Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are painful, clearly defined, round or oval sores that form in the mouth. They are sometimes also known as aphthous ulcers.
Types of mouth ulcer
The main types of mouth ulcer:

• Minor ulcers are the most common type, accounting for 80% of all cases. They are small (2-8mm in diameter) and usually heal naturally, within 10-14 days. A minor ulcer will not cause any scarring.
• Major ulcers are deeper and larger than minor ulcers, and usually have a raised or irregular border. They are usually 1cm or more in diameter. Major ulcers take longer to heal (several weeks) and can cause scarring.

How common are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are very common. Most people will have at least one during their lifetime. They affect at least 20% of the population. Studies have shown that mouth ulcers are more common in women.
Mouth ulcers are more common in young adults.

About mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are easily identifiable by their appearance. A mouth ulcer will be:

• round or oval in shape
• white, yellow or grey in colour
• inflamed around the edge

Most mouth ulcers usually occur on:

• the inside of the lips
• the inside of the cheeks
• the floor of the mouth
• the under surface of the tongue
• Occasionally they can occur on roof of the mouth

A mouth ulcer can cause pain and discomfort, particularly when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth.
Most mouth ulcers only last 10 to 14 days, although they may last for several weeks in more severe cases.

Causes of mouth ulcers
Most minor, single mouth ulcers are caused by damage to the mouth. For example, you may damage the inside of your mouth by accidentally biting the inside of your cheek while you are eating. Mouth damage can also occur from using a toothbrush incorrectly, or from a sharp tooth or filling.
Recurrent mouth ulcersThe cause of recurrent (returning) mouth ulcers is often unknown. However, a number of factors may increase your chances of getting recurrent ulcers. These are listed below.

• Stress and anxiety
• Oral trauma, such as excessive tooth brushing, or chewing sharp or hard foods.
• Hormonal changes: some women develop mouth ulcers during their period. This is due to changes in the hormone levels in your body during your menstrual cycle.

Eating certain foods can also increases your likelihood of developing mouth ulcers. Foods that have been identified as increasing the risk of mouth ulcers include:

• chocolate
• coffee
• peanuts
• almonds
• strawberries
• cheese
• tomatoes
• wheat flour

Around 40% of people who have recurrent mouth ulcers have a family history of the condition. 

Underlying conditionsIf you have recurrent mouth ulcers, they may be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as those outlined below.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Coeliac disease
• Crohn's disease
• Reactive arthritis
• Immunodeficiency

MedicationOccasionally, mouth ulcers are caused by a reaction to a medicine that you are taking. 

Arrange a dental visit 
 If you have a mouth ulcer that is causing significant pain, or if you are getting mouth ulcers on a recurrent basis. Also visit  if your mouth ulcer has lasted for more than three weeks.

Treating Mouth ulcers
Self-careIf you have a mild mouth ulcer, there is some self-care advice that you can follow, which may help your ulcer to heal more quickly. You should:

• use a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth
• Apply kin care gel or corsodyl gel which are available at the practice
• avoid eating hard foods
• avoid eating foods that have been known to cause ulcers in the past, until the ulcer has completely healed
• reduce your stress levels by doing an activity that you find relaxing, such as yoga, meditation or exercise

If your ulcer has a specific cause, such as a sharp tooth, it will usually heal naturally once the cause has been treated. If you suspect that a sharp tooth has caused an ulcer, make a dental appointment so that we can repair it.

MedicationIf your ulcer is causing you significant pain and discomfort, we can prescribe a medication to help ease your symptoms.

Blood Test
You may need to attend your GP to have a blood test if you are having frequent recurrences of mouth ulcers.