Ulcers in the mouth can be painful and uncomfortable. They can interfere with our ability to eat, drink, and speak properly. There are many reasons why we may develop ulcers in the mouth.

In this visual guide, we will explore the most common reasons for mouth ulcers, what they look like, and what you can do to treat them.

What are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful, crater-like sores that develop in the soft tissue of the mouth. They can be white, yellow, or gray in color and are usually surrounded by a red border.

Mouth ulcers can occur on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, lips, and gums. They can be accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

Reasons for Mouth Ulcers

1. Trauma

Injuries to the mouth, such as biting your cheek, burning your mouth, or accidentally brushing against sharp teeth, can cause mouth ulcers. The trauma can break the skin and damage the soft tissue, leading to an ulcer.

These ulcers usually heal on their own within a few days.

2. Stress

Stress can weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to mouth ulcers. Stress can also cause the release of certain hormones that can increase inflammation in the body, leading to the development of ulcers.

If you are prone to mouth ulcers, try to minimize stress in your life through relaxation techniques or counseling.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Mouth ulcers can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies. Specifically, deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and iron have been linked to the development of mouth ulcers.

If you are anemic or have a poor diet, talk to your doctor about taking supplements or making dietary changes to prevent ulcers.

Related Article Mouth Ulcers: What’s Causing it? (Illustrated)

4. Allergic Reactions

Certain foods, dental products, and medications can cause an allergic reaction in some people and lead to the development of mouth ulcers.

If you suspect you have an allergy, talk to your doctor about allergy testing and avoid the offending foods or products.

5. Viral Infections

Viral infections such as cold sores, flu, and hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause mouth ulcers. These ulcers usually heal on their own once the virus has run its course.

6. Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, lupus, and behcet’s disease can cause mouth ulcers due to an overactive immune system attacking healthy tissues. These ulcers may require medication to manage.

7. Cancer

In rare cases, mouth ulcers can be a sign of mouth cancer.

If you have a persistent ulcer that doesn’t heal within two weeks, or if you have other symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the mouth, see your doctor for evaluation.

Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers usually heal on their own within a week or two. However, there are several things you can do to ease the pain and prevent infection:.

• Use a salt water rinse to promote healing and kill bacteria in the mouth.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks that can irritate the ulcer, such as citrus, tomatoes, and soda.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the ulcer.
• Apply a protective paste to the ulcer to ease pain and promote healing.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain.

When to See a Doctor

If you have a mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal within two weeks, is unusually large or painful, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or difficulty swallowing, see your doctor for evaluation.

In some cases, prescription medications or further diagnostic testing may be necessary.