Mouth ulcers concerns
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that can appear on the inside of your cheeks, lips, or tongue. They’re usually white, red, yellow, or grey in colour and may feel swollen or sore.
While they can be uncomfortable, most mouth ulcers are harmless and clear up on their own within a week or two.
What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
Often, the exact cause isn’t known — but some common triggers include:
- Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek
- Irritation from sharp teeth, braces or poorly fitting dentures
- Hard or rough foods
- Stress or anxiety
- Hormonal changes (e.g. during your period)
- Certain foods – such as chocolate, coffee, spicy or acidic foods, nuts, strawberries, and tomatoes
- Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
- Giving up smoking
- Viral infections (like cold sores or hand, foot and mouth disease)
- Medical conditions (e.g. iron or B12 deficiency, coeliac or Crohn’s disease)
- Some medications or treatments
Caring for a Mouth Ulcer at Home
Most ulcers don’t need treatment, but you can ease discomfort and support healing with these simple tips:
✅ Use an antimicrobial mouthwash or protective gel (available from your pharmacist)
✅ Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush
✅ Use SLS-free toothpaste
✅ Avoid spicy, salty, crunchy or hot foods and drinks
✅ Use a straw for cool drinks
✅ Try to identify and avoid any personal triggers
When to See Your Dentist
While most mouth ulcers heal naturally, it's important to get them checked if:
- Your ulcer lasts longer than three weeks
- You keep getting ulcers
- The ulcer becomes increasingly painful, red, or swollen
Persistent ulcers may occasionally be a sign of a more serious issue, so it's always better to be safe and have them looked at.
If you're concerned about a mouth ulcer, contact Guildford Dental Centre on 01483 535220 and we’ll be happy to help.
Meet the team
Dr Chhavi Sharma
Dentist - with special interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry
GDC NO. 136825
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