Mouth Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, and Best Treatment Options

Introduction

Mouth ulcers — those tiny, painful sores that appear on the inside of the lips, cheeks, or tongue — may seem like a minor issue, but they can bring major discomfort. These common oral irritations affect people of all ages and can interfere with daily activities like eating, drinking, and even talking. While most mouth ulcers heal on their own, recurring or severe ulcers may signal underlying health conditions that need attention. Understanding what causes them, how to treat them, and when to seek medical help is essential for managing oral health effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mouth ulcers, from causes and symptoms to treatment options and prevention tips.

What Are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are small, painful, open sores or lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth. Although mouth ulcers are not communicable, they can be quite unpleasant, unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus and appear on the lips. They typically appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and even on the roof of the mouth. There are three common types of mouth ulcers:

• Minor Ulcers: These are the most frequently occurring type. They are small in size, usually less than 1 cm in diameter, and tend to heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks without leaving scars.
• Major Ulcers: Larger and deeper than minor ones, major ulcers can measure more than 1 cm, take several weeks to heal, and may leave scars. These are less common and can significantly impact daily comfort.
• Herpetiform Ulcers: Despite the name, these ulcers are not caused by the herpes virus. They occur in clusters of tiny pinpoint sores that can merge into larger, irregular shapes. They may recur frequently and take longer to heal.

Mouth ulcers can vary in size, number, and healing time depending on the type and the individual’s overall health. Recognizing the type and location of the ulcer can help in determining the best course of care and whether medical attention is needed.

Causes and Triggers of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers can develop due to a wide range of causes, from simple physical trauma to more complex medical conditions. Identifying the underlying trigger is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

• Accidental Injuries: Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek or lip, brushing too hard, or irritation from dental braces, sharp teeth, or ill-fitting dentures can cause trauma that leads to ulcers.
• Burns from Food or Drinks: Eating or drinking very hot items can burn the delicate mucosal lining, triggering the formation of ulcers.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress is a common trigger. It can weaken the immune system and alter the body’s response to inflammation, making it more prone to ulcers.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, and folate can impair tissue repair and immunity, making ulcers more likely.
• Hormonal Changes: Women may experience mouth ulcers related to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Food Sensitivities: Spicy, acidic, or citrus foods can irritate the mouth lining and trigger ulcers, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Viral Infections: Certain infections, such as herpes simplex, can cause painful oral ulcers, especially during the first outbreak.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Diseases like Behçet’s disease or lupus can result in recurring mouth ulcers as part of systemic inflammation.
• Medications: Drugs such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), beta-blockers, or chemotherapy agents may list mouth ulcers as a side effect.

Understanding these diverse causes can help individuals and healthcare professionals better manage mouth ulcers and reduce their recurrence.

Symptoms to Watch For

Identifying the symptoms early can help in managing the pain effectively and seeking the right treatment. Here are the key signs and symptoms to watch for when dealing with mouth ulcers:

• A painful, round or oval sore with a white or yellow center surrounded by a red, inflamed edge is the most noticeable and classic sign of a mouth ulcer. These sores often appear inside the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums.
• A tingling, burning, or stinging sensation may occur a day or two before the ulcer becomes visible. This early warning symptom is a sign that the sore is about to develop.
• Discomfort or pain while eating, drinking, or brushing teeth is another common symptom, as the sore becomes irritated by food particles, toothbrush bristles, or even water.
• In some cases, especially when the ulcer is more severe or widespread, you may also notice swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or experience a mild fever.

These signs may indicate the body is responding to inflammation or infection. Understanding the symptoms can help you act early and reduce pain and complications.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, several effective treatment options—ranging from simple home remedies to advanced medical care—can help speed up healing and reduce pain. Here are the most recommended approaches:

• Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater or baking soda solution can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and help prevent infection.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush minimizes irritation to the sensitive areas inside the mouth and helps maintain overall oral hygiene.
• Avoiding spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods prevents further irritation and allows the ulcer to heal more comfortably.
• Maintaining consistent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, reduces the risk of secondary infections and promotes faster recovery.
• Over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwashes help reduce bacteria in the mouth and may prevent the ulcer from worsening.
• Protective pastes containing ingredients like benzocaine or choline salicylate form a barrier over the sore, offering pain relief and shielding it from further irritation.
• Corticosteroid gels may be prescribed to reduce severe inflammation and accelerate healing in more painful or persistent ulcers.
• If ulcers are linked to deficiencies, doctors may recommend nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B12, iron, or folate to correct the underlying cause.
• In cases where an infection is suspected, antiviral or antifungal medications may be required for effective treatment.
• For severe or non-healing ulcers, oral steroids may be prescribed under medical supervision to control inflammation and pain.
• Advanced care options such as laser therapy or chemical cauterization are available for chronic or recurring ulcers and are performed by specialists for long-term relief.

With the right combination of home care and professional treatment, most mouth ulcers can be managed effectively and healed quickly.

Conclusion

Don’t let small sores disrupt your overall well-being—mouth ulcers, though common, can sometimes be a sign of deeper health concerns. Ignoring them or delaying treatment can lead to unnecessary discomfort and complications. With timely care, the right oral hygiene practices, a balanced diet, and effective stress management, most mouth ulcers can be prevented, managed, or quickly healed. It’s essential to pay attention to persistent or recurring sores, as they may point to nutritional deficiencies, infections, or other underlying issues that require professional attention.

If you’re unsure about the cause or severity of your symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your health deserves immediate attention—even for something that may seem as minor as a mouth ulcer. For expert consultation and care, visit your nearest Be Well Hospitals or call 9698 300 300 today.