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Mouth ulcers concerns

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 monthly period
  • 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 healin…

  • 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 contact [practice name] 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

Meet the team

Dr Jonathan Tan

Dentist

GDC NO. 75185

Dr Derek Whittle

Dentist

GDC NO. 78743

Dr Kavitha Sivasubramaniam

Dentist

GDC NO. 85899

Dr Chhavi Sharma

Dentist - with special interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry

GDC NO. 136825

Dr Daniel Dascalescu

Dentist with special interest in Endodontics

GDC NO. 101652

Dr Aradhana Bhimalingham

Dentist

GDC NO. 109760

Rebika Limbu

Hygienist

GDC NO. 248534

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Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Guildford Dental Centre. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

513 Reviews

5.0

4th December 2024

Suitable appointment,date and time.On time start to appointment.Dentist very approachable.Nurse and receptionist competent.

27th November 2024

Does what it says on the tin!

21st November 2024

The dentist I saw was very understanding and not at all condescending about my fears. She took steps to be professional, objective and fully explain the procedure, potential problems and preferred outcome. Her approach and thoughtfulness has made me much less anxious about future visits for which I am very grateful.

19th November 2024

Caring ,helpful and competent staff from the receptionist to the hygienist!Highly recommended!

19th November 2024

I have been with the practice for over 33 years and have always valued their expert and professional service over those years.

14th November 2024

Great experience in every way.Booking online was so easy, and I got an appointment at a time that suited me very quickly. Mr Whittle was excellent as always, and the reception team made the whole experience extremely straightforward too. Thanks!

12th November 2024

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11th November 2024

I have been Guildford dental care for more than 20 years. The service and care have been excellent

5th November 2024

Superb service, explained in full detail,easy to book .

31st October 2024

The excellent skills of Dr Tan and his knowledge dealing with complicated dental issues fills me with confidence, his staff and team are wonderful. All in all faultless.

RW

Ryan Wai

I highly recommend this clinic! Have done wisdom tooth extraction and root canal treatment recently. Dr Tan, Alexandra and receptionists were very professional, helpful and kind! Thank you!!

25th October 2024

competence, courtesy, helpful staff

25th October 2024

i originally selected the practice due to a high level of anxiety about dental care and Dr Chavvi has been so very kind and patient. She explains everything in detail and always checks in during the procedure to make sure I'm doing ok. I feel very safe and looked after by her, and fully trust her. She has renewed my confidence completely!

24th October 2024

I have always been very well looked after by the team. Prof Haers recommended I switch to this practice years ago and Terry McNulty looked after me for some years before retirement. Derek Whittle took over and I have been just as well looked after by him. 100% happy patient.

24th October 2024

I am always very happy with all aspects of me dental treatment. All the staff are friendly and helpful

21st October 2024

Very polite, friendly staff and convenience of location for me

18th October 2024

Good treatment

13th October 2024

I trust, respect and like the dentist Derek Whittle.

CS

Craig Scott

Always a very professional experience by a very friendly team.

20th September 2024

The dentist is excellent,efficient and very pleasant. The receptionists are also very pleasant.

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