Mouth Ulcers Treatment

Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, are painful lesions inside the mouth, lips, or gums. Though usually harmless and self-healing within 1–2 weeks, they can cause discomfort in eating, talking, and drinking. Persistent or large ulcers require professional dental care.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

  • Trauma from hard brushing, injury, or dental work
  • Bacterial or fungal infections
  • Stress (common in teens)
  • Acidic foods or drinks
  • Hormonal changes
  • Mouth rinses with sodium lauryl sulfate
  • Vitamin deficiencies (B12, zinc, folate, iron)

Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

  • Rinse with salt water or baking soda
  • Apply pain relief gels like Orajel or Dologel
  • Cold compresses with ice or cold water
  • Placing used tea bags on sores
  • Drinking cool chamomile tea
  • Applying milk of magnesia

How to Avoid Mouth Ulcers

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Avoid spicy & acidic foods
  • Brush gently
  • Stay hydrated
  • Reduce stress levels
  • Maintain proper sleep

Types of Mouth Ulcers

  • Canker Sores: Small white patches with red borders, non-contagious, heal in 1–2 weeks.
  • Cold Sores: Fluid-filled blisters on lips, highly contagious but self-healing.
  • Candidiasis: Yeast infection causing white patches with red base, common in weak immunity.
  • Leukoplakia: Thick white patches in the mouth, non-painful but may need professional care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Persistent ulcers lasting several weeks, especially under the tongue, may signal oral cancer. Book an appointment immediately if ulcers don’t heal naturally.

Regular salt-water rinses, avoiding spicy food, applying antiseptic gels, and staying hydrated usually help. Visit a dentist if ulcers don’t heal within 2 weeks.

Most ulcers heal within 1–2 weeks. Severe cases may take up to 6 weeks. Chronic ulcers require a dental consultation.

Toothpaste may help in some cases, but those containing SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) can worsen ulcers. It’s best to use dentist-recommended products.

Maintaining oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and treating deficiencies like Vitamin B12 and iron can reduce recurrence. Regular dental check-ups ensure prevention.