Mouth ulcers concerns

Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth, usually on the soft tissue - cheeks, lips or tongue. They can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour and swollen.

Although they're uncomfortable, mouth ulcers are usually harmless and clear up by themselves within a week or two.

In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear, but triggers are thought to include:

• Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a sharp tooth
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Hard food
• A defective filling
• Stress and anxiety
• Hormonal changes – some women develop mouth ulcers during their monthly period
• Eating certain foods – such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour
• Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
• Stopping smoking – when you first stop smoking, you may develop mouth ulcers
• Viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease
• Medical conditions - including vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, reactive arthritis, HIV, lupus, Behçet’s disease
• Certain medications or medical treatments may also cause mouth ulcers

It's usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home to help reduce swelling and ease any discomfort.

Self-care

Tips for easing discomfort and aid healing…

• Antimicrobial mouthwash or protective paste, available from your pharmacist
• Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
• Use a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as this may be irritating
• Avoid hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink until the ulcer heals
• Use a straw to drink cool drinks
• Avoid things that may be triggering your mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can sometimes be a possible symptom of a more serious problem such as infection or mouth cancer. It's therefore essential that you contact Cedar Dental Care as soon as possible if you notice:

• Your mouth ulcer has lasted three or more weeks
• You keep getting mouth ulcers
• Your mouth ulcer becomes more painful or red