Mouth Ulcers
What are mouth ulcers?
Ulcers normally appear as small, painful sores that may be pink, white or yellow in colour. They often cause discomfort while eating, drinking and talking. They are usually harmless and heal on their own within 1–2 weeks. See a dentist or GP if an ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks, keeps coming back, or becomes more painful or red.
What causes mouth ulcers?
Most single mouth ulcers are caused by minor injury — for example, biting your cheek, brushing too hard, or a sharp tooth or filling. Recurrent mouth ulcers can be a sign of an underlying medical problem such as iron or vitamin B12 deficiency or Crohn's disease, and can also be linked to hormonal changes and poor oral hygiene.
Types of ulcers
There are 3 main types of ulcers:
Minor aphthous ulcers
These are the most common mouth ulcers. They are small, round or oval-shaped, less than 10mm across, and typically heal within 1–2 weeks.
Major aphthous ulcers
This type of ulcer is larger — generally 10mm or more — and usually appears one or two at a time. They are deeper, can be very painful, and may take up to 6 weeks to heal.
Herpetiform ulcers
This type occurs when many tiny ulcers appear at once and merge into irregular shapes. They may take from 1 week up to 2 months to heal.
Mouth ulcer symptoms
- Redness, soreness, tenderness or a burning feeling in the mouth
- Swelling around the sores
- Pain while eating, drinking or speaking
- Irritation from hot or spicy foods and drinks
Causes of mouth ulcers
General causes
Mouth ulcers can be triggered by many factors, including poor oral hygiene, stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, hormonal changes (for example during periods), food allergies or sensitivities, family history, low levels of vitamin B12, iron or folic acid, and stopping smoking.
Injury
They can result from biting the inside of your cheek or tongue, eating hard or very hot foods, brushing too hard, sharp teeth, or poorly fitting dentures.
Medical conditions
- Infections: herpetic stomatitis, chickenpox, tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and hand, foot and mouth disease.
- Gut conditions: coeliac disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Blood disorders: anaemia, leukaemia and neutropenia.
- Rheumatic conditions: lupus, reactive arthritis and Behçet's disease.
- Skin conditions: pemphigus, chronic ulcerative stomatitis, lichen planus and erythema multiforme.
Some medicines can also cause mouth ulcers, such as ibuprofen and some medicines for angina, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm. Ulcers can also be a side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Self-care tips
Most ulcers heal on their own within a couple of weeks. You can help ease the pain by using a soft toothbrush, avoiding hot, spicy and acidic foods, drinking through a straw, and using a pharmacy mouthwash, gel or lozenges to ease discomfort. If an ulcer hasn't healed within 3 weeks, see a dentist or GP.
What our patients say
I came to this dentist on the recommendation of a work colleague and some extra research.
I'm a really anxious person who is also neurodiverse, and after 10 years of not seeing a dentist, I had severe buildup on my teeth, inflamed, red gums and cavities. I was embarrassed to smile. I was embarrassed to have conversations with o…Read full review
I came to this dentist on the recommendation of a work colleague and some extra research.
I'm a really anxious person who is also neurodiverse, and after 10 years of not seeing a dentist, I had severe buildup on my teeth, inflamed, red gums and cavities. I was embarrassed to smile. I was embarrassed to have conversations with other people because I didn't want them to notice my teeth.
The whole team have been nothing but kind, welcoming, and understanding. They all really, really listened to me and my experience. They explained each step that needed to be taken, in detail, answered all of my questions really well, and ensured I wasn't in pain or anxious.
I was also able to use my own coping mechanisms (fidget rings, worry stones, hand fidgeting), and I wasn't judged. That's how it should be, and thank you for setting an example.
It's quiet and genuinely a really nice, calm atmosphere. And because it's a calm, quiet practice, it doesn't feel like you're on a timer.I didn't feel pressured by anyone for anything regarding treatment, and have been kindly but firmly re-educated on important aspects or oral health.
They will also send you plenty of reminders and confirmations, which has been super helpful for me to manage my time and prioritise myself and my teeth.
A huge thank you to Dr. Rikki, Dr. Anna, and the rest of the team who made me feel like it was possible to get my smile back. My confidence has increased tenfold, and I would do it all again (but hopefully not).
I had been suffering with pain for a few weeks from my wisdom tooth. But unable to get into my usual dental surgery for over a month.
Found an appointment for same day. And due to being anxious about dentist I was worried about going.
When I arrived the staff greeted me and eased my nerves.
During the consultant the dentist and …Read full review
I had been suffering with pain for a few weeks from my wisdom tooth. But unable to get into my usual dental surgery for over a month.
Found an appointment for same day. And due to being anxious about dentist I was worried about going.
When I arrived the staff greeted me and eased my nerves.
During the consultant the dentist and staff made me felt at ease. Went through each step and then went through treatment options. Needed to have the tooth removed. The nurse and dentist were amazing. Comforted me and also allowed to have my mum in the room with me. They went through the procedure with my and then my after care afterwards. I would definitely recommend to anywho is nervous about going to the dentist like me.
So grateful I was recommended to The Dentist.
I have my smile back
They listened to me and guided me on all options and was not pushy, if anything they scaled my thinking back to towards achieving realistic results.
I found we built trust in a very small window which is mainly down to their adherence on delivering patient care.
…Read full review
So grateful I was recommended to The Dentist.
I have my smile back
They listened to me and guided me on all options and was not pushy, if anything they scaled my thinking back to towards achieving realistic results.
I found we built trust in a very small window which is mainly down to their adherence on delivering patient care.
Treatments I have had is teeth whitening and two front crowns- since having the treatment my confidence has blossomed and my smile is back on point.
I struggle with anxiety and become extremely panicked when in confined zones. The reassurance and care offered/delivered was extremely helpful and I felt safe in the care of The Dentist
Thank you
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