Mouth Ulcers: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, or canker sores, are painful sores in the mouth that can affect eating and talking. They are not contagious and usually heal within two weeks. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Rinse your mouth, consider using a mouth rinse containing a steroid to reduce pain and swelling, apply topical pastes, and avoid hot, spicy foods that might intensify discomfort.

Recommended Avoidances

Avoid exacerbating mouth sores by steering clear of spicy, salty, acidic, and citrus foods, known food allergens, and physical trauma such as biting or scratching the mouth area.

Prevention Tips

Maintain oral health by consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins B12, zinc, folate, and iron, avoiding foods that irritate your mouth, brushing your teeth gently, and consistently practicing good oral hygiene.

Condition 101

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that develop in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable, but are not contagious and typically disappear within one to two weeks.

Small, round or oval sores, often white, grey, or yellow, with a red edge or border.
A tingling or burning sensation prior to the ulcer's appearance.
Soreness or pain, especially when eating, drinking or talking.
Minor injuries, such as biting the cheek or a sharp tooth.
Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables.
A lack of vitamins and minerals, especially B-12, zinc, folate, or iron.
Allergic response to certain bacteria in your mouth.
Emotional stress or hormonal shifts.
Young age, especially between 10-40 years.
Being female (due to hormonal fluctuations).
Having a family history of mouth ulcers.
Are unusually large.
Last more than two weeks.
Spread or become more painful.
Are accompanied by a high fever, diarrhoea, headache, or skin rash.

Blood tests
Nutritional tests
Allergy tests
Biopsy of the affected area
Pain and discomfort.
Difficulties eating, drinking, and speaking.
Stress or anxiety due to dealing with chronic sores.
Mouth ulcers are not contagious.
They are not the same as cold sores (caused by the herpes virus).
Cold sores
Oral lichen planus
Oral thrush
Oral cancer

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Mouth Ulcers, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Topical corticosteroids.
Lidocaine ointment for numbing.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses.

Corticosteroid ointments.
Oral medications.
Cauterizing agents.

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