Why ulcer in mouth

Children under two shouldn't use this treatment. It also contains chlorexidine gluconate, which may stain teeth — but this may fade once treatment is finished. Painkillers are available as a mouthwash, lozenge, gel or spray. They can sting on first use and your mouth may feel numb — but this is temporary. Mouthwash can be diluted with water if stinging continues. Corticosteroid lozenges may reduce pain and speed up healing. These are best used as soon as the ulcer appears, but shouldn't be used by children under Medicines from your dentist or GP If necessary, you may be prescribed a course of stronger corticosteroids to help reduce pain and swelling, and speed up healing.

Is it mouth cancer? Risk factors for mouth cancer include: smoking or using products that contain tobacco drinking alcohol — smokers who are also heavy drinkers have a much higher risk compared to the population at large infection with the human papilloma virus HPV — the virus that causes genital warts It's important to detect mouth cancer as early as possible. What causes mouth ulcers? Tweet Click here to share this page on Twitter This will open a new window. Print Click here to print this page This will open your print options in a new window.

Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window. Last updated:. How can we improve this page? Email Address e. Message Maximum of characters. Send feedback. However, if you get a canker sore that is large or extremely painful, or if it lasts for a long time without healing, you should seek the advice of a doctor. There is no definite cause behind mouth ulcers. However, certain factors and triggers have been identified. These include:. Mouth ulcers also can be a sign of conditions that are more serious and require medical treatment, such as:.

Minor canker sores are small oval or round ulcers that heal within one to two weeks with no scarring. Major canker sores are larger and deeper than minor ones. They have irregular edges and can take up to six weeks to heal. Major mouth ulcers can result in long-term scarring. Herpetiform canker sores are pinpoint size, occur in clusters of 10 to , and often affect adults.

This type of mouth ulcer has irregular edges and will often heal without scarring within one to two weeks. Your doctor will be able to diagnose mouth ulcers through a visual exam. You can take steps to reduce the occurrence of mouth ulcers.

Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth can be helpful. That includes acidic fruits like pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, or lemon, as well as nuts, chips, or anything spicy. Instead, choose whole grains and alkaline nonacidic fruits and vegetables.

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and take a daily multivitamin. Reducing stress and maintaining good oral hygiene by using dental floss daily and brushing after meals also may help.

Mouth and teeth. Home Mouth and teeth. Mouth ulcers. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What are mouth ulcers? Aphthous ulcers Mouth ulcers that won't heal Symptoms of mouth ulcers Causes of mouth ulcers When to seek treatment for mouth ulcers Treatment for mouth ulcers Prevention of mouth ulcers Where to get help.

Aphthous ulcers Aphthous ulcers are recurring ulcers which affect around 20 per cent of the population. Symptoms of mouth ulcers The symptoms of a mouth ulcer depend on the cause, but may include: One or more painful sores on part of the skin lining the mouth. Swollen skin around the sores. Problems with chewing or tooth brushing because of the tenderness.

Irritation of the sores by salty, spicy or sour foods. Loss of appetite. Causes of mouth ulcers Mouth ulcers can be caused by a wide range of factors including: Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek. Injury from a toothbrush such as slipping while brushing. Constant rubbing against dentures or braces.

Burns from eating hot food. Irritation from strong antiseptics, such as a mouthwash. Viral infections such as the herpes simplex viral infection cold sore. Reaction to certain medications. Skin rashes in the mouth for example, lichen planus. Autoimmune diseases. Underlying vitamin or iron deficiency. Mouth cancer.