Mouth Ulcers
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Mouth ulcers are common and should clear up on their own within a week or two. They’re rarely a sign of anything serious but may be uncomfortable to live with. You may have more than one ulcer at a time, and they can change in size.
Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and shouldn’t 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.
If you have several mouth ulcers, this 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
Managing your condition
Mouth ulcers need time to heal and there is 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 chewing gum
- do not use toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
How can I avoid triggers/ suggested lifestyle changes
You can’t always prevent mouth ulcers. 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
Sometime they’re triggered by things you can’t always control, for example:
- hormonal changes – such as during pregnancy
- your genes – some families get mouth ulcers more often
- a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
- medications – including some NSAIDs, beta-blockers or nicorandil
- stopping smoking – people may develop mouth ulcers when they first stop smoking
How do I treat?
Speak to your pharmacist who can recommend a treatment to speed up healing, prevent infection or reduce pain, for example:
- Antimicrobial mouthwash
- Painkilling- tablet, mouthwash, gel or spray
- Corticosteroid lozenges
- A salt (saline) mouthwash
You can buy these without a prescription but they may not always work.
When should I seek advice?
See a dentist or GP if your mouth ulcer:
- lasts longer than 3 weeks
- keeps coming back
- grows bigger than usual or is near the back of your throat
- becomes more painful and red – this may be a sign of an infection
Your GP or dentist may prescribe stronger medication to treat severe, persistent or infected mouth ulcers.
Although most mouth ulcers are harmless, it is best to get a long-lasting mouth ulcers checked.
Where can I get more information?
- NHS Choices – nhs.uk
- Your local community pharmacy