Understanding Mouth Ulcers and Treatment Options | Oral Health

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are painful lesions that develop on the mucous membrane inside the mouth.

Mouth Ulcers FAQ

Image credit: nhs.uk

What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are painful and typically small lesions that develop in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Types of mouth ulcers include canker sores and the sores caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Can a mouth ulcer be sore?

Irritation of the sores by salty, spicy or sour foods. Irritation of the sores by dentures, orthodontic aligners or mouth splints. On occasions an ulcer may not be sore. This can occur in cases of mouth cancer.

Why do mouth ulcers stay in your mouth if you're sick?

"We do know that if you're sick, not only are you more likely to get these ulcers, but they will hang around for longer too." This is because the normally very high cell turnover in your mouth is slowed down considerably when you're unwell, preventing your skin from healing as quickly.

What does a mouth ulcer look like?

Mouth ulcers look like a shallow sore with a white/grey top and a red rim. They can occur as a single ulcer or in a cluster. Mouth ulcers can appear in different locations around the mouth. Common locations include: Mouth ulcers look like a shallow sore with a white/grey top and a red rim.