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
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