription.
See a dentist or GP if your mouth ulcer:
- lasts longer than 3 weeks
- is different to other mouth ulcers you've had before, for example if it's bigger than usual or near the back of your throat
- bleeds or becomes more painful and red – this may be a sign of an infection
Although most mouth ulcers are harmless, a long-lasting mouth ulcer is sometimes a sign of mouth cancer. It's best to get it checked.
You should also see a GP if you have other symptoms such as:
- ulcers anywhere else on your body, such as your skin or genitals
- painful, red or swollen joints
A GP or dentist may prescribe stronger medicine to treat severe, persistent or infected mouth ulcers.
Possible treatments include:
- steroids given as either a mouth spray, tablets that dissolve in your mouth or tablets that can be dissolved in water
- painkilling gels, ointments, sprays or tablets
- mouthwashes to kill or remove any germs in your mouth
You may have more than 1 ulcer at a time.
Mouth ulcers are not contagious and should not be confused with cold sores.
Cold sores appear on the lips or around the mouth and often begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation. They can also appear as a small group of pinhead-sized ulcers inside the mouth.
Most single mouth ulcers are caused by things you can try to avoid, such as:
- biting the inside of your cheek
- badly fitting dentures, braces, rough fillings or a sharp tooth
- cuts or burns while eating or drinking – for example, hard food or hot drinks
- a food intolerance or allergy
- damaging your gums with a toothbrush or irritating toothpaste
- feeling tired, stressed or anxious
Sometimes they're triggered by things you cannot always control, such as:
- hormonal changes – such as during pregnancy
- your genes – some families get mouth ulcers more often
- a vitamin deficiency, such as iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B or vitamin D
- medicines – including some NSAIDs, beta blockers or nicorandil
- stopping smoking – people may develop mouth ulcers when they first stop smoking
If you have several mouth ulcers, it can be a symptom of:
- hand, foot and mouth disease, which also causes a rash on the hands and feet
- oral lichen planus, which causes a white, lacy pattern inside the cheeks
- Crohn's disease and coeliac disease (conditions that affect the digestive system)
- a weakened immune system from having a condition like HIV or lupus
Tilbury
Essex
RM18 7BJ