Mouth ulcers

Overview

Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that develop inside your mouth – on the inside of your cheeks, lips, gums, or tongue. They are usually harmless and heal on their own within a week or two.

Yes, mouth ulcers are very common. Most people will have at least one in their lifetime.

Mouth ulcers can affect anyone, but they are more common in teenagers and young adults. Women may get them more often than men.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• One or more painful sores inside the mouth – on the cheeks, lips, gums, or tongue.
• A white or yellow centre with a red, inflamed border.
• A burning or tingling sensation before the ulcer appears.
• Pain that gets worse when eating, drinking, or talking.

Symptoms in children

• Children get the same type of ulcers as adults.
• They might be more irritable or refuse to eat or drink because of the pain.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have ulcers that take longer to heal.
• They may be more likely to get ulcers from ill‑fitting dentures or other dental issues.

Causes

Main causes

• Accidental bites to the inside of the cheek or tongue.
• Stress or tiredness.
• Certain foods, such as spicy, acidic, or salty foods (e.g., citrus, tomatoes, chocolate).
• Mouth injuries from rough teeth, braces, or dentures.

Risk factors

• A family history of mouth ulcers.
• A weakened immune system due to illness or certain treatments.
• Hormonal changes, such as during a menstrual period.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If an ulcer does not heal within 3 weeks.
• If you have severe pain that makes it hard to eat or drink.
• If you have a high fever or feel generally unwell with the ulcers.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you get mouth ulcers often and they bother you.
• If you want to check for an underlying cause, such as a vitamin deficiency.

Diagnosis

A doctor or dentist can usually diagnose mouth ulcers just by looking at them. They will ask about your symptoms and how often they happen.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed.
• If ulcers keep coming back or are severe, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies or other conditions.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will examine the inside of your mouth. They may gently feel for any lumps or bumps nearby. If they suspect something more serious, they might take a small sample (biopsy) to check it – but this is rare.

Treatment

Most mouth ulcers heal without any treatment. Self‑care can help ease pain and speed up healing. If needed, your doctor or pharmacist can recommend treatments to reduce pain and inflammation.

Self-care at home

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day (dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water).
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods and drinks while the ulcer is present.
• Eat soft, bland foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup.
• Drink plenty of cool fluids to stay hydrated.
• Use a soft‑bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing directly over the ulcer.

Medical treatments

Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest a gel, cream, or mouthwash that forms a protective layer over the ulcer. These can reduce pain and help it heal. Some are available without a prescription. For very painful or recurrent ulcers, a doctor may prescribe a short course of a steroid treatment to reduce inflammation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed for mouth ulcers. In very rare cases, a persistent ulcer that does not heal and looks suspicious may need to be removed for testing.

Living with this condition

If you get mouth ulcers often, try to notice what triggers them so you can avoid those triggers. Most people learn to manage with simple self‑care and over‑the‑counter products.

Lifestyle tips

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle exercise.
• Keep a food diary to identify any foods that seem to trigger your ulcers.
• Practice good oral hygiene – brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and floss gently.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, iron, and zinc – these can help prevent frequent ulcers. There is no special exercise needed for mouth ulcers, but staying active helps reduce stress.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recurrent mouth ulcers can be frustrating and painful. They may make eating and talking uncomfortable, which can affect your mood. It's normal to feel annoyed or upset – talk to your doctor if they are affecting your quality of life.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent mouth ulcers, but you can lower your chances by avoiding known triggers, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet. Good oral hygiene also helps.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for mouth ulcers. You should see a dentist regularly for check‑ups; they can spot any unusual sores in your mouth.

Complications

If left untreated

• Most mouth ulcers heal without complications if left alone.
• Rarely, an ulcer can become infected with bacteria, causing more pain or pus.
• Very occasionally, a sore that doesn't heal for weeks may need further investigation.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for mouth ulcers is excellent. Most heal within 1 to 2 weeks without any treatment. Even if they come back, they are usually not serious and can be managed with simple care.

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