Mouth ulcers
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 you keep getting mouth ulcers or your mouth ulcer affects eating and drinking.
Self care
Things you can do to speed up healing include:
- applying a protective paste recommended by your pharmacist
- using a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
- using a toothpaste that doesnt contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as this may be irritating
- avoiding hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hotfood and drinkuntil the ulcer heals
- using a straw to drink cool drinks
- avoiding things that may be triggering your mouth ulcerssee causes, below
Pharmacy medicines
You can buy several types of mouth ulcer treatment from a pharmacy. Speak to your pharmacist about the besttreatment for you. Options include the following:
- Antimicrobial mouthwash may speed up healing and prevent infection of the ulcer. Children under two shouldn't use this treatment. It also contains chlorexidine gluconate, which may stain teeth but thismay fade once treatment is finished.
- Painkillers are available as a mouthwash, lozenge, gel or spray. They can sting on first useand your mouth may feel numb butthis is temporary. Mouthwash can be diluted with water if stinging continues. Children under 12 shouldnt use mouthwash or gel. Mouthwash shouldnt be used for more than seven days in a row.
- Corticosteroid lozenges may reduce pain and speed up healing. These are best used as soon as the ulcer appears, but shouldn't be usedby children under 12.
Medicines from your dentist or GP
If necessary, you may beprescribeda course of stronger corticosteroids to help reduce pain and swelling, and speed up healing.
Corticosteroids are available on prescription as tablets, mouthwash, paste or spray, but are not suitablefor children under 12.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
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
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