Mouth ulcers: symptoms, causes and treatment
Learn about mouth ulcers, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options to manage discomfort and promote healing.
Mouth ulcers may be small, but these tiny, painful sores can be a nuisance, making simple things like eating, drinking or even talking much more difficult. Most of the time, they’re an inconvenience that clears up on their own, but occasionally, they can signal something more serious—or even be precancerous.
If you’re dealing with a mouth ulcer, relief is within reach. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know—from what mouth ulcers are to how to treat them.
First things first: if you think you may be dealing with a stubborn or painful ulcer right now, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental care team. They’ll figure out what’s going on and help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
What is a mouth ulcer?
A mouth ulcer may sound intense, but it’s actually a small, open sore in the soft tissue of your mouth. When this tissue gets scratched, irritated or inflamed, the more sensitive layers underneath can be exposed, causing an ulcer. These little sores are usually round or oval, white or reddish, and can pop up on your tongue, gums, the inside of your cheeks or even on the roof of your mouth. They can also cause pain and discomfort.
Types of mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers can affect you in various ways. While good oral health practices, like regular brushing and flossing, can help reduce your risk, some types of ulcers are trickier to manage and may require professional care. Here are the most common types of mouth ulcers—and how to spot them.
Canker sores
Many of us have experienced canker sores, especially we’ve been under a lot of stress. Officially known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are the most common type of mouth ulcer. These small, round sores have a red border with a white, yellow or gray center. Often appearing solo or in small clusters, canker sores are not cancerous or contagious, and typically heal in 10-14 days.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia appears as thick, white or gray patches in the mouth. It’s often linked to tobacco or alcohol use, but irritation from dentures or broken teeth can also cause these spots.
Most of the time, leukoplakia isn’t harmful, but in some cases, it can be an early sign of oral cancer. If these spots stick around for more than 3 weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with your Aspen Dental dentist.
Oral lichen planus
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic condition that shows up as white, web-like patches or painful red spots, usually on the inside of the cheeks, gums or tongue. In some cases, it can also affect the skin or other areas, causing itchy rashes or bumps.
Certain medications and viral infections, like Hepatitis C, can trigger OLP. While severe cases need to be watched closely due to a small risk of cancer, most cases can be managed with the right care and attention.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush occurs when there’s too much yeast (Candida albicans) in your mouth, causing raised red or white patches that can feel bumpy or uncomfortable. It might even cause a burning sensation, and if it’s not treated, it can spread to other areas of the body. Oral thrush can also be caused by wearing dentures at night or not removing them for at least 8 hours.
The good news? Oral thrush is treatable! Treatment often involves antifungal mouthwashes or medications, so talk with your Aspen Dental care team to prescribe a plan that works for you.
Mouth ulcer vs. cold sore
At first take, mouth ulcers and cold sores might appear similar, but they’re very different conditions. Knowing the difference can help you decide on the right treatment and avoid unnecessary worry or pain.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are those small, painful sores that pop up inside your mouth—on your gums, cheeks, tongue or even the roof of your mouth. They can be caused by a variety of things, like accidentally biting your cheek, stress, hormonal changes or even certain foods that irritate your mouth.
Mouth ulcers are fortunately not contagious, and usually heal on their own within a week or two.
Cold sores
Cold sores, on the other hand, typically show up outside your mouth, often around the lips or even near your nose. The herpes simplex virus causes these (HSV), which is highly contagious. You can catch it through direct contact, like kissing, or by sharing items like utensils or lip balm with someone with an active sore.
Cold sores often start with a burning, tingling or itching sensation, before they form small fluid-filled blisters. They can be uncomfortable, and outbreaks sometimes require antiviral medication to help them heal faster or reduce their frequency.
Mouth ulcer symptoms
Mouth ulcers can vary in size and severity. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
Painful, swollen sores in the mouth that may feel tender or inflamed.
Burning or tingling sensations that can signal an ulcer forming, giving you the chance to act early.
Sensitivity to foods, particularly spicy or acidic ones, which can worsen discomfort.
What causes mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are fairly common and can happen to all of us—but some factors make them more likely to show up.
Here are a few common culprits:
Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting to take care of your oral health can lead to excessive build-up of harmful bacteria in the mouth and severe cases of gingivitis or periodontitis, which can cause mouth ulcers.
Allergic reactions: Sensitivities to specific foods or oral bacteria can cause or irritate existing mouth sores.
Diet: Very acidic or spice-heavy diets can trigger mouth ulcers or irritate existing ones.
Chemical fluctuations: Stress and hormonal changes impact the immune system, make the mouth more prone to inflammation, and can leave the body less prepared to fight off a virus.
Medications: Blood pressure regulators and certain diabetes and cancer treatments can impact the immune system, increasing the likelihood of inflammation in the mouth.
Chronic conditions: Individuals who have chronic conditions or are immunocompromised may be more susceptible to mouth ulcers and less capable of defending against bacterial infections.
Minor oral traumas or injuries: Biting the tongue or the inside of the cheek, or a jab from a toothbrush or jagged tooth can create an abrasion that becomes swollen and sore.
For most of us, mouth ulcers are just one of those minor annoyances (who hasn’t bitten their cheek while eating?). But if they keep coming back or are particularly painful, it might be worth checking in to see if there’s something more going on.
Mouth ulcer treatment
The good news is that many mouth ulcers, like canker sores, usually heal on their own within 10-14 days. If you’re looking to speed up the process and ease the pain, these easy at-home remedies can help:
Baking soda rinse
Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do this once or twice a day. This helps balance the pH in your mouth, reduces acidity and fights off bacteria.
Saltwater rinse
Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds several times a day, then spit it out. Saltwater can help reduce swelling, fight bacteria and draw out fluid from the ulcer.
Honey
Dab a bit of raw honey directly onto the sore a few times a day. Honey has natural antibacterial properties that can soothe discomfort and lower the risk of infection.
If your symptoms are more persistent or severe, your dentist might recommend medications to help with pain, swelling and healing:
Topical steroids
These reduce inflammation and swelling, helping your body relax and heal. They can also relieve pain and stop the ulcer from getting worse.
Antimicrobial mouthwash
This type of mouthwash clears away harmful bacteria around the ulcer, bringing down swelling and sensitivity as the area begins to heal.
Numbing gels
Over-the-counter numbing gels can give quick relief by acting like a mini anesthetic, blocking pain signals to your brain and helping you feel more comfortable.
Mouth ulcers FAQs
Can stress cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, stress can be a culprit! High stress levels can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. This can lead to pesky outbreaks, like pimples on your skin or ulcers in your mouth.
What drinks are good for curing mouth ulcers?
Staying hydrated is key when you have a mouth ulcer. Drink plenty of water to help your body heal faster. Coconut water, aloe vera juice and chamomile tea are great options too—they’re hydrating and have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe redness and promote healing. Try to avoid alcohol and soda, as they can make your symptoms worse.
What foods should I avoid when I have a mouth ulcer?
To avoid extra irritation, steer clear of spicy or acidic foods, as they can make ulcers more painful and slow healing. Crunchy or hard-to-chew options like crackers, hard cereals or overly salty foods can also be rough on ulcers. Stick to softer, gentler foods or shakes until things feel better.
How long do mouth ulcers last?
Most mouth ulcers last between one and two weeks and often clear up without treatment. If your ulcers persist for longer than two weeks or the symptoms worsen, visit your dentist.
Get treated for mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers don’t have to get in the way of your day. Whether it’s an irksome canker sore or something more serious, knowing what to watch for and how to treat it can make all the difference.
For expert care and peace of mind, schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental today. Your oral health is our priority, and we are always in your corner.