Mouth Ulcers and Sores – Causes and Treatment

What Are Mouth Ulcers and Sores?

Mouth ulcers and sores can be quite uncomfortable and concerning. While most are harmless and clear up on their own, some can signal underlying issues. Knowing what causes them and how to manage them can provide much-needed relief and peace of mind.

Mouth sores and ulcers are breaks in the moist lining of your mouth (the mucous membrane). They can appear on your gums, tongue, inner cheeks, lips, or the roof of your mouth. They often look like small, round or oval lesions, sometimes with a white, yellow, or greyish centre and a red border. They can range from mildly irritating to quite painful, especially when eating or speaking.

Common Causes

Various factors, both common and less frequent, can lead to the development of mouth sores.

Trauma or Injury: This is a very common cause. It can result from accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip while eating, a sharp edge from a broken tooth or rough filling, ill-fitting dentures, brushing too hard, or thermal burns from hot food or drinks.

Emotional Stress and Anxiety can sometimes trigger mouth sores, as our bodies react in various ways to pressure. Likewise, hormonal shifts, such as those during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, can also make the mouth’s delicate tissues more susceptible to developing ulcers.

Reaction to Certain Foods can also be a trigger for mouth sores in some people. Common culprits often include acidic foods, but for others, specific items like chocolate, peanuts, coffee or gluten can provoke an adverse reaction, leading to the development of ulcers.

Reaction to specific toothpaste ingredients, notably sodium lauryl sulphate (the agent responsible for foaming).

Infections: Sometimes, mouth ulcers and sores are a direct result of an infection caused by different types of microorganisms. For example:

• Viral Infections: One common example is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), which causes cold sores. Other viral infections, like hand, foot, and mouth disease (common in young children), can also cause painful sores inside the mouth.
• Fungal Infections: The most common fungal infection in the mouth is oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis. This happens when a type of yeast called Candida albicans, which is normally present in small amounts in the mouth, overgrows. Oral thrush appears as creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth, which can be sore and may bleed if scraped. It’s more common in babies, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or those taking certain medications like antibiotics or corticosteroids.
• Bacterial Infections: While less common as a direct cause of a single mouth ulcer in healthy individuals, bacterial infections can occur. Sometimes, an existing sore can become secondarily infected by bacteria. In other cases, certain bacterial infections can lead to swelling and sores. If you have a deep cavity or severe gum disease, bacteria can also lead to a more serious infection called an abscess.

Medications or medical treatments can sometimes also contribute to the development of mouth ulcers and sores. This can be a direct side effect of how a drug interacts with your body or a consequence of treatments that affect your immune system. If you notice sores after starting a new medication or treatment, it’s worth discussing with your dentist or doctor.

Systemic Conditions: Less frequently, persistent or unusual mouth sores can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions. These can include severe nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, lupus), certain skin conditions, or a weakened immune system. In rare cases, persistent sores that don’t heal can also be a sign of oral cancer.

Common Types

Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers): These are among the most common types of mouth ulcers. They appear as small, round, painful sores, usually with a white or yellowish centre and a red border. They are not contagious. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, triggers can include stress, minor injury to the mouth, certain acidic foods (like citrus fruits or tomatoes), nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, B12, folate), hormonal shifts, or certain toothpastes (especially those containing sodium lauryl sulphate).

Cold Sores (Fever Blisters): Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), these are highly contagious. They typically appear on the outside of the lips or around the mouth, though they can sometimes appear inside. They start as small fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over. Triggers often include skin-to-skin contact, sun exposure, stress, fever or illness, or hormonal changes.

When to Seek Dental Attention

Most common mouth sores heal on their own within one to two weeks. However, it’s important to contact Avon Valley Dental Centre if:

• A sore doesn’t heal within two weeks.
• You experience severe pain that interferes with eating or speaking.
• The sores are unusually large or recurrent.
• You also have a fever or don’t feel so well.
• You notice swelling in your face or neck alongside the sore.
• Weight loss or stomach pain.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the cause. For common, non-serious sores:

• Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid foods or activities that seem to worsen your sores.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Gentle brushing and flossing help prevent secondary infections.
• Rinse with salt water: A warm salt water rinse can help clean the area and soothe irritation.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers and numbing gels can help manage discomfort.

Avon Valley Dental Centre in Northam

For more complex or persistent mouth ulcers and sores, our team at Avon Valley Dental Centre can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate medical or dental treatment.

Your comfort and oral health are our priority, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about any mouth ulcers or sores. You can also book an appointment online.