Mouth ulcers and sores: causes and how to relieve them
In short: mouth ulcers or sores are very common and, in most cases, not serious: they appear because of a rub, stress, hormonal changes or certain foods, and they heal on their own within one or two weeks. You can relieve the pain by avoiding acidic and spicy foods and by using specific gels. That said: a sore that does not heal within 2-3 weeks should be seen by a dentist.
What are they and why do they appear?
Mouth ulcers are those small whitish sores with a red border that appear on the inside of the lips, the cheeks, the tongue or the gums. They hurt quite a lot for how small they are, especially when eating or talking.
The most common causes are harmless:
- A minor injury: a bite, rubbing from a bracket or a denture, harsh brushing.
- Stress and lack of sleep.
- Hormonal changes.
- Certain foods (nuts, citrus fruits, chocolate) in sensitive people.
- Deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.
How to relieve the pain while they heal
There is no magic button, but these measures help to make it more bearable:
- Avoid acidic, spicy, salty or very hot foods, which irritate.
- Keep up good, gentle hygiene (careful brushing).
- Use specific gels or rinses for mouth ulcers, which form a protective layer and soothe.
- Drink water and try to eat soft food during those days.
Most go away on their own within one or two weeks without anything else.
When is it best to have a dentist look at it?
This is the important part that should not be ignored. Seek advice if the sore:
| Sign | Why have it checked |
|---|---|
| Lasts more than 2-3 weeks | A sore that does not heal should be assessed |
| Is very large or very painful | To relieve it and rule out causes |
| Recurs very often | There may be an underlying cause |
| Does not hurt but does not go away | A clear reason to seek advice |
A sore that does not heal need not be anything serious, but it should be checked by a professional to put your mind at rest. Better to make sure.
If they appear from something rubbing
If the sores always appear because of a denture rubbing, a filling with a sharp edge or orthodontics, that can be solved: by adjusting what is rubbing. Do not suffer it in silence; at the clinic it can be smoothed down or adjusted in a moment.
If you have a sore that will not quite heal or you get them frequently, come in and we will assess it. The first visit is free. Book an appointment whenever you like.
Frequently asked questions
Why do mouth ulcers appear?
Mouth ulcers (sores) usually appear because of minor injuries (a bite, a rub), stress, hormonal changes, certain foods or vitamin deficiencies. Most do not have a serious cause and heal on their own within one or two weeks.
How do you get rid of mouth sores quickly?
There is no magic remedy, but it helps to avoid acidic, spicy and very hot foods, to keep good hygiene, and to use specific gels or rinses that soothe the pain. If they are very uncomfortable or frequent, the dentist can recommend a treatment.
When should you worry about a mouth sore?
It is worth seeking advice if a sore lasts more than 2-3 weeks without healing, if it is very large or painful, if it recurs very often or if it does not hurt but does not go away. A sore that does not heal should be checked by a professional to rule out other causes.
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