Mouth Ulcers

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 menstrual cycle
• 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 book an appointment with your dentist 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