Mouth ulcers
What causes mouth ulcers?
In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear. Most single mouth ulcers are caused by damage to the lining inside of themouth. For example: accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a sharp tooth poorly fitting dentures hard food a defective filling Its not always clear what causes mouth ulcers that keep returning, but triggers are thought to include: 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 Your genes are also thought to have a rolearound 40% of people who keep gettingmouth ulcers report that it runs in their family. Medical conditions Mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medical conditions, such as: viral infections including the cold sore virus , chickenpox , and hand, foot and mouth disease vitamin B12 or iron deficiency Crohn's disease a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system coeliac disease a common digestive condition where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten reactive arthritis a condition that causes inflammation in various places in the body, usually as a reaction to an infection weakened immune system for example, due to HIV or lupus Behets disease a rare and poorly understood condition that alsocauses swelling of the blood vessels Medications and treatments Mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medications or treatments, such as: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen nicorandil a medication sometimes used to treat angina beta-blockers used to treat conditions such as angina, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms a side effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy this is known as mucositis
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on
Introduction
Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth. Although they're uncomfortable, theyre usually harmless and most clear up by themselves within a week or two.
What does a mouth ulcer look like?
Mouth ulcers areusually round or oval sores that commonly appear inside the mouth on the: cheeks lips tongue They can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour and swollen. It's possible to hav
When to see your pharmacist, dentist or GP
Mouth ulcers can be painful, which can make it uncomfortable to eat, drink or brush your teeth. It's usuallysafe to treat mouth ulcers at home. See your GPor dentist if: your mouth ulcer has laste
How to treat mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers dont usually need to be treated, because they tend to clear up by themselves within a week or two. However,treatmentcanhelp to reduce swelling and ease any discomfort. This may help if y
Is itmouth cancer?
In a few cases, a long-lasting mouth ulcer can be a sign of mouth cancer . Ulcers caused by mouth cancer usually appear on or under the tongue, although you can get them in other areas of the mouth.
What causes mouth ulcers?
In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear. Most single mouth ulcers are caused by damage to the lining inside of themouth. For example: accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a
Can mouth ulcers be prevented?
It may not be possible to prevent mouth ulcers, because they're often caused by things you can't control (such as a family history or a medical condition). However, the following may help to reduce y
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products