Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers often appear as sores on your inner lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks or roof of your mouth. 

The exact signs and symptoms of mouth ulcers vary depending on the cause, but they can be:

• round or oval sores with a white, yellow or grey centre and a red or white edge
• small but painful lumps or swellings
• singular or multiple
• irritated by salty, acidic, spicy or sour foods and drinks
• sore when eating, drinking, speaking and brushing your teeth

Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious, so they cannot be spread through kissing or sharing food.

Many things can cause ulcers to develop, including a range of lifestyle factors and medical conditions.

Common causes of mouth ulcers include:

• minor trauma, like biting your lip or burns from hot foods or drinks
• braces, rough fillings, a sharp tooth or badly fitting dentures
• harsh or abrasive toothpaste or rough brushing
• a food intolerance or allergy
• fatigue or lack of sleep
• stress or anxiety
• smoking or chewing tobacco
• hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
• genetic predisposition
• a vitamin deficiency
• certain medicines, including some NSAIDs, beta-blockers and antibiotics
• stopping smoking
• hand, foot and mouth disease
• certain digestive conditions, like Crohn's disease and coeliac disease
• having a weakened immune system
• eating lots of acidic or salty foods

If you have recurring ulcers or have had an ulcer for more than 3 weeks, we recommend making an appointment to see a Welbeck maxillofacial specialist at our Oral and Facial Health Clinic. Our specialists will look to diagnose the cause of your ulcers and implement an effective treatment plan.

Your specialist will take a thorough history and examine your mouth. They may also perform blood tests, mouth swabs and sometimes an oral biopsy if you have a lot of ulcers, they’re severe or a health condition is suspected.

While you can’t prevent mouth ulcers entirely, these strategies can help reduce their frequency and severity:

• brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush to minimise tissue irritation

• eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables to support oral tissue health

• reduce stress through techniques like meditation, rest, or relaxation exercises

• get plenty of good-quality sleep to aid tissue repair and immune resilience

• stop smoking and avoid chewing tobacco, both of which can irritate the oral lining

• visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning to catch and address potential triggers

• treat and manage any underlying health conditions that may increase your risk of getting ulcers, such as nutritional deficiencies or systemic illness

• avoid acidic, salty, or spicy foods that can aggravate the mouth’s delicate lining

• switch to an SLS-free toothpaste if you’re prone to ulcers, as sodium lauryl sulfate may trigger or worsen them

• consider correcting deficiencies in vitamins such as B12, folate, or iron after consulting with a healthcare provider

• protect your mouth from physical irritation (such as braces or dentures) by using wax or smoothing sharp edges as needed

Most mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve within 10 to 14 days, but persistent or severe cases can lead to complications:

• cellulitis of the mouth – a secondary bacterial infection leading to painful, spreading inflammation

• dental infections, such as tooth abscesses

• potential marker of oral cancer – any ulcer that persists beyond 2 to 3 weeks should be assessed by a specialist

• pain and difficulty with eating, brushing teeth, or speaking, if the ulcer is severe or widespread

• systemic associations – frequent or severe ulcers may be symptomatic of underlying conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and warrant further assessment

Some things you can do at home to help speed up the healing process and reduce pain caused by mouth ulcers include:

• taking care whilst brushing your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• drinking cold beverages through a straw
• waiting for hot foods and drinks to cool down before consuming
• eating soft foods and avoiding rough, crunchy foods, like crisps and crusty bread
• drinking plenty of water
• rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater a few times a day
• avoiding acidic, salty and spicy foods
• using an over-the-counter oral gel

Things that can help you prevent mouth ulcers include: 

• brushing your teeth twice a day
• eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
• reducing stress
• getting plenty of good-quality sleep
• stopping smoking and chewing tobacco
• visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
• treating and managing any underlying health conditions

If your mouth ulcers are severe or recurring, our specialists may recommend one or several of the following treatments:

• antiseptic gels or mouthwashes
• anti-inflammatory mouthwashes or pastes
• steroid ointments, sprays or tablets
• painkiller gels, ointments, sprays or tablets
• specific treatments for underlying conditions (your specialist will discuss these with you)

At Welbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.

Can mouth ulcers lead to nutritional issues if they make eating difficult?

When eating becomes painful, you may find yourself avoiding certain foods or eating less, which over time can affect your nutritional intake. Choosing soft, nourishing options such as smoothies, porridges, or mild soups can help ensure you're still getting essential nutrients while allowing your mouth to heal comfortably.

Could frequent mouth ulcers signal an underlying health condition?

Yes, recurrent or unusually severe mouth ulcers can sometimes be linked to conditions like vitamin deficiencies, digestive disorders (such as Crohn’s or coeliac disease), or immune-related conditions. If you experience frequent or unusually persistent ulcers, it's wise to discuss this with your specialist, who can explore whether further investigation or testing is needed.

What non-medication methods can help soothe mouth ulcers?

Beyond gels and rinses, simple home strategies can make a real difference: gently rinsing with lukewarm saltwater can ease irritation; avoiding foods that feel rough or sharp can reduce accidental trauma; and maintaining hydration helps keep your mouth lining healthier and less prone to cracking.

Why do mouth ulcers sometimes take longer to heal during periods of stress or hormonal change?

Stress and hormonal fluctuations, like those around menstruation or during intense emotional periods, can weaken the local immune response in your mouth and slow healing. Being mindful of self-care during these times, such as prioritising sleep, managing stress, and soothing your mouth with gentle care, can help support faster recovery.