A mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth (mucous membrane). In most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves within 10 to 14 days without the need for treatment. However, they may be painful or sore and interfere with your normal daily activities An ulcer that won’t heal may be a sign of mouth cancer.

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can be caused by a wide range of factors including:

• Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek.
• Constant rubbing of the tissue against sharp or broken tooth.
• 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.
• Aphthous ulcers.
• Viral infections for example herpes simplex virus (cold sore).
• Reaction to certain medications.
• Skin rashes in the mouth (for example, lichen planus).
• Underlying Vitamin B2, folate or iron deficiency.
• Underlying gastrointestinal disease like Crohn’s disease or Coeliac disease.
• Stress induced ulcers.
• Oral cancer

What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers may present as one of the following:

• One or more painful white sores with a red border inside the mouth.
• Problems with chewing or tooth brushing because of the tenderness.
• 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.
• A tingling or burning sensation inside your mouth
• Feeling feverish
• Feeling physically unwell or sluggish
• Swollen lymph nodes

Most mouth ulcers are usually harmless and resolve by themselves within 10 to 14 days. It’s not possible to speed up the recovery of ulcers, but the symptoms can be managed, and the risk of complications reduced. If ulcers are interfering with your normal daily activities, or have persisted for more than 2 weeks, you should book an appointment with one of our Dentists immediately to get it checked.

Book your Mouth Ulcers or Mouth Cancer check up today

If you would like to book for a mouth cancer check, please call our friendly team at Tooth Smart Dental Cannon Hill on (07) 3399 6228.